LSU’s Head Coach Beth Torina achieved her 600th career victory as the No. 20 LSU softball team defeated Louisiana Tech, 9-0, in five innings at Tiger Park on March 24.
Torina is now the third head coach in a head-to-head team sport at LSU to reach this milestone, joining Skip Bertman and Paul Mainieri. She is also the only active LSU head coach with at least 600 wins.
LSU improved its record to 22-10 overall and secured its third consecutive win, while Louisiana Tech fell to a season record of 17-15 after suffering its fifth straight loss. The Tigers have now won their last four out of five games and extended their winning streak against the Bulldogs to 27 games in their all-time series.
“I’ve said all along that this team is getting better all the time,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “They are growing all the time. I can’t recall a team that has had this much growth as the season continues. I am confident that we will continue to improve.”
Pitcher Paytn Monticelli started for LSU, striking out seven batters over three innings and allowing just one hit and one walk. Freshmen Cali Deal and Ashlin Mowery pitched the final two innings, combining for three more strikeouts without allowing any runs.
Tori Edwards and Jalia Lassiter each contributed two hits, including solo home runs and two runs scored apiece. Kylee Edwards added a two-run homer for LSU’s offense. Louisiana Tech’s Laney Johnson took the loss after giving up four runs in less than an inning.
LSU built an early lead with four first-inning runs followed by three home runs in the second inning—an achievement last matched during Super Regionals play in May of last year. Gradie Appling recorded her first career hit with an RBI double late in the game.
Looking ahead, LSU returns to Southeastern Conference competition with a three-game series against Oklahoma from March 27-29.
