BATON ROUGE — With one week remaining until the start of the 2006 season, fans will get their first chance to see this year’s edition of the LSU softball team at the “Meet the Tigers” event this Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Tiger Park.
Fans will get the opportunity to watch the Tigers scrimmage from noon to 1 p.m. and then meet the team from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. while members of the LSU Ticket Office are available to take season ticket orders. The event is free and open to the public and hot dogs and drinks will also be available for purchase.
After an underwhelming season by LSU standards a year ago, the 2006 team takes the field with an awakened Tiger spirit that drives them to return to their familiar place atop the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA.
LSU did not lose a starter from its 2005 team, and lost only one letterwinner, while also adding a trio of newcomers who can help them revisit the level of success that has become a staple for the Tigers throughout the program’s history.
“Everyone associated with the program is eager to return to competition and prove that the Tigers were merely napping,” said head coach Yvette Girouard. “The coaching staff and the entire team expect great things for this regular season.”
Playing without a senior and starting several freshmen a year ago, LSU went through a few growing pains, but the team learned from those trials and tribulations and returns with battle tested players who are ready to welcome the challenges of a difficult schedule.
“The demanding schedule early on the road in major competition will prepare us for the rigors of the SEC,” said Girouard. “Since the first meeting in the fall we have dedicated ourselves to living in the present by embracing each ‘today’ with a chance to become better softball players, coaches and teammates.”
By overcoming the obstacles last year and putting them in the past, the team has united in the present to become a unit in which each individual understands her contribution and role in making LSU successful.
“This is a team any coach would love to direct,” said Girouard. “The team is filled with highly talented, driven, extremely loyal athletes who love LSU. One of the most glaring qualities of the team is their respect for the game and their true appreciation for each other and the talents and attributes each player brings to the group.”
The team was tested in the fall and rose to the occasion, never once wavering during the most demanding offseason workouts in the program’s history. The players stepped up to the challenge and that has given the team a renewed confidence and terrific approach that will carry them through the year.
“Collectively, the group has embraced each and every new challenge presented to them, including the most strenuous fall conditioning program the Tigers have ever accomplished,” said Girouard. “The team’s attitude is one of tremendous confidence that this LSU softball team will be one to be remembered.”
PITCHERS
After a less than phenomenal season by LSU standards, the focus on pitching has returned. With the return of three pitchers, including All-SEC selection Emily Turner (Chula Vista, Calif.), the Tigers add the National Player of the Year Dani Hofer (Safety Harbor, Fla.).
“The pitch is back,” said Girouard “LSU softball has been synonymous with excellent pitchers and staffs. This 2006 staff will be exciting to watch with the promise of a return to dominance within the circle.”
As a sophomore, Turner posted a 17-16 record with 203 strikeouts. In addition, the junior earned three wins over nationally ranked teams and posted six complete-game shutouts.
“We believe Emily turned the corner in the latter part of last season,” said Girouard. “Her confidence, awareness of competition and her own recognition of her physical talents is part of her maturation process. We believe that Emily will have a breakout year.”
Despite an injury that limited her action throughout most of 2005, Megan Jolly (Owensboro, Ky.) recorded a 7-5 record with 71 strikeouts. The sophomore threw three complete-game shutouts and recorded a win over nationally ranked Florida.
“Megan is finally healthy and has worked harder physically than at any time in her career,” said Girouard. “If she can stay healthy she can give the Tigers very good innings.”
A sophomore from LaPorte, Texas, Tiffany Garcia posted a 7-2 mark in her freshman season. She threw three complete-game shutouts, including a one-hitter against Grambling State, while recording 45 strikeouts.
“Tiffany returns with more confidence in her abilities,” said Girouard. “Possessing the best change up on the team, Tiffany is fine change of pace from others.”
The 2005 Gatorade National Player of the Year, Hofer joins the Tigers after leading Palm Harbor High School to back-to-back Florida Class 5A state titles. As a senior, she recorded a 25-0 record for the 31-0 Hurricanes with 21 shutouts and 15 no-hitters. She struck out 404 with a 0.08 ERA. In four years, she recorded 13 perfect games, which ranks fourth in the all-time national high school record book.
