Preseason polls currently rank LSU at #8 in the country, and expect LSU to finish in the top 3/4 in the conference. LSU returns its stable on the mound and return a lot of experience on the infield. LSU welcomes 6 newcomers to this years squad. The newcomers have already made a major splash and are expected to make impacts in many different areas.

The fall and winter practice has been extremely successful. The improvement on defense is one of the most noticeable aspects. Offensively is where everyone still has their concerns about LSU. LSU looks to have turned the corner offensively this fall and so far in January. Certain individuals really have stood out so far in the scrimmages. Offensive approach has been approached a little different this year than years past. Much more individualized when it comes to each players mechanics. The most improved player this year has to be Maribeth gorsuch. She looks very confident now and has improved her location on her pitches. Thornhill has raised eye brows as well, some of her improvements are jaw dropping.

Pitchers:

LSU returns the dynamic duo for their last round here and both look to try to win a national title for their very last time.

hoover- She looks to best in excellent shape and as polished as ever. She was just named to the USA national team. She looks less erratic this year and seems to have improved her pitch location. LSU will probably try to be cautious early on but she will be a force this year.

Walljasper- Walljasper has been phenomenal all fall and looks to add more strikeouts to the stat sheet this year. She has improved the velocity on her pitches.

Maribeth- Confidence level is sky high now. She looks to see a lot of time in the circle all season and even in SEC play. Pitch location is much better and movement of her pitches caused a lot of problems for teams this fall. I definitely expect her to make a major impact this season and develop into a future ace for LSU.

Sunseri- Very talented player and throws very hard. But expect to see her more as a hitter this year. She has been outstanding at the plate in practice and could put up a lot of power numbers. Definitely one of the newcomers to watch for

Infield:

Sanchez- Probably one of the most impressive players all fall. She looked like a completely different player. healthiest she has ever been. I look for a much improved year for LSU and for her to be an asset for us offensively. Expect more power from her.

Doyle- Fans really don't understand what we have in this player. She really is the next major hitter of LSU softball. She looks excellent this year and has a very different mentality. She is much more aggressive and more relaxed

Schlattman- Expect major impact from this newcomer in particular. She will provide a lot of power to the middle of this lineup. You will see her almost everyday in the lineup. She is at catcher and 2B.

Schulte- Ridiculously talented and offers so much offensively. She trains at 2B and SS behind serrett. Expect to see her early on this year. She was a highly recruited prospect. Looks to be one of the leaders for the team this year.

Springfield- I really like what I see out of her now. She has a very different mentality. Much looser and looks to be the one who delivers the blow first instead of waiting for it to happen. Position in the box and stance is a little different so we will see where it takes us. She has the potential to be one of the best power hitters in the country when she is on.

Outfield:

Andrews- She really has worked hard this offseason to maximize her tools at the plate. She will look to drive the ball more this season. She wants to provide more extra base hits for us but another sophomore super star.

Antoine- One of the most dynamic newcomers. She has been impressive all fall and early winter practice. She provides a lot of power and quickness from the left side of the plate. She is expected to win the outfield spot in RF. She will be an asset for LSU offensively.

In terms of predicting a lineup, its ridiculously difficult to know at this point. Catcher is still up in the air as Schlattman, Caccamise and Springfield are all back and forth. 2B will be either Schlattman or Schulte. RF will be between Antoine and Thornhill but look for everyone to see action early. Depending on performance early it can all look very different.

Predicted Lineup:

LF- Andrews
CF- Emily
RF-Antoine
3B- Sanchez
SS-Serrett
2B- Schulte
1B-Doyle
C- Schlattman

This post was edited on 2/4/18 at 1:05 pm