There is an age-old sports theory — offense puts people in the stands and defense wins championships.
If that is the case, then the LSU softball team should be in line for a return trip to the 2004 Women’s College World Series.
The success of the Tigers’ defense begins and ends with the performance of their pitching staff, headed by senior right hander Kristin Schmidt.
Schmidt, a two-time All-American, carried the bulk of the pitching load last season for the Tigers, pitching in 53-of-68 games for LSU.
In those 53 games, Schmidt went 34-15 with a 1.23 ERA while striking out 345 batters in 306.1 innings pitched.
“She has been a true workhorse for us,” said LSU coach Yvette Girouard. “She is such a savvy pitcher. She doesn’t beat herself. She fools you. She is one of those kids you look at and say ‘what’s so special about her’ and then the next thing you know is she just beats you.”
Tessa Lynam was the only other pitcher to throw for the Tigers last season. Lynam pitched 153 innings and obtained a 16-3 record, but transferred in the offseason to Baylor leaving a void for the Tigers in the circle.
Filling that void will be freshman Emily Turner from Chula Vista, Calif.
Turner, a first team all-state selection in her junior and senior seasons in high school, posted a 25-2-1 pitching record from 2002-03.
“I think she has the potential to be as good as she really wants to be,” Girouard said. “I haven’t coached an athlete that has worked this hard ever on her own. She is a tall, good looking kid that has all the god given tools that fast pitch pitchers need.”
Turner said working behind Schmidt has helped her improve her own game.
“Every time I go out on the mound I learn something new from [Schmidt],” Turner said. “She is like my mentor out there.”
With Turner’s arrival to Baton Rouge Girouard is hoping that Schmidt will not have to pitch as much as she did last season.
“There was no question that at regionals last season [Schmidt] was done,” Girouard said. “We went through the SEC tournament, played four games in 24 hours and she basically pitched every inning.”
Also seeing some time this year on the mound will be UL-Lafayette transfer Lauren Castle. Castle will predominately see time in the outfield, but could pitch some in relief situations.
Catching for Schmidt, Turner and Castle will be junior catcher Leigh Ann Danos.
Danos is currently out with mononucleosis, but Girouard said she expects her back in the next few weeks.
Danos, a 6-foot junior from Lafayette, La. played in 58 games last season, starting 42 at catcher. She batted .234 with 12 doubles, four home runs and 21 RBIs.
Filling in for Danos this weekend will be freshman Kristen Hobbs.
Hobbs a 5-foot-5 freshman from Royal Palm Beach, Fla. was a four-time All-Palm Beach County and all-area selection in high school. During her senior season Hobbs batted .365 with 15 RBIs and 17 runs scored.
“[Hobbs] has a great arm and can throw out anybody at any time,” Girouard said.