As LSU softball heads into the final weekend of SEC play, the focus remains on the ultimate goal rather than constantly checking the standings.
The No. 20 Tigers are in a strong position to host an NCAA regional, thanks to their No. 11 RPI ranking and a matchup against Auburn, a team tied for second-to-last in the conference. The three-game series kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. at Tiger Park.
LSU (34-16, 10-11 SEC) has won 11 of its last 15 games, most recently cruising to a 16-0 midweek victory over McNeese State. Head coach Beth Torina emphasized the importance of staying grounded and not taking anything for granted.
“We just need to play well this weekend and in the SEC tournament,” Torina said when asked about a potential “magic number.” “We’ve built a strong resume. I told the team we’ve won the games we’re supposed to win. Could we have taken a few more? Sure, but there’s no bad loss on our schedule. We have 11 Quad 1 wins, and I’ll put that up against anyone.
“Our RPI is No. 11. If we keep doing positive things moving forward, we’ll be in good shape. This team has a very strong case with those Quad 1 victories.”
LSU is currently tied for eighth in the SEC with Georgia in a traditionally tough conference, but the Tigers are clicking in all phases pitching, hitting, and defense better than at any other point this season. A sweep of Auburn would likely secure eighth place outright, especially with Georgia facing a three-game series against No. 6 Florida.
“At this point in the season, it doesn’t matter how you get it done or who does it—we just need to find a way to win the series,” Torina said. “Auburn is fighting too. They’re trying to keep their postseason hopes alive. They’ve battled all season, and they’ll do the same this weekend.”
LSU’s top hitters include outfielder Jalia Lassiter (.340) and shortstop Kylee Edwards (.338), but the hottest bat belongs to first baseman Tori Edwards. She’s on a seven-game hitting streak, going 10-for-19 (.526) with four home runs, a double, and 12 RBIs.
LSU’s pitching had a strong month-long stretch before a slight dip in the last two weekends, but the bullpen has found a reliable weapon alongside starters Jayden Heavener and Cece Cellura. Paytn Monticelli earned all three wins against Ole Miss two weekends ago, tossing seven combined shutout innings.
“There are a few pitches we’d like back from the past couple of weeks, but before that we had an incredible five-week run with amazing pitching numbers,” Torina said. “Hopefully, we can make some adjustments, attack their offense, and get back to where we were a few weeks ago.”
Auburn (25-24, 4-17 SEC) is in its second season under the husband-and-wife coaching duo of Kate and Chris Malveaux. The visitors have impressive wins over No. 11 Oregon and Florida but endured a 13-game SEC losing streak that included four sweeps.
One of Auburn’s top hitters is a familiar face: former LSU outfielder McKaela Walker, who transferred in the offseason. Walker is batting .301 with a team-high 37 RBIs and is tied with teammate Ma’Nia Womack for the team lead in home runs (11).
Shortstop Alyssa Hastings is hitting .380 with six homers and 33 RBIs for Auburn.
The Tigers’ pitching ace is Ella Harrison (11-12, 3.65 ERA), who recently threw a complete-game, 4-0 shutout against Florida.
