LaSalle’s postseason run came to an emotional and unforgettable close this weekend at Frasch Park in Sulphur, where the Lady Tigers softball team delivered drama, heart, and resilience on the state’s biggest stage and ended the weekend as the Division IV Non-Select State Runner-Up.
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, #1 LaSalle and #4 Logansport treated everyone in attendance to an all-time classic. The two Lady Tiger squads traded punches all afternoon in a game that felt destined to come down to the final swing.
LaSalle opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to two singles. Leah Steen singled, scoring the first run and the Lady Tigers added another run in the third from Kinley Morris’ single making the score 3-0.
Logansport tied the game in the top of the fifth thanks to an error, and a ground out by Anna Atkins. LaSalle jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning after Addy Taylor grounded out, Steen doubled to center field, Ali Hatfield doubled to center field, and Jules Beaubouef grounded out, each scoring one run.
LaSalle held the lead late, but Logansport refused to go quietly, rallying to tie the game in the top of the 7th inning.
With the pressure at its peak, LaSalle stepped into the bottom half of the final frame needing one run to keep their championship dreams alive. And they got it. A clutch walk‑off base hit by Leah Steen sent the LaSalle dugout pouring onto the field, sealing a thrilling 8–7 victory and punching their ticket to the state championship game. It was the kind of moment players dream about, and fans talk about for years!
Landry Long allowed six hits and seven runs (four earned) over seven innings, striking out 11 and walking five. LaSalle collected 12 hits in the game. Steen drove the middle of the lineup, leading LaSalle with three runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 3-for-4 on the day. Morris, Long, and Steen each collected three hits. Morris and Long each stole multiple bases as the team totaled four stolen bases in the game.
Less than 24 hours later, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, LaSalle returned to the diamond to face a powerful Oak Grove team, ranked #2, for the state title.
Pitcher Landry Long keep fighting hard as she has all year long. She had thrown over 140 pitches in Saturday’s marathon and was also nursing a nagging hip injury but stepped up to the challenge none the less in the championship game.
The starting pitcher allowed six hits and four runs (three earned) over one and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking one. Ali Hatfield came in for relief and went five and one-third innings, surrendering four runs (three earned) on nine hits, striking out two and walking none. Long, Hatfield, Addy Taylor, and Leah Steen each collected one hit on the contest as well.
The girls’ toughness and determination were undeniable, but the physical toll of the all-out war of the game before was real. Oak Grove capitalized, ultimately winning the championship 8–0.
It wasn’t the ending LaSalle hoped for, but it didn’t diminish what they accomplished. The Lady Tigers’ journey to Sulphur was built on grit, teamwork, and belief. With such a large senior class that graduated last year, this young Lady Tiger team stepped up to the challenge and battled through the bracket and delivered one of the most exciting wins in program history.
This year’s two seniors, Kinley Morris and Lexi Jo Lasiter, will be missed. Their leadership helped mold the young team into the team they became – State Runner-Up.
The Lady Tigers as a whole represented their school and community with pride. A state runner‑up finish is no small feat. This team earned every bit of respect they received, and their season will be remembered as one of heart, resilience, and unforgettable moments.
LaSalle has made it a home away from home in Frasch in recent years and you can bet to see them back again this time next year!
Way to Go Lady Tigers!
