LSU coach Beth Torina still doesn’t have all the infield positions set.
But one thing is certain: senior infielder Sahvanna Jaquish will play an integral role for the Tigers this season. Torina announced four days before the Tigers season opener that Jaquish will be spending a majority of her time as catcher.
“I’ve tried to rein her in, not make her practice at four or five different spots,” Torina said.
Every year, Jaquish is moved around and helps the team out where she can. The All-American will also be seen on third base this season.
With more youth on the team this season, Jaquish has been looked to as a mentor and leader on and off the field for the team.
Last year, Jaquish tied her school record of RBIs with 76 and was ranked fifth nationally.
“I have no doubt she will continue to write her name all over the history book, and I will enjoy watching every bit of it,” Torina said.

LSU to lean on pitching staff

The Tigers’ return three pitchers from a record-setting 2016 season and a new addition, highly recruited Maribeth Gorsuch. Last season, then-freshman Sydney Smith had the lowest ERA in the country for a freshman and was ranked seventh overall.
“We had a solid pitching staff last year that ranked in the top of the nation,” Torina said.
A lot of learning will be taking place in the beginning of the season, which is why Torina stressed the importance of the talented pitching staff carrying the load of the team.
“Those guys will keep us in every ball game,” Torina said.
Torina said junior pitcher Carley Hoover is in the best shape she has ever been in and has put in an immense amount of work this off season.
“[Hoover] deserves a great season, honestly, for how hard she’s worked,” Torina said.

Multiple positions up for competition

The Tigers added seven new faces to the roster this season.
Each player is in a position to compete for a spot on the field and Torina said they need to make the most of the opportunities they’re given.
Many freshmen will be seen this weekend at the season opener against Oklahoma State and Penn State and throughout the beginning of the season, Torina said.
The lineup will be changed multiple times until the Tigers find their rhythm.
The freshmen class is bringing a lot of speed with them, so the Tigers will be aiming to create more things offensively. However, with 15 returners, many positions are up for grabs and will continue to be competed for as the season goes on.
“It’s tough to understand, actually, the effort and the grind that it takes to go to the College World Series,” Torina said. “We have a strong group of leaders, a strong group of upperclassmen. We have a strong junior class that doesn’t know anything other than finishing their season at the College World Series.”
However, sophomore Amber Serrett will remain a shortstop for the entirety of the season.
“You’ll see her out there on day one, day 56, day 131,” Torina said. “She’s special.”
Sophomore Shemiah Sanchez will also move from second to third base.
LSU has a lot of depth at outfield, Torina said. Junior Emily Griggs and senior Bailey Landry are solid in their outfielder positions and will be seen there all season, Torina said.
Freshmen outfielders Claire Weinberger and Aliyah Andrews will be adding their speed and also compete for playing time in the outfield.
Freshman infielder Amanda Doyle recently made the Junior National Team and has been going back and forth between first and third base with freshman Sydney Springfield.
“It’s fun watching them compete,” Torina said. “They both came in very highly recruited.”