Sports rarely have an occasion to mean more than wins and losses, individual accolades or even championships. They have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the fans that spend countless hours cheering them on.
When the No. 3 LSU softball team takes the field against No. 24 Texas A&M on Saturday, the Tigers won’t be clad in purple and gold. Instead, they’ll be wearing teal to raise awareness and celebrate survivors of ovarian cancer.
Beginning in LSU coach Beth Torina’s first year in 2012, LSU (39-5, 11-4 Southeastern Conference) has promoted the cause with an annual “Strikeout Ovarian Cancer” game and “Geaux Teal Ovarian Cancer Walk” to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer.
“My mom is an ovarian cancer survivor, so it’s a really big deal for me and for this program,” Torina said. “I appreciate the way the players have truly embraced this cause. We’re just getting such a great response from this Baton Rouge community. It’s such a great opportunity to honor women that are truly heroes for the battles they’ve gone through in trying to fight ovarian cancer.”
Torina’s connection to the disease inspires her team to rally behind the survivors and inform the community about a rare cancer, said sophomore outfielder Bailey Landry.
The teal jerseys are conversation starters and add more excitement to the event.
“The jerseys, we definitely love that part,” said junior infielder Jenna Kreamer. “We love teal. It gives us an excuse to talk about it, and so it’s pretty cool.”
While the Tigers support the battle for cancer off the field, they are set to play against the Aggies (33-12, 8-7 SEC) on the diamond to defend their undefeated record at home this season.
LSU rolls into the series after notching its 16th win via mercy rule this season, while Texas A&M looks to get back on track in SEC play after dropping a series against Auburn.
Against the Aggies, the Tigers’ ability to keep the ball in the park will be tested against one of the best young power hitters in the conference, freshman infielder Tori Vidales.
“They always bring a great offense,” Torina said. “They’re known for their offense. They always swing really big and put up a lot of home run numbers.”
Vidales leads the Aggies with 15 homers and is tied for fifth most in the SEC. She also ranks among the league’s best in RBIs, with 45 on the season.
Although LSU’s pitching staff has given up only 19 homers this season, the Tigers have allowed at least one home run in four of their last five games.
“The second you change what you do, that’s when the long ball happens,” said sophomore pitcher Baylee Corbello. “You really need to focus on your strengths and do what you do well, because everyone in this league can hit long balls.”
LSU junior catcher Kellsi Kloss looks to continue her tear at the plate to lead the Tigers to their fifth conference series victory. Kloss notched her first multiple-home-run game of the season in Game 3 against Tennessee. In the series, the Cypress, California, native hit .455 with four RBIs.
The Tigers will continue the series at 6 p.m. Sunday and Game 3 at 6 p.m. Monday.
You can reach Morgan Prewitt on Twitter @kmprewitt_TDR.