LSU softball started its 2025 season in dominant fashion with freshman pitcher Jayden Heavner throwing a perfect game.

The Tigers opening weekend includes five games, known as the Tiger Classic. Their opening game came against Charlotte. With seven new freshmen on the team this year, it was unclear what a competitive debut could look like. As it turns out, it looked like a well-oiled machine.

Heavner became the first LSU player to throw a perfect game in her collegiate debut. The team also reached base every inning and scored five runs in the last two, mercy ruling its opponent.

“This year, we’re focused on our own journey. It’s not about revenge; it’s about our story,” sophomore Sierra Daniel said.

Heavner set the tone immediately, striking out two as Charlotte went three-up, three-down.

Leading-off the season, Danieca Coffey swung and made contact with the ball, sending it down the middle. A fielding error, a single by Tori Edwards and a sacrifice by Maddox McKee scored two quickly.

Along with Heavner’s dominance, there is a sense of chemistry among the team on the defense to ensure no one gets on base.
Innings go by in a flash as Heavner’s mows through opposing batters, conceding nothing.

In the fifth, a hit-by-pitch, a walk and singles from McKee, McKaela Walker and Maci Bergeron scored three and lengthened the lead to six.

A double from Walker and a couple walks pushed the lead to 8-0, triggering the mercy rule.

Such a rule is in the interest of the sport because, based on what was seen out of the Tigers on Friday, this team has no mercy.

Heavner threw all six innings with a whopping 13 strikeouts on her way to a perfect game. She struck out the side in half the innings she pitched.

The freshman from Florida is showing a historically commanding presence in her first game. An arm like hers and determined defense around her make this team one to watch as the season progresses.

Edwards, Coffey and Walker were fundamental offensive components. They went a combined 6-for-9 with five RBI, two doubles and two walks.

In its opener, LSU mercy ruled its opponent, reached base every inning and threw a perfect game.

As Daniels mentioned, this young team is built on speed and power, if they continue on this path of excellence, the rest of the season will be a success.

The Tigers play four more games this weekend. They play Charlotte again on Saturday and both Central Arkansas and Southeastern later this weekend.

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