The LSU Tigers have consistently been among the best of SEC softball programs, especially in recent history. There’s a lot of talent in the LSU softball program and they’re heading into the 2024 SEC softball tournament as the #8 seed, looking to prove that they’re actually still among the conference’s elite this season.
LSU had a really solid regular season, but the Tigers have a softball program that aims for more than just SEC softball regular season success.
Let’s take a look at the LSU softball team as they head into the SEC softball tournament looking to make a statement and showcase their talent.
2024 SEC softball tournament preview: LSU Tigers team profile
Key stats
- Record: 38-14 (12-12 SEC)
- Batting Average: .296
- ERA: 2.36
- Home Runs: 39
- Opponents’ Strikeouts: 320
- Runs Scored per Game: 5.11
- Opponents’ Batting Average: .218
- Opponents’ ERA: 4.71
Notable 2024 LSU softball games
- Best Wins: #5 Oklahoma State (7-6), #22 Northwestern (13-12), #23 Kentucky (6-2, 4-3, 8-3)
- Worst Losses: Ole Miss (2-5, 2-9), Missouri (9-10, 2-3), Louisiana (4-9)
The Tigers have been solid and they really haven’t lost many games this season, but they did drop a series against the worst team in the SEC, the Ole Miss Rebels, and they weren’t able to consistently beat up on some of the other impressive, and higher seeded, teams in the conference this year.
That doesn’t mean the Tigers are bad, far from it, but it means there just might be a ceiling on what they can accomplish this year. (It’s still worth noting that this team’s floor is also really high).
Of course, the SEC softball tournament is the perfect time for the Tigers to hit a hot streak once again and shock some folks heading into the NCAA Tournament.
3 LSU softball players to watch during the 2024 SEC Tournament:
- Raeleen Gutierrez: While the LSU Tigers haven’t had a power hitter absolutely dominate this season, Raeleen Gutierrez has been a consistent force in LSU’s lineup. The Tigers have benefitted from Gutierrez racking up 51 hits and 16 doubles. Her .336 batting average and 38 RBIs demonstrate her ability to deliver in clutch situations.
- Ali Newland: The Tigers have needed Ali Newland to be a consistent threat while at the plate and she’s been just that. Her 8 home runs on the year will force opposing pitchers to approach her carefully and she’s shown the ability to routinely get hits, thus her .304 batting average this season.
- Sydney Berzon: As LSU’s ace, Sydney Berzon has been dominant in the circle for the Tigers. This season, Berzon has managed to post a 17-7 win-loss record to go along with a stellar 1.71 ERA. She’s 157 strikeouts in 167.2 innings pitched and has tossed 17 complete games this season. She’s really, really solid.
Final thoughts as LSU softball prepares for the SEC Tournament
The Tigers are dangerous.
They may not have the power hitting sluggers that some other teams in the SEC Tournament are bringing with them, but this LSU softball team is pretty well rounded and thrives in several other areas.
And even with the Tigers coming in at 10th of 13 teams in the SEC with regards to hitting home runs, LSU still manages to score plenty to win regularly and at a high level against good teams.
Theoretically, that could continue in the SEC Tournament.
LSU occasionally ran into trouble against SEC foes and they dropped a number of SEC series that they probably could have beaten, but well, they didn’t beat them. So, what will we see out of the Tigers in the SEC softball tournament this year?
It’s weird to think of the Tigers as a darkhorse given that their program is so well established, but as the 8th seed this year, they probably fall into that category.
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