Da Boot Sports
5/20/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 11/15 LSU (42-15) will go into the final day of the Baton Rouge Regional in the winner’s bracket after shutting out UL-Lafayette (47-14), 4-0 Saturday afternoon at Tiger Park. 
 
In her first NCAA Tournament appearance, freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon tossed a complete game shutout to improve to 14-7 in the circle. Berzon struck out four batters while allowing no runs on five hits and one walk. Saturday was the 23rd NCAA Tournament shutout for the LSU pitching staff and marked the first solo shutout in an NCAA postseason game for an LSU pitcher since Carley Hoover in 2015. Berzon now has 10 complete games and four shutouts this season.
 
“I am proud of the effort from our entire team. The big home run early really set the tone. I debated this pitching decision down to the wire but made the right choice. Sydney Berzon was absolutely incredible today. She’s been incredible for us all year, and I’m just proud to be her coach. She’s made me love being in the bullpen every second this year. It was a great day for Sydney Berzon and the defense. They were both incredible. Just really proud of the effort.”
 
Junior infielder Danieca Coffey led the team in hits, going 3-for-3 with a run scored. Junior catcher Ali Newland went 1-for-2 from the plate with two RBIs and sophomore outfielder McKenzie Redoutey hit her sixth home run of the season in the win. Juniors Ciara Briggs and Taylor Pleasants also logged hits in the game, and Briggs drove in one run.
 
UL-Lafayette’s pitcher Sam Landry (18-5) earned the loss and was relieved after 2.1 innings after allowing four runs on five hits. Freshman pitcher Chloe Riassetto entered the circle in the third inning, where she struck out two batters and gave up two hits but no runs in 2.2 innings before being relieved by senior pitcher Karly Heath, who pitched 1.0 innings and struck out one batter.
 
Berzon shut down the Ragin’ Cajuns for the first two innings before Redoutey put the Tigers in front with a solo home run to center field in the bottom of the second inning.
 
Berzon retired the side in order in the top of the third inning, and the Tigers’ offense rode that momentum by plating three runs in the bottom of the frame. Coffey got on base via a single and stole second on the first pitch of Briggs’ at-bat before Briggs slapped a ball up the middle to score Coffey. Pleasants gave LSU its third straight hit, advancing both runners to second and third with one out. Two batters later, Newland snuck one by the third baseman for a two-run double to take a 4-0 lead through three innings.
 
The rest of the game was a pitcher’s duel that held both teams scoreless, and Berzon allowed only four base runners over the last four innings.
 
Up Next
LSU will take the field at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday in the regional final. The Tigers’ opponent has yet to be determined.

Da Boot Sports
4/22/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonta Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. – Graduate pitcher Ali Kilponen tossed her fourth shutout of the season to help No. 15 LSU (37-11, 10-8 SEC) sweep Mississippi State (24-22, 3-14 SEC) with an 8-0 run-rule victory Sunday afternoon at Tiger Park. 
“It was a great weekend for so many reasons,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “Not just for what we did on the field, but for what it represented. It represented all the women who have battled with ovarian cancer and for the Baton Rouge community. It was a really special weekend and I couldn’t have asked for much more.”
The Tigers put together another complete game by tallying 10 or more hits for the third consecutive game, and recording their 12th shutout of the season.
Kilponen moved to 11-5 in the circle this season after tossing eight strikeouts and allowing just two hits in the complete game shutout effort. Kilponen set the tone early as she held the Bulldogs hitless through four innings, striking out eight of the first fifteen batters of the game.
A trio of juniors including outfielder Ciara Briggs, infielder Danieca Coffey, and catcher Ali Newland led the team in hits with two while five other Tigers recorded one hit on the afternoon. Newland hit one of two home runs in the game, joining graduate designated player Georgia Clark who matched her season high with four RBIs for the third time this season. Graduate infielder Karli Petty and sophomore outfielder McKenzie Redoutey each recorded one hit and an RBI in the win.
Mississippi State’s senior pitcher Matalasi Faapito (4-6) was given the loss Sunday. She allowed one run on two hits and two walks in 2.0 innings.
Coffey led off the bottom of the first with a single, and Briggs followed by reaching on an error. A couple batters later, Clark reached on a fielder’s choice and was credited an RBI when Coffey touched home plate, but a throwing error by the Bulldogs was able to score Briggs and gave LSU a 2-0 lead after the opening inning.
The Tigers struck again with two runs in the third inning. LSU had runners on first and second with one out when Petty lined a one-run double to right field. The next at bat, Redoutey hit a sac fly to left field to plate the second run of the frame to stretch the lead to 4-0.
LSU ended the game with four runs in the sixth stanza. Coffey and Briggs led off the bottom half inning with a pair of singles, and a couple batters later, Clark hit a three-run bomb to left field. Newland followed suit in the next at bat by launching her fifth homer of the season to secure the 8-0 run rule victory.
On Deck
LSU will hit the road for their final away series of the season, traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala. for a three-game series against Alabama April 28-30. 

