AUSTIN, Texas – No. 9 LSU softball responded to an opening loss against No. 3 Texas, securing a decisive 6-1 victory Friday night to tie the highly anticipated series. The win at Red & Charline McCombs Field snapped a four-game skid for the Tigers and sets up a winner-take-all contest.
LSU's offense provided consistent pressure, scoring in three separate innings. Catcher Maci Bergeron delivered a game-high three runs batted in, contributing significantly to the scoring. Infielder Tori Edwards also had a strong night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, including a two-run home run.
Edwards' performance marked personal history. Her 16th homer and 64th RBI this season placed her in the program’s single-season record book, ranking No. 6 in home runs and No. 4 in RBI. Outfielder Jalia Lassiter also made an impact, matching a career high with three runs scored.
In the circle for LSU, Tatum Clopton earned the win, improving her record to 6-1. She threw 5.2 innings, giving up one run on four hits while striking out two. Pitcher Sydney Berzon closed the game, earning her second save of the season and ninth of her career, moving her into sole possession of No. 3 all-time in the LSU record book.
Texas pitcher Mac Morgan was charged with the loss after allowing two runs in 2.1 innings. The Longhorns struggled to generate offense, managing only one run in the second inning despite getting runners on base in multiple frames, detailed in the official box score.
The Friday matchup followed a dramatic series opener where Texas claimed a 7-3 comeback win. In that game, No. 3 Texas rallied late against No. 9 LSU, capped by a stunning seventh-inning grand slam from catcher Reese Atwood. This walk-off blast was the first game-ending grand slam in Texas softball program history.
The win also marked a milestone for Texas head coach Mike White, his 300th career win with the Longhorns. Before the walk-off, Texas tied the game in the sixth with home runs from Mia Scott and Joley Mitchell after trailing 3-0. The Longhorns' rally in game one is chronicled in the full series opener recap.
The series is now level at one game apiece. Both teams eye Saturday's contest to claim the series win. First pitch for the rubber match is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
Additional details on individual player statistics from the series can be found via links to player profiles, such as Texas pitcher Mac Morgan or infielder Joley Mitchell.
