For the first time in three years, LSU senior second baseman April Janzen got to feel the exhilaration of a NCAA Regional championship at Tiger Park last season.
Now that school's administration has put the final touches on this year's bid, Janzen would love nothing more than a sequel of last year's summer hit.
"It's a great advantage to have the regional at home," said Janzen, a Central High graduate. "I know coming off of last year's victory will give us all the spark we need to get through it again."
LSU coach Yvette Girouard said the school recently finalized its bid to host the May 16-19 NCAA Regional at Tiger Park. A year ago, the Tigers earned their first trip to the Women's College World Series with a 2-1 victory over the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
"I know we put together a great bid, probably more than ever," Girouard said. "We do want to stay home and we're appreciative to LSU for doing everything they can to get it here."
A sign of complying with both the NCAA's Regional bid policy, and part of the Title IX lawsuit agreement, will be a new three-sided, enclosed press box. The prefabricated structure is set for installation within the next week atop the grandstands behind home plate.
SEC HONORS SNEED AGAIN: For the fourth time this season LSU senior All-American Britni Sneed was named the Southeastern Conference's Pitcher of the Week.
Sneed (25-5, 0.86 earned run average) was 3-0 in three outings against Southern Mississippi and Ole Miss last week. She tossed a pair of no-hitters, walked one and struck out 39 batters in 21 innings.
PERRY UPDATE: Senior left fielder Aleshia Perry, who underwent surgery to repair a broken knuckle on her left hand, will be re-evaluated before LSU departs for the SEC Championships (May 9-12) in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Perry has missed 13 games since the April 11 surgery and depending on the prognosis, could be limited to pinch-running duties during the SEC Tournament and probably the NCAA Regionals.
"Everything's going pretty well," Girouard said. "It's just a matter of letting the bone heal."
Perry started in 34 of 37 games and has a .289 batting average with six RBIs and seven stolen bases in eight attempts.
SEASON FINALE SATURDAY: LSU will close out its regular season Saturday with Senior Day against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a 2 p.m. doubleheader. The Tigers will honor their five seniors Sneed, Janzen, Perry, Trena Peel and Erin Johnson during a pregame ceremony.