Da Boot Sports
4/22/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonta Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 15 LSU (36-11, 9-8 SEC) saw every starter record at least one hit en route to a 10-4 victory over Mississippi State (24-21, 3-13 SEC) to win the series Saturday night at Tiger Park. 
 
“I like how we continued to battle back when we were down,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “Our ability to create pressure was awesome. The offense really set the tone and allowed the defense to play free and aggressive.”
 
Freshman pitcher Alea Johnson improved to 7-0 after tossing one strikeout and allowing no runs and three hits in 5.1 innings of relief.  
 
LSU’s 10 runs and 15 hits are the most against an SEC opponent this season. The Tigers also improved to 11-0 on the season when they score 10 or more runs in a game.
 
Graduate infielder Karli Petty led the way offensively, setting a career-high with three and matched her career-best four RBIs. Petty was a double short of hitting the cycle as she logged her third home run and triple Saturday night. 
 
“Petty was awesome tonight,” said Coach Torina. “She’s worked really hard on making some adjustments and it was nice to see it pay off.”
 
Junior infielder Taylor Pleasants logged back-to-back games with three hits and added an RBI and one walk. Junior catcher Ali Newland went 2-for-4 with three ribbies, and graduate outfielder Savannah Stewart rounded out Tigers with multiple hits on the night, recording two hits for the second time this season.
 
Mississippi State’s senior pitcher Aspen Wesley (6-7) was charged with the loss, allowing seven runs on ten hits and two walks in 3.1 innings.
 
Mississippi State’s senior infielder Aquana Brownlee put the Bulldogs on the board with a three-run homer in the top of the first, but the Tigers answered with two runs of their own thanks to a two-out two-run single from Newland in the bottom half inning.
 
The Bulldogs scored again in the second, this time on a solo shot from senior outfielder Chloe Malau’ulu to take a 4-2 lead. 
 
After two scoreless innings, LSU’s bats caught fire, scoring seven runs on six hits in the fourth frame. Three RBI singles from junior outfielder Ciara Briggs, Pleasants and Newland, followed by a three-run triple from Petty gave the Tigers an 8-4 advantage, and LSU plated one more run on a passed ball to end the inning with a 9-4 lead. 
 
Petty added an insurance run for LSU in the bottom of the sixth with a solo homer to extend the lead, 10-4.
 
The Bulldogs put a runner on second, but a double play on the second batter of the inning shut down the threat, and Briggs made a diving catch for the final out to secure the win.
 
On Deck
 
LSU and Mississippi State will conclude their three game series Sunday at 2 p.m

Da Boot Sports
4/21/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonta Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 15 LSU (35-11, 8-8 SEC) opened the series against Mississippi State (24-20, 3-12 SEC) with a 7-1 victory Friday night at Tiger Park. 
 
Head Coach Beth Torina coached her 699th game for LSU today, surpassing Yvette Girouard for the most games coached in LSU Softball history. Coach Torina has been at the helm of the program for 12 seasons and has a 485-214 record at LSU.
 
“I thought it was a great win,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “It was a team win. We had good pitching on the mound and some good offensive performances. Danieca [Coffey] did a great job leading us off in the first inning and the rest of the team just followed.”
 
Freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon (13-5) threw a complete game Friday night where she tossed eight strikeouts and allowed no runs on six hits. Berzon now has 106 strikeouts this season and becomes the first LSU freshman pitcher with 100 strikeouts in a season since Carley Hoover in 2015.
 
Junior infielder Taylor Pleasants recorded her 10th game this season with multiple hits after setting a new season-high with three hits. Pleasants also finished with two RBIs to record her 15th multi-RBI game this season. Junior infielder Danieca Coffey and junior outfielder Ciara Briggs both recorded two hits on the night while graduate designated player Georgia Clark and junior catcher Ali Newland both recorded two RBIs.
 
Mississippi State’s senior pitcher Matalasi Faapito (4-5) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits in 1.1 innings.
 
