Led by senior Kristin Schmidt, the LSU softball team snuck past the Colonels of Nicholls State on Wednesday night 3-0 at the Lady Colonel Diamond in Thibodaux, La.
With the win, LSU (32-7) extended its winning streak to five games.
Schmidt, coming off a 10-7 win Sunday at Alabama, earned the complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits to improve her record to 19-4 on the year.
Coach Yvette Girouard said Schmidt put forth a dominating performance.
“Kristin had a pretty dominating performance today,” Girouard said. “She is a two-time All-American and she not only has some great pitches, but she knows how to use them.”
The Lady Colonels fell to 15-18 on the year with the loss.
LSU got on the board first with three runs in the fifth inning after failing to advance with runners on base in each of the first three innings.
With a runner on first, sophomore Camille Harris singled up the middle, advancing Sara Fitzgerald to third as Harris took second on the throw. Senior LaDonia Hughes then beat out a bunt single to load the bases.
Following a fielders choice by Lauren Castle, scoring Fitzgerald from third, freshman Leslie Klein knocked a bases-clearing double, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead.
With the loss, Nicholls State pitcher Dione Meier dropped to 11-9 on the year.
Girouard said Meier was not an easy pitcher to face.
“They have a very good pitcher,” Girouard said. “She is legit and you have to take advantage of every opportunity she gives you, and we did that tonight. That proved to be the difference in the game.”
Girouard added the Lady Colonels would be a better team if their hitting was as strong as their pitching.
“[Meier] gives everybody fits,” Girouard said. “[Nicholls State] would be a lot better if they could hit.”
With the win, LSU improved its all-time record against the Lady Colonels to 8-1.
In addition to defeating the Lady Colonels, LSU managed to get past former LSU assistant Phyliss Guedry, head coach at Nicholls State.
Girouard said she admires what Guedry has done at Nicholls State.
“I gave her a lot of credit,” Girouard said. “She’s done a great job recruiting.”
Girouard also credited Guedry for her attitude off the field.
“Not only is she a good coach,” Girouard said. “She’s a good person.”
LSU will now have the weekend off following its game against Nicholls State tonight at Tiger Park before traveling to Arkansas on Monday.
Girouard said the break has come at a perfect time.
“It is a good time of the season to get away from baseball,” Girouard said. “It’s a long drive to Arkansas on Monday. We’re pretty bumped and bruised.”