BATON ROUGE — The LSU softball team signed four players for the 2002 season in the first NCAA softball early signing period this fall. The Tigers will add Tessa Lynam, Jessica Braggins, Blair Smith and Lindsey Howard to their roster in 2002.
“This is a tremendous recruiting class for us in our first early signing period at LSU,” said new head coach Yvette Girouard. “We feel like we have added a ton of pop to our offensive lineup and have definitely made us stronger up the middle with solid defensive players. Not only are these student athletes talented in the sport of softball, but the are also very dedicated to work ethic and are solid people from very good families.”
From Alpharetta, Ga., Lynam will add depth at pitcher and first base. She will also find a spot with her bat in the Tigers’ line-up. Lynam played softball at Milton High School and summer ball for the Georgia Elite. Lynam chose LSU over Georgia and Alabama.
“Tessa, is one of, if not the best hitter in the state of Georgia and in the country,” said Girouard. “She will be a tremendous offensive weapon, as she is capable of hitting the long ball at any given time.”
Braggins comes to LSU from Tampa, Fla., where she played softball at Plant High School. She also played summer ball for the Lady Gators coached by Gary Fitzpatrick. Braggins is an outfielder and first baseman. She also will help the Tigers with her hitting. She chose LSU over Florida, Florida State, North Carolina and Michigan State.
“Jessica fits into the same category as Tessa. We think she is one of the best hitters in Florida and the country. She will be an intimidating force at the plate and a capable defensive player.”
Smith will add depth at the shortstop position for the Tigers in 2002. She is from Moreno Valley, Calif., and played for Valley View High School. Smith played summer ball for the Southern California Cruisers coached by Ron McCard. She chose LSU over BYU and Notre Dame.
“We felt that Blair was the best defensive shortstop out there this summer. She is very, very smooth with a great range and a strong arm.”
The final Tiger signee, Howard, is a catcher from Madison, Tenn. She played high school ball at Goodpasture Christian School.
“I have watched Lindsey for over four years, and I am very impressed with her knowledge of the game and handling pitchers. She is a great looking catcher with nice size and has tons of potential offensively.”
The 2001 Tigers start their season on Feb. 9 at the Fiesta Bowl Classic at Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz. against Washington.