By Ryan Rogers
LSU Sports Information
(2/11/00)
The LSU softball team has high expectations as the 2000 season begins this weekend with the Tiger Classic held at Tiger Park Saturday and Sunday.
The defending SEC champions will be returning most of its starters this season. The feeling around the Lady Tiger squad is that they can improve this season on an outstanding 56-10 record a year ago.
In his second full season with the Tigers, head coach Glen Moore likes the experience the team has.
“We have lots of seniors for the first time this year because the program has only been started since 1996,” explained Moore.
Indeed the team will count on its seniors to lead the them to success this year.
“The western division will be stronger than the east this year. Alabama and Arkansas are both really tough,” he said. “In the east it really wide open among Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida,” said Moore.
The pitching staff for the Lady Tigers we be solid. It was a unit ranked 10th in the nation last year and it returns three of four starters this year. Ashley Lewis, who made All-SEC last year will head the staff. She had impressive stats in 1999, going 25-4 as a starter with a 0.99 ERA. The former Texas A&M Aggie transferred to LSU after her freshmen season. Lewis is originally from Baton Rouge graduating from Central H.S.
Another quality starter is Britni Sneed, who also made All-SEC last year. She won 23 games as a starter last year. Sneed holds the school record for strikeouts with 204. She once sat down 12 batters in a single game against Bowling Greene. Senior pitcher Julie Stashko will be the Lady Tigers top reliever. She has 19 career starts for the Lady Tigers and is experienced enough to come in clutch situations.
The LSU infield is arguably the best in the nation. The infield is led by a trio of standout seniors. Ashley Ducote was named All-American for her incredible junior campaign. She batted .377 with 5 Hrs and 39 RBIs. Ducote is the heart of the Lady Tigers lineup. Look for her to have a big season. She will make the move from catcher to third base. Ducote is more comfortable at third base. Senior shortstop Tara Asbill has proven to be one of the conferences top players. She put up some impressive numbers last year batting .342 with 10 Hrs and 50 RBIs. She was awarded All-SEC honors for her achievements in 1999. Senior first baseman Shaunte’ Fremin was the best defensive player in the conference at her position a year ago. She committed zero errors while fielding 367 balls hit her way. She is also a clutch hitter. She hit key homeruns late in the season for the Lady Tigers helping them through the post season. Rounding out the infield is junior second baseman Stephanie Hastings. Hastings will look to rekindle with the big numbers she wracked up as a freshmen. She batted .374 with 34 RBIs. Utility infielder Auburne Ziober will also see playing time for the Lady Tigers.
The dirty work behind the plate this year will be handled by Jennifer Schuelke and freshmen Jennie Reeves. Schuelke has shown her ability to hit by posting a .353 batting average as a freshmen. Reeves was a highly touted recruit from Dehnam Springs. She led her team to the state championship in softball. However, she also lettered in basketball and volleyball in high school.
LSU also brings a good outfield to the table. Speed, speed and more speed is the best way to describe left fielder Dee Douglas. She will track down fly balls everywhere. Douglas also holds the conference record with 45 stolen bases. She carries a big stick with her too, batting .382 last season. Treena Peel is an All-Sec performer returning this season. Peel batted .356 as a freshmen last year. A stint this past summer with the U.S. Jr. Olympic team will aid in her development to becoming a top-flight player. Hard worker Stacey Newton will play center field. She was recently recognized as a Strength and Conditioning All-American. She is a powerful hitter who will be valuable when runners are in scoring position. Tayrn Perry and Megann Steege will add depth in the outfield.
The upcoming season will be an exciting one for Lady Tiger softball fans. The team hopes to chase new goals this season which include going deep into the post season. With success virtually inevitable, LSU will be a team to watch closely this season.