After Berzon struck out the side to start the game, the Tigers scored three runs in the opening inning for the second straight game. From leadoff to cleanup, the Tigers rattled off four consecutive singles that included a two-run base hit from Clark. The next at bat, Newland wore a pitch before graduate infielder Karli Petty hit a sac fly to left field to cross the third run of the frame.
 
Graduate outfielder Savannah Stewart and Coffey led off the second with a pair of singles, and Pleasants drove a one-run double to center field to increase the lead, 4-0.
 
Berzon kept the Bulldogs offense at bay, allowing just two hits from the third through sixth innings. The Tigers added three insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth via an RBI single from Pleasants and a two RBI double by Newland to push the lead to 7-0.
 
Mississippi State plated its first run of the game in the seventh, but were unable to do anymore damage as the Tigers captured game one of the series, 7-1.
 
On Deck
 
The series between LSU and Mississippi State will continue Saturday at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN2. 

Da Boot Sports
4/16/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   AUBURN, Ala. - No. 12/13 LSU (34-10, 7-8 SEC) lost a heartbreaker to No. 21/24 Auburn (32-13, 9-6 SEC), 1-0 in nine innings Sunday afternoon at Jane B. Moore Field.
 
“Our team fought hard,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “We played one of the nations best pitchers and she had a really good day today. I thought our pitchers matched her pitch for pitch, but we didn’t get the final timely hit.”
 
Freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon (12-4) was charged with the loss Sunday after throwing six strikeouts and allowed one run on four hits in 5.2 innings of work. Berzon moves into 9th place for most strikeouts as a freshman in program history with 95 punch outs this season.
 
Sophomore pitcher Raelin Chaffin got the nod to start the game but received no decision after 3.0 innings in the circle. She struck out one batter and held Auburn’s offense to no runs on three hits and three walks.
 
Graduate designated player Georgia Clark, graduate infielder Karli Petty, junior outfielder Ciara Briggs and junior catcher Ali Newland all recorded one hit on the afternoon.
 
Auburn’s junior pitcher Shelby Lowe (4-4) collected the win, throwing one strikeout and holding LSU to no hits and no runs through 0.1 innings. Junior pitcher Maddie Pentra did much of the heavy lifting with seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings.
 
Chaffin kept Auburn scoreless through 3.0 innings before Berzon entered the circle in the fourth with runners on first and second. After both runners moved to scoring position on a groundout, Berzon kept the shutout alive by striking out the final two batters of the frame.
 
The stalemate continued through six innings as Berzon retired the first seven batters she faced. In the seventh, Auburn put a runner on first with no outs, but Berzon struck out the next batter and Newland connected with Pleasants to stop the steal attempt at second. A groundout from the next batter forced LSU’s first extra innings game of the season.
 
LSU threatened in the ninth, putting runners on first and second with no outs, but a double play the next at bat ended the threat. 
 
Auburn put a runner on first with one out before she advanced to second on a fielder's choice. Junior outfielder Makayla Packer knocked a single to right field to drive in the game winning run from second. 
 
On Deck
 
LSU will travel to Lake Charles, La. for their second matchup with McNeese State Tuesday, April 18th.

Da Boot Sports
4/15/2023
LSU Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   AUBURN, Ala. - Graduate designated player Georgia Clark hit a go-ahead home run in the fourth inning and No. 12/13 LSU (34-9, 7-7 SEC) prevailed and even the series with a 3-2 victory over No. 21/24 Auburn (31-13, 8-6 SEC) Saturday afternoon at Jane B. Moore Field.
 
“I thought our defense played really well,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “Sydney Berzon kept us in the ball game. Our defense was able to be really solid behind her. She forced a ton of ground balls and we played them all really well, so it was great to see our defense play that way.”  
 
Freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon (12-3) pitched a complete game and threw four strikeouts and let up two runs on three hits and four walks in the win.
 
Clark paced the offense, hitting her tenth home run of the season and 40th of her career. Sophomore outfielder McKenzie Reedoutey put together a one-hit, one-RBI performance while junior infielder Raeleen Gutierrez and junior catcher Ali Newland tacked on one hit a piece. Freshman catcher Maci Bergeron logged a hit as well as a pinch hitter in the seventh to round out LSU’s five hits.
 
“Georgia Clark is the leader of our offense,” said Coach Torina. “For her to step up and get the one big swing is very fitting for what she does for this team.”
Auburn’s pitcher Shelby Lowe (3-4) got the start and went 4.0 innings before getting pulled. Lowe struck out five batters and gave up two runs on two hits. Annabelle Widra threw the remaining 3.0 innings and gave up three hits, one run and one walk, while striking out three batters. 
 
