Fourth in a seven-part softball series previewing the 2007 season leading up to the season-opening Easton Tiger Classic Tournament at Tiger Park on Feb. 9-11.
BATON ROUGE — Despite having to replace a pair of departed senior starters in the infield, the LSU softball team has a wealth of experience and talent to choose from that should make the transition much easier.
“Our infield has a different look this year, but still has a tremendous amount of experience,” said first-year assistant coach Megan Smith. “They are playing as a cohesive unit and although there have been some changes this year, they look like they have been playing together for a long time.”
The group typifies what it means to be a Tiger with their play on the field. They are passionate and are always ready to get the job done, no matter what it takes.
“Every infielder brings an intense and aggressive attitude to the field and it shows in their play,” said Smith. “There is never a day of practice that ends without them being covered in dirt. They committed themselves to working harder than they ever have during the fall and it has paid off already.”
LSU returns only one starter to the same position from a year ago as shortstop Andrea Smith patrols up the middle for the Tigers. The junior from Moreno Valley, Calif., standout has routinely made the highlight reel in her first two seasons with a rifle for an arm and an incredible range.
“Andrea has really stepped up her game this fall,” said Smith. “After much practice and dedication she has a renewed sense of dominance as our shortstop. She has a knack for making the unbelievable plays look routine.”
After earning first-team NFCA All-South Region honors a year ago, two-year starter at second base Vanessa Soto makes the transition to first base to replace the departed Stephanie Hill. The steady Soto, a San Diego, Calif. native, led the SEC in fielding by a second baseman last season and has recorded only 12 errors in her two years as a Tigers.
“Vanessa will move from second base to first base this season,” said Smith. “She is a naturally smooth and effortless defensive player, so the transition has been easy for her. She worked hard in the fall adjusting her game at first base so she is prepared for the season.”
In Soto’s stead at second will be junior Shannon Stein, who saw time at several positions a year ago after transferring to LSU from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. As a freshman, the Upland, Calif. native, helped guide the Islanders to one of their best seasons in school history.
“Shannon is the sparkplug of our infield,” said Smith. “She has stepped into a larger role at second base and has owned it. Her quickness and solid fundamentals will be a huge asset to our infield. Shannon also has become the vocal leader of our infield and she has really helped to improve our communication.”
Replacing departed senior Lauren Delahoussaye at third will be junior transfer Tayl’r Hollis. The St. Amant, La., native, joined the Tiger program last spring from Oklahoma, where she started at shortstop and second base for the nationally ranked Sooners as a freshman.
“Tayl’r brings a lot of swagger to our infield,” said Smith. “Her fearless attitude makes her a force at third base. She is a fierce competitor who would sacrifice anything to get the out. I look for big things from her.”
An all-around athlete, Erika Sluss has been an outstanding utility payer in her first two seasons. The junior from Vista, Calif., will be called upon once again to help LSU at several key positions.
“Erika will serve many roles for our team this season,” said Smith. “She is such a versatile athlete and has worked at both first and second during the fall. Erika is a solid player who simply gets the job done.”
An NFCA High School All-American at St. Amant High School, Lindsey Hope helped the Lady Gators to back-to-back Louisiana state championships. She used the fall to advance her position at third base.
“Lindsey worked in the fall to improve her defensive skills at third base,” said Smith. “She has developed better fundamentals and has really improved her game.”