BATON ROUGE — LSU head softball coach Yvette Girouard added two more players to her 2003 roster during the early signing period. LaDonia Huges and Alicia Owen both signed national letters of intent to play for Girouard and the Tigers.
“We have solidified a tremendous recruiting class with the addition of these two young ladies,” said Girouard. “My previous statements of quality, depth, talent and prestige of this class included what we knew would be the icing on the cake with the announcing of these last two signees. The ‘whole package’ is what we like to call this class and their families. We have met every need that our team would be facing with the loss of our senior class.”
Hughes will transfer to LSU from Lake City (Fla.) Community College where she was a key part of its first national championship last spring. She received the honor of junior college first team All-American and All-Conference after batting over .400 and setting school records with 10 triples and 85 runs scored.
“LaDonia is one of the fastest and strongest outfielders in the country,” said Girouard. “Her blazing speed, cannon for an arm and enthusiasm to light up everyone around her will make her one fun player to watch over her two years at LSU.”
Hughes will fill the speedster shoes vacated by Dee Douglas, Alicia Perry and Trena Peel in the outfield and on the base paths. She was recently converted to a left-handed slap-hitter to better utilize her speed from home to first base. A native of Farmville, Va., Hughes hit over .400 and stole 30 bases her senior season at Prince Edward High School.
“She was a vital signee since the Tigers will be losing a great deal of speed in the outfield,” added Girouard. “We consider her a great find as many around the country were not aware of her ability.”
A native of Anaheim, Calif., Owen was heavily recruited by some of the nation’s top softball programs, but chose to bring her talents to LSU. She is a three-year starter at Loara High School where she pitches and plays second base. Last season, Owen hit .427, with eight home runs and had 44 RBI. Her efforts earned her first team All-Orange County, All-California Interscholastic Federation and all-state honors.
“Alicia is one of the premier shortstops in the country,” said Girouard. “She can do it all, hit for power and make contact. She has a good glove and the knack for taking control of the game. She is purely and simply a winner and a prime-time player.”
A member of the California Rebels, Owen hit .434 with an .813 slugging percent last summer. She was also the team captain the past two seasons.
“Alicia was truly the most outstanding player this summer in the prestigious Fireworks tournament in Colorado,” added Girouard. “She was unquestionably one of the most highly recruited softball athletes in this signing period and chose LSU over 2000 National Champion Oklahoma and SEC-rival Florida. She will have a great career wearing the purple and gold.”
The 2002 Tigers will start their season by hosting the Tiger Classic on Feb. 8-10 at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge.