In the second part of a three-part series previewing the 2016 LSU softball season, LSUsports.net takes a look at the infield. Find part one of the series here
An experienced and talented core of veterans throughout the infield gives LSU stability at multiple positions for the upcoming season, returning every player that saw time at each of the main defensive positions in 2015.
The Tigers committed fewer errors than their opponents last year, and with no less than five upperclassmen roaming the infield dirt, LSU will have plenty of options to keep the opposition from capitalizing on mistakes.
While this group will look to continue its stout approach defensively, these Tigers are poised to keep up the offensive pace that has seen this group set a host of records over the course of the last four years, both in power and production.
Two seniors that will help lead the group into the new season are Bianka Bell at shortstop and Sandra Simmons at first base. The duo have combined to play over 360 games during their three years at LSU, and go into their final season as one of the more experienced combo’s in the SEC.
One of the players leading that offensive charge is Bell, a first team All-American last year who now owns the season and career marks in home runs with 18 and 44, respectively. Her heroics helped the Tigers in a myriad of ways last season, including having the game-winning hit in the regional round against Arizona State.
Simmons capped one of her best seasons at LSU by being named to the nine-member SEC All-Defensive Team with a .975 defensive percentage, while hitting .331 at the plate with 38 RBIs. The Fountain Valley, California, product saved some of her best hitting for the end of the year, being named the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional most valuable player after registering a .800 batting average in two games, leading the team with six RBIs with a 1.800 slugging percentage and .714 on-base percentage.
Arguably one of the most versatile players in LSU lore can also lay claim to being the first player since Rachele Fico to be a back-to-back All-American in Sahvanna Jaquish, who also repeated as a first team All-SEC pick as well. Jaquish started 49 of the 66 total games at third base last season, and produced a fielding percentage of .978, but really made her mark with her bat by setting the new single-season record for RBIs in a season with 78.
Playing in 63 games last year and getting 60 total starts last year is Constance Quinn, the versatile junior who volunteered to play on the women’s basketball team when they were low on players due to injury. Quinn batted .273 at the plate and was third on the team in doubles with 11, including being named to the All-Baton Rouge Regional Team and seeing time at second base as well as designated player.
Starting 21 of the final 23 games of the season, Sydney Bourg made the most of her first year as a Tiger, hitting .262 with 11 hits. Bourg appeared in 31 total games, pinning her time defensively at second base, while also coming in to pinch run, scoring the game-winning run against Arizona State to move LSU into the next round.
In her first full year after transferring from Washington, Jenna Kreamer enters her senior season after playing in 17 games last year, making 13 starts all at third base. The Evangel High School record-holder was a lock-down defender at third, finishing the season without committing an error at the position.
The Tigers will have some fresh faces that could also see time in the lineup in the infield, with three freshmen and a sophomore making up the reserve unit.
A sophomore on this year’s team is local product Randi Provost, who sat out all of last season after transferring to LSU. Provost won a state championship and played for another in consecutive seasons at Teurlings Catholic, being named an all-district player multiple times.
The first of a trio of freshman is Shemiah Sanchez out of Newnan, Georgia, and East Coweta High School. She won the regional championship every season of her career in softball, being an all-state selection twice during her career as a sophomore and senior and finished her ECHS career as the holder of 15 individual season and career school records combined.
Amber Serrett was a four-year standout at Oak Ridge High School in Texas, where she was a four-time District 14-5A first team selection, earning first team all-county honors those same seasons. Serrett graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the Montgomery County Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Hailing from St. Joseph’s Academy right here in Baton Rouge is Elyse Thornhill, who capped her career as a Red Sticker by leading the team to 66 total wins. As a senior she hit .531, slugging .827 with 38 stolen bases as she was named the team’s most valuable player for the second time at the school, while also earning MVP honors at the LHSCA All-Star Game for the East squad.