The Cougars hope the bats of catcher Melissa Gregson and Co. can shake them out of their offensive slump at this weekend’s LSU Tiger Invitational. | Daily Cougar file photo
After scoring a combined eight runs in the final three games of last weekend’s Marriot Invitational, head softball coach Kyla Holas and her players are shifting their focus to hitting as the LSU Tiger Invitational approaches.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re bringing our bats to the ballpark every single game,” Holas said.
Holas believes her returning pitchers can make up for their inexperienced offense.
“What should be our strength is our pitching staff,” Holas said. “We are hoping that we can get a bit tougher at that position.”
Tuesday’s doubleheader against Baylor was postponed due t weather, which Holas views as a missed opportunity for her players to gain valuable experience.
“I think it was one of those things where we all would like time off,” Holas said. “It was a time for us to be able to get some good wins in.”
The Cougars will face stiff competition this weekend, especially from No. 16 LSU and Jacksonville State. LSU is returning 13 letter-winners, and Jacksonville State was 43-16 last season.
“LSU and Jacksonville State were both in super regionals last year,” Holas said. “Both of those teams will be tough for us this weekend.”
Freshman Bailey Watts takes the mound at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Jacksonville State, while junior Amanda Crabtree will start against either LSU or Southern.
Crabtree left Sunday’s 11-4 loss to Texas after she was hit by a line drive, but Holas said she should be 100 percent this weekend.
“She’s good by now,” Holas said.
