A cross-state rematch: UL softball falls to No. 3 LSU in second meeting of the season
Shannon Mia BeltLamson Park was painted with Vermilion and purple as Louisiana softball played host to No. 3 LSU for a Tuesday night clash between in-state rivals.
In the first meeting, the Ragin’ Cajuns (16-15, 3-3 SBC) were defeated by the Tigers as they lost in five innings. The 14-0 shutout loss put a sour taste in the Cajuns’ mouths and made Game 2 a more competitive matchup.
The Tigers (29-2, 5-1 SEC) came into the matchup with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder after losing their first Southeastern Conference game last week and took it out on UL. They took this rematch 11-4, going off in the fourth and fifth innings after trailing by four runs in the fourth inning.
"Putting up four was awesome but then the next inning I felt like we played not to lose," UL coach Alyson Habetz said. "Like we were still on our heels and the strike zone was whatever it was but it's still a challenge to Tyra (Clary) to throw strikes. We need to take control of what we can control."
Watch Louisiana softball vs LSU on SEC Network+
Louisiana Ragin' Cajun softball vs LSU live score by inning
| - | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | RUNS | HITS |
| LSU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 8 |
| UL | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 4 | 6 |
*Check back here for live game updates and more once the game starts.
Seventh inning
TOP 7: It may be too little too late, but the Cajuns' bullpen is throwing strikes now. Noble picked up her third K to give the bullpen seven in total. Their offense will need a miracle to come back from the seven-run deficit.
"It was also good to see Bethaney (Noble) go out there and attack the strike zone better than she did this weekend," Habetz said. "So, you know, that was good but obviously we want every pitcher to attack the strike zone."
Fifth inning
LSU is pouring it on
TOP 5: With Noble in the Cajuns got their second out but before they could get the third out, Bergeron came up to bat looking to clear the loaded bases. She did just that on a three-RBI double to widen the gap even more.
TOP 5: Walks are getting out of hand for the Cajuns bullpen now as they are up to seven so far. The sixth and seventh brought runners as the bases were loaded up and remained loaded before Wheeler could get out of it. Cajuns decide to go with their third pitcher of the game, junior RHP Bethaney Noble.
TOP 5: After a controversial ball called that many fans in Lamson Park thought to be a strike from relief pitcher Mallory Wheeler, UL's assistant coach Lacy Prejean was thrown out of the game. It's not clear what Prejean did to get thrown out.
"Our coach got thrown out and she didn't say a word which was interesting," Habetz said. "I mean, I felt like, for us,you got to control the controllable. It's softball. You're going to have, you know, differences of opinion on calls and that sort of thing."
Fourth inning
Tigers have awoken
TOP 4: Tigers can't stop and won't stop getting hits after going hitless to start the game. Junior Maci Bergeron hit an RBI double to score the Tigers' sixth run of the inning.
TOP 4: Just when you think it couldn't get worse for the Cajuns, junior Avery Hodge came up to bat looking for her first homer of the season. She got just that. A two-run home run gave the Tigers the lead with only one out so far in the inning.
TOP 4: LSU's offense has woken up after a four-run inning for the Cajuns. Senior McKenzie Redoutey came through with a double down the right field line for the Tigers' first run of the game. Once one hit got through, another one got down to put two runners in scoring position.
An error in the field allowed another two LSU runs to get by, making this a close one-run game.
Third inning
BOT 3: Roe picked up where Smith left off to bring another run home for the Cajuns on a single out into center right field. LSU's outfielder couldn't make the catch and Smith scored from second to extend their lead to four runs.
BOT 3: With the bases loaded and two outs, UL's clutchest slugger came up to bat in freshman Emily Smith. She did what she's been doing best this season; hit the ball hard. She hit a three-run RBI double to give her team the first runs of the game and the lead. This marks the first time this season the Cajuns have scored against the Tigers.
"What a great at bat with bases loaded with Emily," Habetz said. "The challenge was that we're not just gonna settle right with a runner on base with a double, we wanted to get that run in too. So Sam stepped up and got her in."
Keeping the Tigers in check
TOP 3: Defense has been on fire to start the game for the Cajuns as they kept the Tigers' explosive offense off the board for three straight innings. The Tigers haven't got a hit yet, either, compared to the Cajuns with a single in the first inning from senior Maddie Hayden.
First inning
TOP 1: Typically, the first inning is one of the worst innings for the Cajuns. Tuesday's start with senior pitcher Tyra Clary on the mound went differently as she finished with two walks, no hits, and was able to get three pop flies for outs to escape the inning.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajun softball vs. LSU
- Date: Tuesday, March 25
- Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
- Location: Lamson Park- Yvette Girouard Field
What channel is Louisiana Ragin' Cajun softball vs. LSU game on today?
TV channel: SEC Network
Streaming: ESPN+, SEC Network+
Radio: Varsity Network and The GOAT 103.3 FM/1420 AM
Louisiana softball vs LSU will be available live on the SEC Network in a single-game nonconference matchup in their second meeting of the 2025 college softball season. Dan McDonald and Yvette Girouard will provide commentary from Yvette Girouard Field. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball vs LSU weather update
Tuesday's matchup will be played in a mix of sunny and cloudy weather with clear skies clearing up in the evening. It'll be a high of 83 degrees and a low of 60 degrees. Winds will be light and variable and the sun will set about an hour after the first pitch.
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Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.