Softball Squad Looking Forward to 2015 Season
Skies are clear, it’s cold outside, and spring is right around the corner. Students are getting used to their spring courses, and LSU seniors are slowly counting the days until graduation. Softball season is approaching, and there’s no other place to be than in Tiger Park.
With an overall record of 38-24 last season, LSU’s softball team can’t wait to take the field in early February. The team’s down-to-earth spirit is complemented by a work ethic that shouldn’t surprise anyone.
“As a team we’re definitely trying to get to the Women’s College World Series. I think this is the year for us. We have a lot of incoming talent as well as returning talent,” junior catcher Kellsi Kloss said. “Individually for me, I’m not trying to focus on any awards. I just want to make sure I’m the best that I can be and that I can push others to be the best they can be too, because I want us to be one unit and to be as strong as we possibly can.”
The team has begun practicing this fall and is already beginning to look promising. The team has fall exhibitions as well as practices that are held five days a week. During practice the team focuses on cleaning up its skills on the field while also striving to work as one.
“This year is different because we have a lot of people that want to be leaders and mentors to other girls. I feel like we haven’t really had this strong of a unified leadership in a long time,” Kloss said. “I think this year is going to be really different in a sense that we’re all moving toward one goal. We’re all being really selfless this year. I think that is the main goal this year.”
 |
 |
| LSU At the Game programs are available on campus three hours prior to game time and online while supplies last. |
Even with the differing personalities that teams usually feature, one would think that this team would be difficult to coach, but head coach Beth Torina would disagree.
“I think this team really gets along well,” Torina said. “They’re fun, exciting, and enjoyable to be around. They make me proud to be their coach. I think this is a great group.”
Joining returning players such as All-American Sahvanna Jaquish, Bianka Bell and A.J. Andrews are a number of new players like Emily Griggs, Jenna Kreamer and Allie Walljasper. These newcomers are coming to win and are playing hard. They are the definition of the phrase “Go Big or Go Home,” and coach Torina would agree.
“I love our newcomers,” Torina said. “I think they’re pushing everyone that’s ahead of them to be even better, and I think they’re going to make some noise themselves. I think they’re really fun players to watch. We’ve got a bunch of speed players that are going to fly around the bases. We’ve got some pitchers that throw hard, and we have players that hit the ball a long way, too.”
Excitement fills Tiger Park as the season gets nearer, and the players aren’t afraid to let LSU know. Though the team’s schedule has not yet been released, sophomore pitcher Baylee Corbello is looking forward to the season beginning.
“I’m both nervous and excited, but more excited definitely,” Corbello said. “I know where we are now compared to where we were last spring. I feel like we’re starting off stronger this year. I’m excited to play all the teams in the SEC because everyone in the SEC is good.”
The Tigers are ready for the season to start, but they are also ready for a challenge, ready to showcase their talents. They are ready to put their hard work and dedication to the test. They will bring nothing but the best to the table this spring. Say hello to softball season because it’ll be here sooner than you think.