After Berzon struck out two batters in the first and retired Auburn in order in the second, the home team found the run column thanks to a one-run single to take a 1-0 lead through three frames.
 
In the top of the fourth, Newland reached base on a single to left field before Clark gave LSU its first lead of the series with a two-run shot down the left field line. 
 
LSU struck again with another run in the fifth. Gutierrez led off the inning by drawing a walk, and Redoutey brought her home with an RBI double to left center to increase the lead, 3-1.
 
Auburn cut into the lead with a leadoff homer in the sixth from senior outfielder Lindsey Garcia. Berzon went on to retire the next six batters to end the game, including a strikeout on the final batter to secure the 3-2 win.
 
On Deck
The series finale between LSU and Auburn will begin at 3 p.m. tomorrow and televised on ESPN2. 

Da Boot Sports
4/14/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   AUBURN, Ala. - A late seventh inning rally fell short as No. 12/13 LSU (33-9, 6-7 SEC) dropped game one to No. 21/24 Auburn (31-12, 8-5 SEC), 5-3 Friday night at Jane B. Moore Field.  
 
“I liked our fight at the end,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “I thought we were able to make some noise in the seventh, and I hope that carries over into tomorrow and we can get the series win.”
 
Graduate pitcher Ali Kilponen (10-5) received the loss after throwing four strikeouts and allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk in 4.0 innings. Freshman pitcher Alea Johnson entered the circle in the fifth and finished with one strikeout and retired six consecutive batters to end the game.  
 
Graduate infielder Karli Petty led the offense, going 2-for-3 at the dish with one RBI on a solo homer, her second of the season while junior catcher Ali Newland also went yard on a two RBI dinger in the seventh inning. Junior outfielder Ciara Briggs tied the team lead in hits with two and tacked on one run.


Auburn’s pitcher Maddie Penta (19-5) earned the win, tossing five strikeouts and allowing three runs on six hits in a complete game effort.
Auburn struck first with a two-run home run by senior left fielder Lindsey Garcia in the bottom of the first, and extended its lead 3-0 after a one-run single by junior designated player KK McCrary in the fourth. 
 
After a single to open the bottom of the fifth inning, sophomore shortstop Nelia Peralta hit the second two-run homer of the evening to go ahead, 5-0.  
 
Briggs led off the seventh with her second single and Newland cut into the deficit with a two-run homer with no outs. A couple batters later, Petty knocked her second dinger of the season to left field to make it a 5-3 ball game. Unfortunately, the Tigers were unable to do anymore damage, falling to Auburn, 5-3.
 
On Deck
 
Game two of the series is scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. 

Da Boot Sports
4/11/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 12/13 LSU (33-8) fell to No. 1 Oklahoma (37-1), 3-0 Tuesday afternoon at Tiger Park. Tiger fans came out in droves as 3,073 fans filled the ballpark, marking the fourth highest attendance in Tiger Park history.
 
“The atmosphere was awesome tonight,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “I hope everyone enjoyed it and will come back because it was really amazing.”
 
After walking the first batter of the third frame, the pitching staff combined to retire the final 15 batters of the game. The Tigers held Oklahoma to a season low in hits and batting average, allowing just two base knocks and a .083 average. LSU out-hit Oklahoma 3-2, marking the first time this season the Sooners have been out-hit by its opponent.
 
“I thought we did a better job than we did against Tennessee,” said Coach Torina. “We did a better job of keeping people off balance. We went with the plan and it was effective. Using four pitchers is kind of out of my comfort zone as a coach, but it worked so maybe we’ll do it more.”
 
Freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon (11-3) was charged with the loss. Berzon threw one strikeout and allowed three runs on two hits in 1.2 innings. Sophomore pitchers Raelin Chaffin, Emilee Casanova and freshman pitcher Alea Johnson combined to finish the game and allowed no hits while retiring 15 of the 16 batters they faced, including striking out the side in the fourth. 
 
Junior infielder Danieca Coffey led the team with two hits and drew one walk to reach on each of her plate appearances. Junior catcher Ali Newland recorded one hit on the evening.
Oklahoma’s sophomore pitcher Jordy Bahl (12-1) earned the win Tuesday evening. She tossed 12 strikeouts and allowed no runs on three hits and one walk in the complete game effort.
 
Oklahoma struck first, scoring three runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from junior infielder Alyssa Brito. 
 
After four straight scoreless innings, the Tigers put runners on first and second with two outs in the sixth. Unfortunately, a line out to third base from junior designated player Georgia Clark ended the threat from LSU. Newland led off the seventh inning with a single to the shortstop, but a double play followed by a strikeout sealed the game for Oklahoma.
 