“Dani will be a great addition to this team,” said Girouard. “Her greatest attribute is an inherent mound presence. A true competitor, Dani exudes confidence and her teammates feed off her attitude. Dani has great movement on all pitches and more than likely will always stay ahead of the hitters.”
CATCHERS
The Tigers return both junior Kristen Hobbs (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and sophomore Killian Roessner (Manasquan, N.J.) from a year ago. While Hobbs saw the most work behind the plate, Roessner got considerable playing time as a freshman.
Hobbs will be sidelined early on as she recovers from offseason ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, commonly known as Tommy John surgery but affectionately called Tammy Jane surgery by the team.
“Kristen is coming back and is now able to throw gradually,” said assistant coach Lori Osterberg. “We will have to see what happens with her rehab, but she will possibly get some time behind the plate. She is rehabbing hard and we’ll have to see her progress.”
The loss of Hobbs opens the door for Roessner to step in. With a strong, accurate arm, she allowed only seven stolen bases on 14 attempts.
“Killian saw action last year, but has come back a new woman,” said Osterberg. “She returns with confidence. She’s accurate, has a gun and is smart with it. Killian is also a great communicator on the field with a solid, strong voice that the girls hear. She keeps them centered and on the same page.”
INFIELD
Returning all four starters in an infield that saw a pair of freshmen up the middle, the unit has had time to build a connection and strengthen its confidence.
“With basically the same infield, we have an extra a year of experience” said Osterberg. “We have been able to grow together and build off each other. We are playing as a unit. Our confidence is extremely high and we are eager to take the field.
“The infield is like a team within our team and that enables them to play as a unit,” said Osterberg. “We have a solid group of girls on the same page. They are communicating well and are talented defensively.”
The Tigers return Stephanie Hill (Harahan, La.) at first base, Vanessa Soto (San Diego, Calif.) at second base, Andrea Smith (Moreno Valley, Calif.) at shortstop and Lauren Delahoussaye (Lafayette, La.) at third base. In addition, LSU brought in Texas A&M-Corpus Christi transfer Shannon Stein (Upland, Calif.), who will challenge for a starting role, and freshman Fallon Fisher (Sulphur, La.), who is learning her way at first base.
Hill, a senior who has held down the starting role at first base for two seasons, was selected as one of the team captains for 2006. The former walk-on has been solid in the field, while contributing as one of the team’s most consistent and powerful hitters.
“Stephanie is completely solid at her position,” said Osterberg. “She’s a great leader and communicator on the field. The girls look to her for leadership.”
Delahoussaye holds down the hot corner in her second year at third base after playing shortstop in her first two seasons. The senior has used her outstanding arm to make remarkable plays look easy.
“Lauren covers a lot of ground,” said Osterberg. “She is fast and has an amazing arm. She is a big plus for us in stopping opponents’ short game.”
During her freshman year at shortstop, sophomore Smith proved to be one of the most dependable players at that position in school history. Leading the SEC in fielding by a shortstop, she routinely made the highlight reel.
“Andrea plays like a major league baseball player,” said Osterberg. “She is fun to watch. She’s very consistent and covers a lot of ground.”
Soto joins Smith to form the heart of the infield. The sophomore recorded only 10 errors in almost 200 attempts last season while leading the Tigers at the plate in several offensive categories.
“Vanessa is a real steady, stable player who understands the game well,” said Osterberg.
Leading TAMUCC to one of its best seasons in school history, Stein ranked second with a .315 average. The sophomore started all 48 games at second base for the Islanders with a .968 fielding percentage, but may play multiple positions at LSU.
“Shannon can play anywhere,” said Osterberg. “Put her anywhere and she will come through. She’s an impact player and just gets it done. She is strong and fast, so she’ll be dependable wherever we put her. With her bat coming through as a prime time hitter, she may find herself in a starting role.”
Inducted into the Southwest Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame while still in high school, Fisher is a former pitcher and infielder who brings an outstanding bat to the roster as she develops at first base.
