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Louisiana Tech Game Notes

LSU Game Notes

RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech head coach Mark Montgomery and the Lady Techsters will have quite an opportunity Tuesday when they host the 4th ranked LSU Tigers at 5 p.m. at the Lady Techster Softball Complex in a regionally televised contest on Cox Sports Television.

Admission to the contest is free. The contest can also be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on ESPN 97.7 FM with the pregame show starting at 4:50 p.m.

The Lady Techsters (15-5) have an opportunity to become the first LA Tech athletics team to beat a Top 5 ranked program since the Bulldogs baseball squad knocked off 3rd ranked Mississippi State 13-12 on April 4, 2006.

It won't be easy. LSU (23-3) enters the contest after taking two out of three games this past weekend against 6th ranked Alabama. The Tigers boast a potent offensive attack and a stable of impressive arms in the circle, having outscored their opponents 199-51 thus far this season.

"What an incredible opportunity for our program, our University and north Louisiana," said Montgomery. "Obviously, LSU has one of the top programs in the country, and we appreciate that they see value in coming up to play us on our field. Anyone who is a fan of the game or a fan of either team should come out and enjoy what should be a great atmosphere."

It will mark the third time in the last two years that the two teams have met. Although LSU won both meetings, neither victory came easy. Last year, LSU scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to win 7-5 in Baton Rouge and just 10 days ago, the Tigers scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth to win 9-6.

"We have given ourselves a chance to win each of the last two times we've played," Montgomery said. "We just haven't been able to finish late. You have to give LSU credit for finding ways to win. It's why they are who they are. This will be a great challenge for players, but one I know they are looking forward to again."

LSU ranks nationally in numerous statistical categories, including No. 2 in team earned run average (1.15), No. 4 in on-base percentage (.478), No. 7 in batting average (.367), No. 12 in scoring (7.65) and No. 14 in slugging percentage (.549).

Offensively, the Tigers are led by Sahvanna Jaquish (.500, 9 HR, 35 RBI), Constance Quinn (.441, 24 runs), Bianka Bell (.394, 3 HR, 27 RBI) and Amber Scott (.390, 15 RBI), Emily Griggs (.388, 25 runs) and Kellsi Kloss (.333, 5 HR, 30 RBI).

Carley Hoover (10-0, 1.53 ERA) anchors the LSU pitching staff while she is joined by Sydney Smith (5-1, 0.57), Allie Walljasper (3-2, 0.80 ERA) and Baylee Corbello (5-0, 1.56).

LA Tech is off to its best start in 20 years, winning 15 of its first 20 games. The Lady Techsters counter with their own impressive numbers sporting a .305 team batting average and a 2.68 team earned run average.

Offensively, Tech is led by Karlee Jensen (.425, 10 runs), Tori Charters (.405, 14 runs, 8-8 SB), Anna Cross (.387, 7 HR, 24 RBI), Kristen Miles (.344, 11 runs), Morgan Turkoly (.339, 2 HR, 14 RBI), Kassie Harris (.304, 3 HR, 11 RBI) and Pauline Tufi (.275, 3 HR, 14 RBI).

In the circle, Bailey Allen (6-3, 2.11 ERA), Preslee Gallaway (4-1, 3.50 ERA), Tufi (3-0, 1.40 ERA), Carolina Sanchez (2-1, 2.88 ERA) and Cross (0-0, 2.80 ERA) have all seen significant action.

Fans are reminded that the Lady Techster Softball Complex seats 500 fans. All overflow seating will be on the hill behind the right field fence and fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Fans will not be allowed to sit outside of the fence down the third base line (in the batting cage area).

The first 200 fans to the game will receive free pizza while concessions will be sold throughout the game.