On Deck
 
LSU will travel to Auburn, Ala. to face No. 21/24 Auburn in a three-game series April 14-16.

Da Boot Sports
4/8/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


​   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 11/12 LSU’s (33-7, 6-6 SEC) offense exploded with a six-run fourth inning to help secure the series over Missouri (23-18, 3-12 SEC) with a 9-1 run-rule decision Saturday afternoon at Tiger Park.
 
“They were awesome today,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “It was a really good day for our offense. We played like ourselves. It’s a 56 game season, so expecting them to play perfect in all 56 games is very unrealistic. We had a bad day Thursday, but the key is to come back after a bad day, and our team was able to do that.”
 
All nine of LSU’s starters recorded at least one hit in the ball game while four different Tigers recorded two RBIs. This game also marks the Tigers 15th game of the season with 10 or more hits.
 
Graduate pitcher Ali Kilponen (10-4) earned the complete game win, throwing one strikeout and allowing one run on four hits in five innings.
 
Junior catcher Ali Newland had a day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and her third home run of the season. Junior designated player Georgia Clark launched her ninth homer of the season and second in the series, while tacking on two ribbies and two runs. Junior infielder Danieca Coffey and graduate infielder Karli Petty both pieced together one-hit, two-RBI performances in the afternoon.
 
Missouri’s senior pitcher Jordan Weber (6-7) picked up the loss. Weber threw one strikeout and allowed three runs on two hits and three walks in 1.0 innings. Freshman pitcher Taylor Pannell entered the game in the second and allowed two runs on four hits and a walk in 2.0 innings. Junior pitcher Laurin Krings came in relief in the fourth and threw one strikeout while letting up three runs on four hits.
 
LSU found the run column first with a two-run blast from Newland in the second inning. Junior infielder Raeleen Gutierrez reached on a walk before junior infielder Taylor Pleasants drove a single to right and both runners advanced on the throw. With runners on second and third, a walk by sophomore outfielder McKenzie Redoutey juiced the bases with no outs and two batters later, Mizzou walked a run home, giving LSU the early 3-0 lead.
 
Missouri cut into the lead with a leadoff homer in the top of the third off of junior outfielder Alex Honnold’s bat, but a pair of fly outs and a ground out kept the LSU lead intact, 3-1.
 
The Tigers’ offense exploded in the fourth with six runs behind seven hits, including six straight in the frame. The inning was highlighted by a one-run single from Coffey, a two-run double by Petty and a two RBI dinger from Clark.
 
With a chance to secure the run-rule, Kilponen retired the side in the top of the fifth, giving LSU the 9-1 victory.
 
On Deck
 
LSU will have a midweek game against the reigning National Champions, No. 1 Oklahoma at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 on ESPN2.

Da Boot Sports
4/7/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   ​BATON ROUGE, La. - Sophomore pitcher Raelin Chaffin propelled No. 11/12 LSU (32-7, 5-6 SEC) to victory against Missouri (23-17, 3-11 SEC) with a 3-1 win Friday at Tiger Park to even the series.
 
“We played much better than yesterday,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “We got a big performance from [Raelin] Chaffin. She came out confident and did exactly what she’s capable of.”
 
Chaffin improved to 5-1 this season, tossing two strikeouts and allowed one run, four hits and one walk. 
 
Graduate designated player Georgia Clark moved into 4th place on the LSU career home run list with her 38th career dinger and eighth longball of the season. Junior catcher Ali Newland led the team in hits, going 2-for-3 with a run scored while junior infielder Taylor Pleasants and graduate outfielder Savannah Stewart tacked on one-hit, one-RBI performances.
 
Missouri’s junior pitcher Laurin Krings (8-9) was charged with the loss while throwing two strikeouts and allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk in 4.0 innings. Freshman pitcher Taylor Pannell entered in relief in the fifth and totaled one strikeout while allowing no runs on no hits and one walk in 2.0 innings.
 
After three and a half scoreless innings where Chaffin retired 12 of the first 14 batters, LSU found the scoreboard with a leadoff home run from Clark. The next at bat, Newland reached on a single and made her way to third on a steal and groundout. Pleasants followed with a one-run single up the middle and a couple batters later, Stewart hit an RBI single to cap off a three-run fourth inning for LSU.
 
Missouri went two more innings without a run until freshman infielder Katie Chester led off the seventh with a solo shot. Chaffin kept her composure however, and retired eight of the final ten batters, including the next three after the home run to end the game.
 
