LSU Softball players Jayden Heavener, Kylee Edwards and Sierra Daniel spoke to the media following the Tigers’ dominant 8-0 run rule finish against the Akron Zips to begin the NCAA Tournament.

“Heavener was lights out. The junior pitcher was noticeably on her A-game from the first pitch.

She pitched in all six innings in this game and finished with 11 strikeouts while only allowing three hits the entire game. Heavener was asked about her performance in the post-game interview.

“After the first inning, I was like, ‘I’m not going to tell myself too much, but I’m going to get a lot of strikeouts,’” Heavener said. “I get frustrated with myself spots-wise, but I know my best stuff is still working and I have defense behind me.”

Another player who played well was junior shortstop Kylee Edwards.

The junior finished the game going 2-4 at bat, bringing in two runs and 3 RBIs.

Edwards credited her and the team’s ability to play freely, which led to them coming away with the victory.

“Today was fun, we were just out there playing Tiger softball,” Edwards said. “We did a lot during the season, so going out here, playing free and just being ourselves was our main goal today, and that’s what we did.”

The Tigers face Virginia Tech Saturday in their next game of the NCAA Regional. The Hokies made easy work of South Alabama in their first game of the tournament, 6-0.

Another quick start and shutdown defense are the Tigers’ keys to victory in a game against a team that is one of the best batting teams in the nation.