The No. 4 LSU Tigers softball team completed a perfect weekend at the LSU Round Robin, defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers 10-2 in six innings on Sunday. The victory marked the Tigers’ third win of the tournament, as they swept the competition and improved their overall record to 15-2.
LSU’s offense was firing on all cylinders, as the Tigers scored 10 runs on 12 hits, including three home runs. Senior outfielder Ciara Briggs led the way, going 3-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs. Junior infielder Danieca Coffey added two hits, including a home run, and two RBIs.
“I’m so proud of our team for coming out and playing with energy and focus today,” said LSU head coach Beth Torina. “We had a great team effort, and it was awesome to see our offense click like that. Ciara had a huge day, and Danieca’s home run was a big momentum boost for us.”
The Tigers’ pitching staff was equally impressive, as senior right-hander Ali Kilponen tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out six. Kilponen improved her record to 6-1 on the season, and her ERA dropped to 1.44.
“Ali was outstanding today,” Torina said. “She was in control from the start, and she did a great job of mixing her pitches and keeping Minnesota’s hitters off balance. She’s been pitching like this all season, and it’s great to see her getting the results she deserves.”
Minnesota’s offense was led by senior infielder Natalie DenHartog, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. However, the Golden Gophers were unable to overcome LSU’s potent offense and strong pitching.
The Tigers took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, as Briggs launched a two-run home run to center field. LSU added two more runs in the second inning, as Coffey singled home a run and senior infielder Taylor Pleasants scored on a wild pitch.
Minnesota cut the deficit to 4-2 in the top of the third inning, as DenHartog hit a two-run home run to left field. However, LSU responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, as Briggs hit her second home run of the game and Coffey added a solo shot.
The Tigers sealed the victory with three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Pleasants singled home a run and senior outfielder Savannah Stewart scored on a wild pitch.
With the win, LSU completed a perfect weekend at the LSU Round Robin, defeating Minnesota, Michigan State, and Purdue. The Tigers will return to action next weekend, as they host the LSU Invitational.
“I’m so proud of our team for coming out and playing with energy and focus this weekend,” Torina said. “We had a great team effort, and it was awesome to see our offense and pitching come together like that. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum next weekend.”