On Deck
 
LSU and Missouri will battle for the series Saturday at 1 p.m.

Da Boot Sports
4/6/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - Missouri (23-16, 3-10 SEC) used seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings combined to rally back and defeat No. 11/12 LSU (31-7, 4-6 SEC), 8-6 to open the series Thursday at Tiger Park.
 
“We didn’t play well,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “We made some bad decisions, gave up so many trail runners and gave them too many free passes. Our team this year has been able to come back and rebound well. You can see the vision of how this game could have been different.”
 
Mizzou reached LSU’s bullpen early in the series as they got looks at both graduate pitcher Ali Kilponen (9-4) and freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon. Kilponen was charged with the loss Thursday after tossing one strikeout and allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. Berzon got the start in the circle, tossing six strikeouts and allowing five runs on five hits and five walks. 
 
Junior infielder Danieca Coffey went 2-for-3 from the plate with three RBIs and a triple. This marked Coffey’s fifth game of the season with multiple RBIs. Graduate infielder Karli Petty also recorded two hits to go along with two runs for the Tigers, as did junior infielder Taylor Pleasants who was 2-for-2 on the day and tacked on two RBIs, drew two walks and scored one run.
 
Missouri senior pitcher Emma Nicholls (1-0) collected the win while allowing no runs, one hit and one walk in 1.2 innings. Freshman pitcher Taylor Pannell earned her fifth save of the season allowing just one hit in the afternoon. Senior pitcher Jordan Weber earned the start in the circle, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks in 3.1 innings.
 
The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning. After the first three batters reached to load the bases with no outs, Pleasants and freshman catcher Maci Bergeron drew walks to score the first runs of the game.
 
Mizzou got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth on a fielder’s choice to cut into the lead, 2-1, but LSU answered with three runs in the home half. LSU loaded the bases for the second time thanks to a pair of walks and a single, and Coffey cleared the bases with her third triple of the season to increase the Bayou Bengals lead, 5-1. 
 
Missouri evened the score with four runs in the top of the fifth highlighted by a two-run single by junior second baseman Maddie Gallagher. In the bottom of the inning, LSU put runners on second and third with one out to set the stage for a Pleasants RBI bunt single to regain the lead for the Tigers, 6-5.
 
Mizzou stayed hot at the plate however, and brought in three runs in the top of the sixth to take the lead, 8-6. LSU put runners on the corners in the seventh, but were unable to cross any runners. 
 
On Deck
 
LSU and Missouri will faceoff in game two on Friday at 6 p.m.

Da Boot Sports
4/2/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   ​BATON ROUGE, La. - Graduate pitcher Ali Kilponen and Sophomore pitcher Emilee Casanova combine for LSU’s second shutout of the weekend as No. 12/14 LSU (31-6) blanks NC State (13-24), 7-0 Sunday at Tiger Park.
 
“It was a good version of LSU softball,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “It was really important to be ourselves and get back on track this weekend.”
 
Kilponen (9-3) collected the win Sunday where she threw five strikeouts and allowed no runs on three hits and two walks. Casanova relieved Kilponen at the start of the sixth inning and logged one strikeout in 2.0 innings to complete the shutout.
 
Junior infielder Danieca Coffey had a perfect day at the plate as she went 3-for-3 with an RBI, a double and two runs scored. Junior infielder Raeleen Gutierrez put up a 2-for-3 performance at the plate which included her first homer since 2021. Graduate designated player Georgia Clark hit her seventh home run of the season and scored two runs in the win. 
 
“Danieca Coffey has been leading us all year,” said Torina. “She’s such a special player. She’s a tough out at the plate. She’s got the short and power game. She has really led us all year long.”
 
NC State’s freshman pitcher Madison Inscoe (7-9) got the loss after allowing five runs on four hits in 1.1 innings.
 
For the third consecutive game, Coffey led off the first inning with a single. She made her way to third on a sac bunt and a ground out before scoring on a wild pitch. The next at bat, graduate infielder Karli Petty lined a one-run single over the shortstop's head to give LSU the early 2-0 advantage.
 
The Tigers kept the runs coming with three in the second frame. Freshman catcher Maci Bergeron drew a walk before sophomore outfielder McKenzie Redoutey drove her home on an RBI double down the right field line. Coffey came to the plate and hit a ground rule double and would score a few pitches later on a stolen base and throwing error to increase the lead, 5-0. 
 
After a couple scoreless innings, Clark led off the fifth with her seventh homer of the season. Two batters later, Gutierrez smoked her first dinger of the season off the scoreboard to stretch the Tigers’ margin, 7-0.
 
