(It knows the way to Sulphur)
The #1 LaSalle Lady Tigers are once again headed to Sulphur for the LHSAA state softball tournament. It’s a familiar drive for Lady Tigers fans…so familiar, all you need to do is point your car south and you’ll end up at Frasch Park in Sulphur!
After taking care of their regional and quarterfinal opponents last week, attention is now turned to their semifinal game against district rival #4 Logansport this Friday in Sulphur. A win in that game will see them play for a backto- back state championship and the fifth state championship in program history.
The Lady Tigers opened last week with a statement victory in the regional round held Monday, April 20, after receiving a bye for the first round of the Division IV Non-Select playoffs. In that regional game, they shut out the #17 Midland Lady Rebels 16–0 in just three innings.
It was the kind of performance that showcased their depth, discipline, and ability to seize control early. Fans who follow LaSalle softball know this group can pile on runs quickly, but a mercy-rule win in three frames still sends a message.
Landry Long was dominant in the circle, as the sophomore rang up 10 strikeouts in the victory over the Lady Rebels. Long surrendered zero hits and zero runs over three innings while walking none.
The Lady Tigers scored 11 runs in the first inning. Leah Steen doubled, scoring two runs, an error scored two runs, Jules Beaubouef singled, scoring one run, Lexi Lasiter singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, Kinley Morris doubled, scoring two runs, and Ali Hatfield singled, scoring two runs.
Their next matchup brought a very different challenge. Facing the #8 DeQuincy Lady Tigers, LaSalle had to grind through a tight, defensive battle during the quarterfinal game held Saturday, April 25 in Olla.
In a game where every pitch mattered, they edged out a 3–2 victory and punched their ticket for the ultimate prize – the state tournament in Sulphur.
Landry Long struck out 10 batters and surrendered three hits and two runs over seven innings while walking one.
A solo home run to left field by Addy Taylor put LaSalle on the board in the bottom of the first. DeQuincy then took the lead in the top of the third scoring two runs, to give them the advantage, 2-1. Kinley Morris tripled to center field, which helped the Lady Tigers tie the game at two in the bottom of the third.
LaSalle took back the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Taylor hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, to give the girls back the advantage, 3-2. That kind of versatility is exactly what separates good teams from dangerous ones, and it sets the stage for what comes next.
All eyes now turn to Friday, May 1, when La-Salle heads to Frasch Park in Sulphur to take on their district rival, the Logansport Lady Tigers. Anyone familiar with softball in this district knows this matchup always brings intensity, and the last meeting proved it, a tight 5–3 LaSalle win that wasn’t decided until the final outs.
This isn’t just another game. It’s a rivalry showdown and a chance for LaSalle to play for the state championship on Saturday at noon should they win. The players will bring the energy, but they’ll need the stands to match it.
Lady Tiger fans – it’s your turn! If you wear blue and gold, this is your call to action. Friday at Frasch Park is the moment to show up, get loud, and back a team that’s giving everything they’ve got. Rivalry games are won with talent, toughness, and the roar of a crowd that refuses to sit quietly.
LaSalle has handled business all season to get into this spot. Now it’s time for the community to do the same.
See you this weekend in Sulphur. GO LADY TIGERS!!
