LSU Softball Head Coach Beth Torina spoke to the media following her team’s 8-0 victory against the Akron Zips in the Tigers’ first 2026 NCAA Regional game.

The Tigers started hot to begin this game.

In the first inning, the Tigers brought in three runs. LSU keeping its foot on the gas pedal was a trend that continued throughout the match. Great batting combined with stifling defense set the tone, as Torina said in the post-game press conference.

“[We] just wanted to set a tone for this tournament,” Coach said. “I think we fielded a million questions about how it’s gone for us in the past. I think we just wanted to make sure we had a good, solid start, put it under our belt and set the temperature for the rest of the weekend.”

With this victory, the Tigers are in the winner’s bracket of the region and face the Virginia Tech Hokies in their next game.

The Hokies are a very difficult team to face as they placed in the top five in the country in batting average in the 2026 season.

Torina was asked about her team’s upcoming match in her press conference.

“[They’re a] really complete team,” Torina said. “What’re they up to 107 home runs now, but who’s counting, right? They have a ton of power, great offense, but then you add that to the pitching staff that they have.”

Torina closed by saying that the Tigers will have to be on their A-game, which goes without saying.

Virginia Tech is no easy matchup for LSU for all the reasons Torina said.

The teams meet Saturday, and the first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.