The No. 8 LSU softball team overpowered No. 16 Arizona in five innings with an 8-0, run-rule victory in Game 1 of the first Super Regional LSU has hosted in program history.
The Tigers (49-12) scored all eight runs in the first three innings to take a commanding lead the Wildcats (41-19) couldn’t overcome.
“The fact that we were able to shut [Arizona] out shows what a great performance Carley [Hoover] had today,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “Our offense really set the tone and didn’t give them a lot of room to do anything.”
Hoover started the game with six consecutive balls but was able to pitch out of trouble, retiring the next three batters.
In the bottom of the first, the Tigers seized control of the game. Senior center fielder A.J. Andrews drew a leadoff walk. Sophomore right fielder Bailey Landry followed with a textbook bunt single.
Arizona freshman pitcher Trish Parks walked junior shortstop Bianka Bell to load the bases for sophomore third baseman Sahvanna Jaquish. Jaquish took advantage of the runners in scoring position, driving in Andrews and Landry. Junior catcher Kellsi Kloss doubled to the wall in center in the following at-bat to score Bell and extend LSU’s lead to 3-0. 
Kloss scored on a wild pitch to stretch LSU’s lead to four runs. After walking freshman second baseman Sydney Bourg, the Wildcats pulled Parks from the circle in favor of junior Siera Phillips, who escaped the first inning without allowing any further damage. 
Arizona sophomore designated player Mandie Perez singled to start the second inning, but couldn’t capitalize. Hoover quickly shut the door with help from her defense. Landry made a catch in foul territory at full sprint and her throw to second beat Perez who was attempting to tag up.
“First and foremost our defense was just amazing today,” Hoover said. “It makes my job a lot easier, too, when we come out there and score runs like that. Same with the defense. I can go after batters so much easier and with so much more confidence when our defense is playing like that.”
LSU extended its lead to 6-0 in the second inning. Phillips walked Bell and Jaquish to start the inning. Junior first baseman Sandra Simmons’ single scored Bell. A wild pitch allowed Jaquish to score, giving LSU a six-run lead. 
In the bottom of the third, freshman left fielder Emily Griggs reached on a fielding error, and Landry’s towering two-run shot over the scoreboard stretched the Tigers lead to eight runs.
“Bailey Landry had an unbelievable day,” Torina said. “Every time this kid succeeds it makes me so happy because of the person that she is. She’s so selfless. She loves LSU as much as anybody I’ve ever met. She wants to do this for the team, not for her. I’m 100 percent confident in that. Every time she succeeds it makes everybody so excited, and she deserves every bit of recognition that she gets. She’s a fantastic player and had an unbelievable day.”
Landry’s home run was the last time LSU lit up the scoreboard, but the lead was more than enough for Hoover, who pitched a one-hit shutout.
The teams meet again at 4 p.m. on Sunday. An LSU win would see the Tigers advance to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
“The series is far from over. I expect to see a completely different Arizona team tomorrow,” Torina said.

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Javier Fernández

LSU sophomore infielder Sahvanna Jaquish (2) catches a foul ball to end the game during the Tiger's 8-0 first victory against Arizona on Saturday, May 23, 2015 in Tiger Park.