Casanova entered the game in the beginning of the sixth stanza and allowed just one hit to seal the 7-0 win.
 
On Deck
 
LSU will jump back into SEC competition with a three-game series against Missouri April 6-8 at Tiger Park.

Da Boot Sports
4/1/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 12/14 LSU (30-6) downs Louisiana Tech (21-15), 6-3 behind a four-run fourth inning and a strong effort from freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon where she retired 10 of the 11 batters she faced Saturday evening at Tiger Park.
 
“We did a good job of making adjustments throughout,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “We were able to change pitcher to pitcher and still create pressure. We did a good job getting the leadoff hitter on and scoring runs throughout the game.”
 
Berzon (11-2) earned the win as she threw four strikeouts and  allowed no hits or runs in 3.2 innings of work. Berzon now ranks No. 11 in program history with 78 strikeouts as a freshman. Sarah KnifeChief ranks No. 10 with 81 strikeouts in 1997.
 
Graduate pitcher Ali Kilponen (8-3) started the game for the Tigers, throwing one strikeout and allowing two runs on four hits in 3.1 innings. 
 
Graduate infielder Karli Petty and junior infielder Danieca Coffey both went 2-for-3 from the dish. Petty and junior outfielder Ciara Briggs led the way with two RBIs each and Briggs finished with one hit and one run scored.
 
Louisiana Tech’s freshman pitcher Allie Floyd (3-5) was charged with the loss Saturday where she allowed four runs on four hits and one walk in 1.2 inning pitched.
 
With runners on second and third with two outs in the first, Petty put the Tigers on the board with a two-run single to right field. LA Tech answered with a solo home run in the top of the second to cut into the Tigers’ lead, 2-1.
 
The Lady Techsters added another run in the top of the fourth to even the score at two, but LSU responded in the home half with four runs to stretch its lead 6-2. Sophomore outfielder McKenzie Redoutey got things started with a one-run single, and graduate outfielder Savannah Stewart brought her home after hitting an RBI triple off the wall. Two batters later Briggs drove in two more runs for the Tigers on a single to left field that capped the big inning.
 
After allowing the first batter to reach on a fielder's choice, Berzon retired the final 10 batters of the game to seal the 6-2 win.
 
On Deck
 
The Tigers will conclude the Purple and Gold Challenge with a noon contest against NC State Sunday at 12 p.m.

Da Boot Sports
​3/31/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 12/14 LSU (29-6) used an eight-run inning in each game to sweep day two of the Purple and Gold Challenge at Tiger Park on Friday. LSU shutout NC State (12-22),12-0 and defeated BYU (16-9), 10-2 , both in five innings.
 
“It was good, I liked what the offense did today,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “The offense did a good job continuing to apply pressure throughout the game. We scored in big numbers, so you always like to see that. Overall, it was a good day for the offense.”
 
As a team, LSU registered 10 hits to log its 13th game with double digit hits this season in the early game against NC State and the two run-rule games brings the Tigers’ total to 10 on the year.
 
Overall on the day, the Tigers had a .429 batting average and scored 22 runs on 18 hits. In the circle LSU finished with a 1.40 ERA in 10.0 innings pitched highlighted by one shutout. 
 
Freshman pitcher Alea Johnson earned her second shutout of the season and improved to 6-0 in the 12-0 win over NC State. Sophomore pitcher Ralin Chaffin moved to 4-1 this season and matched her season-high four strikeouts in the nightcap against BYU.
 
Junior outfielder Ciara Briggs had a team-high four hits on the day and tacked on four RBIs after hitting her second grand slam this season. Junior infielder Raeleen Gutierrez recorded a team-high five RBIs and matched graduate infielder Karli Petty with three hits. Petty also finished with two RBIs. Graduate designated player Georgia Clark went 2-for-3 at the plate and had four ribbies, and sophomore outfielder McKenzie Redoutey tallied three RBIs on two hits. Both Clark and Redoutey led the day with a .667 batting average.
 
Game One
 
Freshman pitcher Alea Johnson (6-0) stayed perfect in the circle and threw her second shutout of the season in game one. In 4.0 innings, Johnson struck out four batters and allowed no runs on three hits and one walk. 
 
Four Tigers finished with two hits, including Clark, Petty, Briggs and Gutierrez. Clark matched a season high four RBIs while going 2-for-2 at the plate, and Gutierrez and Redoutey each had two RBIs in the win.
 
