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Blogging from the Berm: Beth Torina

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Blogging from the Berm: Beth Torina

BATON ROUGE – A special edition of LSU softball’s “Blogging from the Berm” as head coach Beth Torina touches upon the importance of the program’s second annual “Strikeout Ovarian Cancer” event set for Saturday at Tiger Park.

First pitch of game two of the series is on-tap for 6 p.m., and the Tigers will wear teal jerseys in support of the cause. The first 1,500 fans can pick up a “Strikeout Ovarian Cancer” teal rally towel. Leading into the game, LSU softball will celebrate survivors as part of a pregame recognition ceremony. Tickets also are available for $1 at www.LSUtix.net .

Hey Tiger Fans:
 
“I am writing to you wearing my teal colored glasses. It seems like everywhere I look, everything is teal. Even the Baton Rouge, stop lights seem to be telling me to “Geaux” in a shade of teal.

When I tell you that this week has been busy, that is an understatement. It all started as we got into Baton Rouge late last night as we travelled home from an exciting series against a powerful Texas A&M team. A huge “Thanks” goes to all of the Tiger Fans that travelled along with us to College Station. We sure held our own in a very tough environment. To say we have the greatest fans in all of college softball is an understatement. You all are amazing, but your work had only just begun.

On Wednesday, we took our team on the road again to Lake Charles to face McNeese State. The game set an all-time attendance record at Cowgirl Diamond. Again, all of our Tiger fans just continue to amaze me. The contest was a lot of fun: A.J. Andrews and Jacee Blades were on fire at the plate and Bianka Bell was able to blast her 11th home run of the season.

During the week, we met with the “Geaux Teal” walk committee along with our marketing director, Lauren Taylor, as we continued to plan Saturday’s special event. These amazing women who are survivors of Ovarian Cancer or family members and friends who have been directly affected by this disease have worked so hard to plan an amazing event. We are hosting the initial “Geaux Teal Walk” to raise awareness about Ovarian Cancer.

As always at the meeting, I shed a few tears hearing the stories of what motivates these women to work so hard for this cause. I know without a doubt this is a cause I won’t stop fighting for, and I am so thrilled that we will be able to help the local Baton Rouge Community with the funds raised from this event. My Mom, as well as all of the other Ovarian Cancer survivors, will be honored on the field before Saturday’s game. Your Tigers also will be wearing their brand new teal jerseys.

On Sunday, we will host another one of my favorite days of season – “Bark at the Park”. Make sure you bring your dogs out to enjoy the game on the berm. After all, dogs love softball too. And don’t worry, I’m sure my new puppy, Rosin, also will make an appearance.

The next two weeks at home are huge series for us in the SEC standings. We REALLY need the support of everyone to help us to victory. This team has done some great things so far, but the next two weeks are really important. So please come out to Tiger Park and by all means – be LOUD! In case you haven’t noticed, our group in the dugout, led by Katie Guillory and her protégé Bianka Bell, get pretty crazy. Dylan Supak, Kailey McCasland and Alex Boulet really get into it too and rarely have a voice after a weekend series. So please cheer right along with them and feel free to get a little crazy too.

Last year at the super regional at Mizzou, you Tiger Fans were so loud. Even on the road, you helped us keep the momentum throughout all three games. You were such a big factor in getting us to the Women’s College World Series. We have to make sure that we are not the only ones that know that we have the best fans in the nation – let’s make sure everyone who enters Tiger Park has no doubt in their minds when they leave.”

Geaux Tigers and Geaux Teal,

Coach Torina