No. 4/5 LSU made quite the statement by sweeping South Alabama in its doubleheader, winning 2-0 and a staggering 18-4 (in just five innings) on Friday at Tiger Park to kick off the LSU Round Robin.
With this victory, LSU now stands at an impressive 21-1 this season, while South Alabama dips below .500 at 11-12. The Tigers have extended their winning streak against the Jaguars to ten games, proudly holding a 15-2 edge in their all-time series.
The LSU pitching staff wrapped up the day with a total of 16 strikeouts and a solid 2.33 ERA across 12 innings. Sydney Berzon and Jayden Heavener each earned wins, combining for 15 strikeouts while allowing just five hits, two walks, and no runs in ten stellar innings.
In game one, the Fighting Tigers had a rocky start, managing only two runs on five hits. However, they surged back in game two, exploding for a season-high 18 runs on 11 hits, concluding the day with a batting average of .356. Danieca Coffey shone bright, going 4-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs, and three walks, while Avery Hodge matched her intensity, hitting 4-for-5 with three runs and one RBI. Defensively, Hodge was equally impressive, tallying seven assists and two putouts.
“The best part of the day was how the offense responded,” said head coach Beth Torina. “Bryce [Neal] encouraged them to adjust their approach between games, and they answered the call brilliantly. It’s fantastic to witness their potential.”
“Avery [Hodge] delivered an amazing performance at shortstop, really providing support for Syd [Sydney Berzon]. For her, a two-hit shutout feels routine, but that’s just a testament to her talent!”
Game One
In the opening act, Berzon (8-0) claimed her fourth shutout and eighth complete game of the season against South Alabama. The All-American tied her season-best with nine strikeouts while allowing just two hits and one walk over a dominant 7.0 innings.
Sydney Smith (0-2) from South Alabama took the loss, surrendering five hits, one earned run, and walking nine batters over 6.0 innings, with only two strikeouts to show for her efforts.
Coffey went 2-for-2 with an RBI and two walks, while Hodge contributed a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.
Berzon fired on all cylinders early, striking out four batters in the first two innings. LSU scored its two runs in the bottom of the second; after drawing two walks, Coffey hit a single to bring in Sierra Daniel, and Maddox McKee scored on a throwing error, giving LSU a 2-0 lead.
Berzon and the defense kept the Jaguars at bay, with Berzon finishing with five additional strikeouts. Hodge was stellar at shortstop, matching her season-best with five assists.
Game Two
In the second matchup, LSU’s offense came alive, scoring all 18 of its runs within the first three innings—an impressive eight-run second inning set the tone. Coffey (2-for-2), Hodge (2-for-2), and outfielder Jalia Lassiter (2-for-4) led the team in hits. Hodge scored three runs in the contest, while Lassiter delivered two RBIs.
Heavener (5-1) pitched three shutout innings, allowing one walk and three hits, while striking out six batters to earn the win.
Tori Miller (4-3) of South Alabama faced the loss, yielding three runs on two hits and walking two batters in just 0.1 innings.
LSU jumped out with three runs in the first inning. After loading the bases with a single and two walks, Coffey crossed home on a passed ball, setting the stage for McKenzie Redoutey’s two-run double to put LSU up 3-0.
The Tigers continued their offensive onslaught in the second, scoring eight runs, featuring an RBI double from Lassiter, a two-run single from Maci Bergeron, and a two-run blast from Tori Edwards—all before recording an out. The inning also saw three more runs score courtesy of USA errors.
The Bayou Bengals kept pouring it on, adding seven runs on four hits in the third inning, highlighted by RBI singles from designated player Madyson Manning, pinch hitter Destiny Harris, and an RBI groundout from pinch hitter Jada Phillips, marking all three players’ first RBIs of the season.
Ashley Vallejo closed the game, pitching the final 2.0 innings. South Alabama managed four runs on four hits, showcasing a three-run homer in the fifth, but LSU’s defense wrapped it up with a flyout and groundout to Hodge.
Up Next
Due to the Saturday weather forecast, LSU’s upcoming game against Minnesota has been rescheduled to 12:30 p.m., keeping the momentum rolling in the LSU Round Robin.
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