LSU softball battled the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks on Wednesday night in a scoring frenzy.
The in-state matchup was no contest as LSU quickly scored three runs in the first inning. The Tigers learned from their mistakes from last weekend and didn’t slack up on their opponent.
LSU is not the only school in Louisiana that wants to fight for the best softball team. The Tigers used to be the only school with an amazing softball team, but ULM and several other in-state schools have been gunning for this title in recent years. Wednesday was no exception.
Offense was the name of the game for both teams. Both teams scored most runs through home runs and extra-base hits.
The Warhawks were scrappy. After entering the third inning with an eight-run deficit, three runs were regained by a home run and two walks.
Redshirt freshman Tori Edwards was on the money, hitting two home runs in two innings, scoring five of LSU’s eight runs in the first two innings of the game. The rest of the Tiger’s offense followed suit, getting on base before junior Maci Bergeron hit an RBI double to score the other two.
This young Tigers team showed off some skills they haven’t harped on. This team has been known for using the ground and their speed, but they used the wind blowing straight out of Tiger Park on Wednesday night.
Big swings scored many of the runs in the game, two home runs and a double for the Tigers, but even the Edwards single in the fourth inning was blistered to the opposite field. Then she showed off the speed everyone has spoken so highly of.
Sierra Daniels stuck to her speed game to help put the Warhawks to bed, and Avery Hodge and Danieca Coffey stole bases to put themselves in scoring position behind her.
Maci Bergeron called game with a single to shallow center field, scoring Coffey from third.
Head coach Beth Torina has said their speed has made this team fun to watch, but the fans agreed the big hits were just as enjoyable.
The cold didn’t stun the Tiger bats, out hitting the Warhawks 12-2. Redshirt junior Tatum Clopton did her job well against ULM, only allowing four runs on those two hits, despite them both being long shots.
The continuity of this young Tigers team is going well. The pieces are starting to come together at the right time for this group.
LSU bested the Warhawks 12-4 in five innings with big hitting.
The Tigers play again on Friday, March 7 against South Alabama.
