The No. 2 LSU softball team cruised by Ole Miss, 5-2, in the series opener Friday evening at Tiger Park.
The Tigers (34-3, 7-3 Southeastern Conference) received a strong performance in the circle from sophomore pitcher Baylee Corbello, who kept the Rebels’ (22-14, 5-8 SEC) lineup off-balance most of the evening, allowing four hits and two runs in her complete game effort. LSU’s lineup ensured her efforts weren’t in vain, scoring five runs on 12 hits.
The Tigers scored a run in each of the first three innings. RBI singles from sophomore third baseman Sahvanna Jaquish, sophomore right fielder Bailey Landry and junior designated player Alayna Falcon in the first, second and third innings, respectively, gave LSU a 3-0 lead.
An RBI single from junior first baseman Sandra Simmons in the bottom of the fifth and a sacrifice fly from senior center fielder A.J. Andrews extended LSU’s lead to 5-0. 
Ole Miss got two runs back in the top of the seventh on a two-out home run from senior infielder Allison Brown, cutting LSU’s lead to 5-2. However, Corbello retired the next batter to end any hope of a comeback.
Corbello finished with 9 strikeouts and didn’t allow a walk on 84 pitches.
LSU and Ole Miss play a doubleheader Saturday. Game 2 is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the series finale is slotted for a 4:30 p.m. first pitch.