Baton Rouge Regional (May 15-17) at Baton Rouge, Louisiana
No. 5 seed LSU* (44-11) vs. Texas Southern (25-16)
Nebraska (34-21) vs. Arizona St. (34-20)
This is one of the more interesting regions. You have LSU who played so well most the season but limped into the SEC tournament having dropped five of their last eight games and then lost their first round game against Tennessee. Texas Southern comes in having won 11 of the last 12, but have not faced as tough as competition as LSU. Both Nebraska and Arizona State have had what most would call somewhat disappointing seasons. LSU does have the pitching and the bats to get the job done in this region, but they will need to be consistent to avoid the upset. They are not a lock in our opinion. Unless, then play at a level they showed at the start of the season.
Nebraska was not expected to get out of their region last year, but surprised many by putting together a solid post season run. At the plate they are more than capable, it is their pitching that could be their downfall. Arizona State is in about the same shape as Nebraska, they can score, but can they limit the opponent from scoring more? That is the question we will find the answer out to this weekend.
Look for LSU to advance, but do not be surprised by either Nebraska or Arizona State. If they get pitching they have a shot.
Players to Watch
LSU
Slash Lines (Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage)
At the Plate
- Bianka Bell .459/.533/.865
- Bailey Landry .430/.490/.547
- Sahvanna Jaquish .327/.410/.717
In the Circle
- Allie Walljasper: 13-5, 1.76 ERA and 90 SO
- Carley Hoover: 14-4, 1.85 ERA and 147 SO
Texas Southern
At the Plate
- Thomasina Garza: .445/.543/.731
- Jessica Miller: .397/.483/.438
- Chelsea Guenther: .393/ .460/ .500
In the Circle
- Jasmin Fulmore: 9-1, 2.24 and 60 SO
- Madison Staton: 5-2, 3.10 and 42 SO
- Sammantha Jimenez: 7-4, 3.81 and 46 SO
Nebraska
At the Plate
- Marjani Knighten: .417/.474/.626
- Kiki Stokes: .407/.534/.707
- Steph Pasquale: .382/.446/.671
In the Circle
- Emily Lockman: 18-12, 4.26 and 96 SO
- Cassie McClure: 9-3, 4.41 and 36 SO
- Kayla Jablonski: 7-6, 5.07 and 47 SO
Arizona State
At the Plate
- Amber Freeman: .439/.510/.795
- Haley Steele: .345/.483/.460
- Sashel Palacios: .382/.446/.671
In the Circle
- Breanna Macha: 16-11, 3.98 and 137 SO
- Dale Ryndak: 14-8, 5.09 and 81 SO
