The LaSalle Lady Tiger softball team didn’t just open their home slate this week, they made a statement. After 335 long days without a home game, the reigning state champions returned to Tiger territory and immediately reminded everyone why they hold the crown.
In their first home appearance of the year, LaSalle unleashed a 13–3 rout over Class 3A Vidalia. Even if it was nearly a full year without a home crowd, the community showed up as if they’d never left.
Landry Long collected three hits in four at bats, and Ali Hatfield singled, scoring two runs, Jules Beaubouef singled, scoring one run, Lexi Lasiter singled, scoring one run, and an error scored one run.
The Lady Tigers scored five runs on seven hits in the bottom of the third inning. Emeree Gagne doubled, scoring one run, Emma Fenoli singled, scoring two runs, and Addy Taylor singled, scoring two runs.
Long earned the win on the day pitching. The right-handed pitcher allowed one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out six and walking none and Hatfield pitched three innings in relief. Hatfield allowed five hits and three runs (one earned) while, striking out five and walking two.
That was a great win, but the real test came next. LaSalle stepped out of their classification and into the ring with two of the largest schools in Louisiana programs with deeper benches, bigger enrollments, and reputations built on decades of powerhouse athletics. The Lady Tigers didn’t blink. The 1A defending state champs outplayed a big-school contender in Ruston with poise, pitching, and timely execution.
Both teams were strong in the circle last Friday, but LaSalle defeated the Ruston Lady Bearcats 2-0. Landry Long started the game for the Lady Tigers and recorded 21 outs. Long didn’t allow a run, and Ruston only collected two hits on the day. Kinley Morris, Ali Hatfield, Long, Steen, and Jules Beaubouef each collected a hit during the game. Long and Steen each drove in a run a piece that would end up being the game’s deciding factor.
Their final matchup of the week came against another 5A titan, the West Monroe Lady Rebels. This time, the Tigers ran into a buzzsaw, falling 1–9. Even so, the game offered valuable experience, exactly the kind of high-level competition that sharpens a team for the postseason grind. The larger competition they faced also helped the girls increase the gap between them and #2, furthering their claim as the #1 team in Division IV right now.
LaSalle’s record last week—two wins over larger schools, including a shutout of a 5A opponent, reinforces what the program has built: a culture that doesn’t fear challenges, but seeks them out.
They played Castor at their place on Monday (3/30), then host longtime district rival Montgomery at home on Tuesday (3/31) and will finish the week out against 3A Bunkie this Thursday at home as well.
With the playoffs and a trip to Sulphur soon to start, Lady Tigers fans are encouraged to be loud and be proud this week. Go Lady Tigers!
