LAS VEGAS — The seventh-ranked Tiger softball team travels to face several of the top-ranked teams in the nation this weekend at the UNLV Softball Classic in Las Vegas, Nev.
LSU (3-2) opens play on Friday at 11 a.m. CT against 10th-ranked Cal State Fullerton (6-3). The Titans have defeated five top 25-ranked teams this season, including a 2-0 victory over No. 1 UCLA. The Tigers will then face the top-ranked Bruins (5-1) at 1:30 p.m. CT.
On Saturday, LSU will face Cal Poly (6-6) at 11 a.m. CT before taking on Utah (2-3) at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Tigers close out the tournament against Central Michigan on Sunday at 11 a.m. CT.
“To start out with Cal State Fullerton and UCLA on the first day is a challenge for us,” said LSU head coach Yvette Girouard, “but we are excited about the opportunity. This is a College World Series caliber tournament and we are going to have to be on the top of our game. We will have to take each game, one game at a time.”
Despite posting a 1-2 record, junior Kristin Schmidt hurled a no-hitter, a two-hitter and recorded a save in four appearances in the Tiger Classic last weekend. In 22.1 innings, she allowed five runs, only two of which were earned, on just 10 hits and struck out 17.
Sophomore Tessa Lynam saw her first collegiate action in the circle, going 2-0 for the Tigers despite a cast on her glove hand. The right-hander allowed just two runs in 11.2 innings, while striking out eight.
“Our pitchers did an outstanding job for us last weekend,” said Girouard. “Coming back from her injury, it was tremendous for us to have Tessa go out and get some quality innings of work in the circle. We know we can count on Kristin and she did not disappoint us. She threw a no-hitter against Baylor and then allowed just two hits to Stephen F. Austin despite the loss.”
The Tigers will try to turn things around offensively after struggling to get things started last weekend. Sophomore Blair Smith and junior Julie Wiese led LSU at the plate, combining for seven of the Tigers 22 hits, including three doubles with three RBIs and five walks.
“We know we have the offense in our lineup and that we can hit the ball,” said Girouard. “We just have to go out there and swing with confidence.”
After the UNLV Softball Classic, the Tigers travel for another road test at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. There, LSU will face nationally ranked Cal State Fullerton again, along with No. 8 Oklahoma and Villanova in pool play.