LSU softball entered this season with one of the youngest rosters in recent history, raising questions about how the squad will bounce back from last year’s disappointment, given the absence of many veteran presences.
At the LSU Invitational, head coach Beth Torina gave five underclassmen starting roles.
The roster is headlined by sophomore stars like Jayden Heavner, Char Lorenz, Alix Franklin, and Tori Edwards, while freshmen like Ashlin Mowery, Rylie Johnson, and Ashlin Mowery have recently been utilized more.
These young stars aren’t just role players, but have been key players in LSU’s 10-game win streak.
Heavner has been the anchor of LSU’s defense as the most consistent pitcher throughout the start of the year. She’s thrown two shutout games while starting seven, making her the outright first choice when available. The sophomore has allowed only 3.7 hits per game, while boasting a 6-2 win-loss record.
Heavner still has time to reach the peak of her game, and since she is just a sophomore, Torina expects her to develop more throughout this season while also serving as the main starter.
Edwards has also played a big role for LSU both in her batting and fielding.
She has recorded 15 hits and 17 runs throughout her 56 at-bats this year and leads the Tigers in individual home runs with four.
Edwards has looked good at first base as well, leading the team with 107 putouts on 116 total chances.
Although her fielding stats have technically declined compared to last season, Edwards is still a clear leader of this LSU squad who has great chemistry with the rest of the infield. Her skills and experience, despite being only a sophomore, make her a great captain who continues to chase history at Tiger Park.
“Tori can … continue to set record after record,” Torina said. “I know our team feels that way. When she’s up to bat, it’s easy to take a step back … the pitchers think twice about what’s being called. She deserves to be mentioned in the best of the best because she is one.”
Lorenz has been a great addition to LSU’s squad as well, serving as an efficient early-hitter in LSU’s batting order and performing well in the field at catcher.
Her batting numbers have decreased somewhat since transferring from Louisville last year, but that is also in part due to the better competition at LSU.
Still, Lorenz has recorded 12 runs and 14 hits this season. She has also added three home runs to her name, creating a powerful duo between herself and Edwards, who bat at three and four in the order.
“The roster was designed to add right-handers to add power offense, so we feel like we got that with Char Lorenz,” Torina said.
Franklin and Destiny Harris had their first chance at meaningful minutes for LSU, as both only played in two games during their freshman year. Now, they play frequently, with Franklin appearing in 21 games and Harris in 16.
Franklin has surprised fans this year with her hitting power, recording four triples and 14 hits. In tougher games, she still performs, recording triples against NC State and UCLA, along with a home run against Duke.
Harris has been one of the most efficient hitters for the Tigers, recording five RBIs and two home runs off only 15 at-bats. Her usage has increased since the Purple and Gold Challenge, and with how well she’s playing, Torina will likely keep implementing the sophomore into the starting lineup.
Johnson has been the most utilized freshman for the Tigers, holding down right field in 10 contests this season. Although her batting numbers aren’t the best, Johnson has shown promise by just getting on the field on such a deep team.
Recently, pitchers Cali Deal and Mowery both got their first reps in for LSU. Although their time was short, both made the most of it, recording strong numbers on the mound.
Mowery has started one game this season, while closing off the last inning of three other contests. Other than giving up a two-hit inning to No. 7 UCLA, she has only let up one hit while recording five strikeouts.
Deal is in a similar boat in terms of playing time, recording only two innings pitched this season. Despite a rough debut, giving up a two-hit and one-run inning, the Louisiana native looked sharp against Memphis, recording a two-strikeout inning to give LSU the win.
It will be interesting to see how these freshmen’s roles will increase throughout the year.
Overall, with SEC play on the horizon, the strong performances of many young stars could possibly lead LSU to more big wins as these players continue to grow under Torina and her staff’s guidance.
