In a successful Southeastern Conference opening weekend, No. 16 Texas A&M softball secured the series victory over No. 17 LSU, 3-2, on Sunday, March 15. With Sunday’s success, the Aggies made history, marking the program’s first road series win against the Tigers.
A&M relied on the offensive performances of junior designated player Mya Perez and senior third baseman Kennedy Powell, as the duo accounted for all three of the Aggies’ runs against the Tigers.
To start the game, the Maroon and White’s leadoff hitter, Powell, quickly reached base with a single up the middle. Hungry to get into scoring position, the former UCLA transfer took matters into her own hands, snatching second base for her 13th stolen bag of the year.
With only one out, Perez brought home her partner-in-crime, launching her fourth offering to left field.
The blast marked the Corona, California native’s 12th home run of the season, providing A&M an early 2-0 advantage.
Junior right-handed pitcher Sidne Peters silenced the Tigers through five innings, allowing only a pair of earned runs off of three hits, bringing down her 2.50 ERA. The former Washington transfer recorded seven strikeouts through her six innings in the circle for the Aggies.
After four scoreless frames, Powell and Perez got back to work on the offensive side of the ball.
Following a leadoff groundout, Powell relied on her speed, reaching first base off a bunt. Like clockwork, the Conroe native caught LSU off guard, moving into scoring position with her second stolen base of the game.
As Daft Punk sang, “One more time.” With Perez on deck, a senior second baseman Tallen Edwards strikeout bought Powell enough time to advance to third base. The twosome picked up right where they left off when a single to center field from Perez brought Powell home and advanced A&M’s lead to 3-0.
LSU fought back with a pair of runs in the sixth and seventh innings to no avail. Shut down by sophomore RHP Sydney Lessentine, the Tigers left two runners on base to end the game, falling to the Aggies, 3-2.
With the win, A&M moves to 2-0 in SEC play, pushing its overall record to 19-8. The Aggies will stay in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Monday, March 16, to finish off the series against the Tigers with first pitch set for 6 p.m. at Tiger Park.
