BATON ROUGE – The LSU softball team kicked off the 2012 season with a successful inaugural fan day Saturday as approximately 500 fans poured into Tiger Park.
“Today showed us once again how privileged we are to be a part of the LSU softball program,” head coach Beth Torina said. “Our team has a group of 22 amazing young women. I’m proud to put them on the field Friday representing our great university and community. We have the best fans in the nation, and it was so exciting to put on this event for them.”
The home run derby was won by an impressive 30-6 margin as seniors Ashley Langoni, Heidi Pizer and Morgan Russell displayed their long ball talents. Langoni ripped a team-high 15 bombs highlighted by a majestic blast that not only cleared the left field berm but went sailing into the parking lot. Russell also connected for 10 dingers, including a ball that hit off the top of the flag pole in centerfield.
For the underclassmen, Rikki Alcarez provided five of the team’s six home runs. She ripped a towering shot that went parallel past to the scoreboard in right centerfield and brushed up against the back fence.
In the pitching skills competition, Brittany Mack struck out the side facing celebrity guests Sam Montgomery and Tyrann Mathieu from the 2011 SEC champion football team along with 2003 SEC Championship game MVP Justin Vincent. Montgomery worked the count to 3-2 before being fanned, while Vincent received the benefit of an extra strike on a controversial foul tip.
The dance contest was won by Team Outfield. The event turned in favor of the outfield when Katie Guillory broke out a classic move made famous by 1990’s television sitcom “Saved By the Bell” and Alex Boulet executed a perfect rendition of “The Worm” on the grass in-front of the LSU dugout.
“Fan day was very awesome,” outfielder Simone Heyward said. “Despite the weather, our fans showed why they’re the best in the nation. It was fun to show off our fun side as players, and we look forward to an exciting season.”
LSU is six days away from opening the 2012 campaign and playing host to the Tiger Classic. The Tigers usher in the next chapter of their storied history under first-year coach Beth Torina on February 10 versus Penn State. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. from Tiger Park. LSU also has match-ups slated against No. 15 Michigan and Louisiana Tech on opening weekend.
Fans can follow LSU softball using social media at www.Facebook.com/lsusoftball and @lsu_softball on Twitter. Season tickets can be purchased for $75 at www.LSUtix.net for an impressive home schedule that features 2011 NCAA Tournament participants Florida State, Georgia Tech, Michigan and Penn State along with electrifying SEC series versus Arkansas, Auburn, No. 10 Georgia, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.