“Stephanie has taken Fallon under her wing and shown her the ropes at first base,” said Osterberg. “Fallon has come in and really adjusted nicely.”
OUTFIELD
While LSU returns all starters in the outfield this season, the lineup will shift as All-American Leslie Klein (Sunrise, Fla.) moves from left field to center field and All-SEC selection Camille Harris (Hendersonville, Tenn.) shifts from center to left. With both starting positions solidified, the battle will be for a position in right field. Returning starter Quinlan Duhon (Youngsville, La.) is battling senior Lauren Castle (Lafayette, La.) and sophomore Erika Sluss (Vista, Calif.) for the role.
“We are going to have a fast outfield,” said associate head coach James DeFeo. “We are going to cover a lot of ground – balls that dropped last year, will definitely not drop this year.”
Klein earned All-America honors as a freshman in 2004, but was hampered last season after recovering from a second ACL tear in her knee. The junior has returned to the lineup at full speed.
“Leslie is fully healed and back to her All-America-potential self,” said DeFeo. “She’s covering ground out there and looking really good.”
After starting in center field in 2005 and right field two year ago, Harris will complete the trio with the move to left field. The senior’s speed has helped her develop into one of LSU’s most reliable outfielders.
“Camille makes the outstanding plays look routine,” said DeFeo, “as she patrols the grass at Tiger Park.”
After starting 32 of LSU’s 54 games in right last season, Duhon returns with the most experience in the outfield. Castle started 13 games in right before taking over as the designated player. Sluss is moving to the outfield after seeing action in the infield last year.
“We have a pretty big battle between Erika, Quinlan and Lauren Castle,” said DeFeo. “We really would like to see Castle in there to free up the designated player spot, but Erika and Quinlan are really hitting the ball well. It will all depend on who is swinging the bat hot.”
Dee Dee Henderson (Marietta, Texas) and Heidi Robin (Breaux Bridge, La.) add depth to the outfield to help make it one of the Tigers’ strengths.
AT THE PLATE
The Tigers return all of their hitters from last season as LSU ranked near the top of the SEC in batting a year ago. With a veteran upper class that has played in a majority of games during their careers and a sophomore class than now has a year of experience, LSU looks to remain among the league’s best at the plate.
“Castle, Stephanie and Camille are coming back really strong,” said DeFeo. “Lauren Delahoussaye is back and swinging the bat really well, while Klein is as strong as ever with her hitting, slapping and running.
“The sophomores bring a lot of experience to the Tigers. Andrea has really worked hard at the plate and is going to be solid, while Soto is just a natural hitter. Sluss is going to be hard to keep out of the lineup.”
A duel threat for the Tigers, Castle has the ability to slap for a high average or swing for power. She has improved her bat control and now has the ability to find the holes in the defense.
“Opponents don’t know how to play Castle because she can beat out a bunt and she can hit it out at any point,” said Osterberg. “She also has a presence because of height, but she is deceptively fast.”
Someone that may surprise opponents this season is Roessner, who has returned with added power while making solid contact.
“Killian has really stepped up her game,” said DeFeo. “I think this will be her breakout year. Her power game has come. She’ll be really solid at the plate this year with a year under her belt.”
Adding to the lineup this year will be Fisher and Stein. Both give LSU prime time hitting off the bench and may see extensive time in pinch hitting roles.
“Fallon looks to be a very big impact player,” said DeFeo. “Stein is a utility player and her bat is really something that can provide us with a spark.”
Henderson add speed to the roster after tying for the team lead in stolen bases last year and crossing the plate in almost half of her games played.
“Henderson can come off the bench and run for anyone,” said Osterberg. “We need to get her on early in an inning, move her from bag to bag, and score her.”
In a change from last season, Turner will bat for herself while she is pitching. Her ability to remain in the lineup will allow the Tigers more choices with the designated player role.
“Emily will be in the lineup for herself when she is pitching this year,” said DeFeo. “She’s one of the most natural hitters on the team but we haven’t been able to get her in the lineup. This will open up the DP spot, with just one more person in there to get it going.”