LSU’s softball season came to a tearful close Sunday night after an 8-0 loss to Stanford in the super regional, leaving the team just one game short of their first Women’s College World Series appearance since 2017.
Coach Beth Torina was emotional in the postgame conference, not only because of the season’s end but also because she was saying goodbye to a group of seniors who stayed an extra year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been a great honor to coach this team,” Torina said. She expressed how different it felt this year, wishing she had more time with this group. “They’ve done everything right and represented us at the highest level, which makes it so hard to see them go.”
Despite the loss, Torina is optimistic about the future, highlighting the talent of their top pitcher and a strong supporting cast. The team loses six key players who challenged one of the best pitchers in the country during the super regional. After scoring off Stanford’s NiJaree Canady on Friday, LSU was shut out in the following games.
Sunday’s game was scoreless until the fifth inning, where LSU missed a crucial scoring opportunity, leading to a decisive inning for Stanford. A controversial umpire decision ruled that LSU had no play on a ball that hit a Stanford baserunner, which Torina disputed, believing it shifted the game’s momentum.
The Tigers returned home Monday, ready to focus on the next season. With a highly ranked recruiting class and potential portal additions, Torina is looking ahead. Key departures include shortstop Taylor Pleasants, outfielders Ciara Briggs and Ali Newland, and first baseman Raeleen Gutierrez, who all had standout careers at LSU.
“It’s always hard to see seniors leave,” Torina admitted, acknowledging that it would have been difficult no matter the timing.
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