NC State’s pitcher Rylee Wyman (1-7) was charged with the loss and allowed four runs on four hits and one walk in her one inning of play. The Wolfpack hit the bullpen early with three other pitchers on the mound who surrendered the remaining eight runs and six hits. 
 
The Tigers came out the gates scoring four runs on four hits in the opening inning. Junior infielder Danieca Coffey walked and Briggs singled before a fielder’s choice left LSU with runners on the corners. Clark lined a two-run single to right center and a couple batters later, Gutierrez drove a double to right field that scored Clark. The Tigers capped the first inning with an RBI groundout from junior infielder Taylor Pleasants to take an early 4-0 lead.
 
LSU blew the game open with eight runs in the bottom of the fourth. The inning was highlighted by two-run singles from Clark and Redoutey. Gutierrez and Petty tacked on one-run singles, and freshmen catcher Maci Bergeron and outfielder Maia Townsend each added an RBI. An error by the Wolfpack crossed another run for the Tigers to give the home team a 12-0 lead heading to the fifth inning.
 
Freshman utility pitcher Emma Strood finished off the game in the fifth inning. After letting the lead off runner on with a single, Strood and the Tigers’ defense retired the next three batters to seal the run-rule game. 
 
Game Two
 
Chaffin (4-1) collected her fourth win of the season in the nightcap. She matched a season-high four strikeouts and allowed two runs, six hits and two walks in 5.0 innings of work.
 
Briggs highlighted the offense by going 2-for-3 from the plate with four RBIs, all of which came off a second innings grand slam. Gutierrez had her second game of the day with multiple RBIs, tacking on three more ribbies while Petty went 1-for-2 with two RBIs to round out the Tigers with multiple RBIs.
 
BYU’s pitcher Chloe Temples picked up the loss after throwing two strikeouts while allowing eight runs on six hits and two walks in 1.1 innings pitched.
 
Gutierrez led off the second by reaching on an error, Pleasants singled and Redoutey hit an RBI single and advanced to second on a throw. Coffey was walked to load the bases and Briggs busted the inning open with her second grand slam of the season. A few batters later, Petty stepped in the box and launched a two-run triple to right field and the Tigers concluded the eight-run inning with a sac fly by Gutierrez.
 
BYU scored two runners in the third behind a one-run single and one-run double, but LSU answered in the fourth inning with a two-run double from Gutierrez to increase the home team’s margin, 10-2.
 
Chaffin came out in the top of the fifth and retired three of the last four batters, including a strikeout to secure the second run-rule of the day.
 
On Deck
 
The Tigers will battle with Louisiana Tech at 4 p.m. on Saturday
  ​

Da Boot Sports
3/30/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: Keonte Herrera


   BATON ROUGE, La. - Freshman pitcher Sydney Berzon earned her 10th win of the season as No. 12/14 LSU (27-6) rallied back to take down BYU (15-8), 3-2 Thursday night at Tiger Park.
 
“Our team showed they can battle back and be resilient,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “I think we were trying to play carefully and perfectly, and that’s a great way to lose ball games. Of all the things they do well, their fight is number one.”
 
Berzon (10-2) - the reigning SEC Freshman of the Week, picked up where she left off by striking out nine batters and allowing two runs on four hits and one walk.
 
Junior designated player Georgia Clark blasted her sixth home run of the season to tie the game late in the fifth frame, and graduate outfielder Savannah Stewart also logged a hit and drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning. Junior infielder Taylor Pleasants tacked on an RBI and set a new career-high with two sac hits, while juniors Danieca Coffey, Raeleen Gutierrez and graduate infielder Karli Petty each had a hit in the game.
 
BYU’s freshman utility pitcher Ailana Agbayani (2-2) was charged with the loss while throwing zero strikeouts and allowing zero runs, two hits and one walks.
 
Petty drew a walk to start the second inning before Gutierrez knocked a single to left field that advanced Petty to third. Pleasants stepped to the plate and recorded a sac bunt to score Petty for the first run of the night.
 
BYU scored a pair of runs in the top of the fifth after capitalizing on a couple of LSU errors to take a 2-1 lead into the stretch, but LSU responded with a two-out solo shot by Clark to knot up the score, 2-2.
 
In the sixth inning, LSU regained the lead thanks to a two-out RBI single from Stewart that increased the lead, 3-2.  
 
Berzon retired the final four batters of the game, including two strikeouts in the seventh to secure the 3-2 victory.
 
On Deck
 
The Tigers will play a doubleheader Friday against N.C. State at 4:30 p.m. and BYU at 7 p.m.