We Dem Lady Jags: SU Lady Jags Shines in Home Opener

The Lady Jags softball team looked to make some noise for their home opener. All eyes were on Lady Jaguar Field. The softball game between Southern University Lady Jags and BRCC (Baton Rouge Community College) was a match with several key moments and standout performances.
The first inning set the tone for the game as both teams struggled to generate runs. BRCC started with two groundouts to the pitcher. Although BRCC managed to get a runner on first, they couldn’t advance her, as the next batter struck out. Similarly, the Lady Jags had a quiet start in the first inning, failing to get any runners on base. The second inning witnessed a breakthrough for BRCC when they capitalized on an error by the Southern University shortstop. Despite Lady Jags’ pitcher striking out BRCC’s fifth-hole hitter, a simple throwing error allowed BRCC to score. At the bottom of the second inning, Southern University struggled at the plate, going three up, three down. The game’s pace remained slow until the top of the third inning when Southern University’s left fielder, Kenzie Ogden, made a crucial catch in left-center to end BRCC at-bat. This defensive play brought some energy into the game, which had been relatively unproductive for both sides until that point.
It was the bottom of the third inning when the Lady Jags finally made their move. Alissa Castaneda was hit by a pitch, giving the Lady Jags their first base runner of the game. Freshman Laurena Phillips walked, putting two runners on base. The momentum continued as Phillips stole second, causing an overthrow by BRCC’s catcher and allowing Castaneda to score. Asia George contributed with an RBI, and Keira Miracle Tillford executed a sac bunt, bringing in another RBI. The inning ended with the Lady Jags taking a 3-0 lead. In the top of the fourth inning, BRCC managed to get a runner on base, but thanks to Sydney Westly’s powerful throw to third, they were thrown out attempting to steal. Miranda Roldan, the Lady Jags’ pitcher, continued to shine by striking out BRCC’s batters, showcasing her effective changeup.
The Lady Jags continued their offensive lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. First baseman Jaeslyn Frazier started the inning with a hard-hit single to left field, bringing in Aylani Ottley, who pinch-ran for her and stole second and third base using intelligent base running techniques. Freshman Alexis Coronado delivered a single RBI, extending the Lady Jags’ lead. However, the inning also saw some defensive lapses from the Lady Jags, allowing BRCC to score three runs. At the bottom of the fifth inning, the Lady Jags responded with renewed determination. Sydney Westly ignited the inning with a triple, and the team continued to capitalize on their momentum, scoring more runs until the inning concluded with the Lady Jags ahead 9-3. In the top of the sixth inning, the Lady Jags’ defense remained sharp, getting three up and three down against BRCC. Then, the Lady Jags extended their lead further when Makiah Taylor delivered a hard-hit ball to left-center, bringing in two RBIs, and Alana Mark added an RBI with a deep fly ball to center field. As the game progressed, BRCC struggled to get runners on base, thanks to the Lady Jags’ strong defense. Keira Miracle Tillford, who had been exceptional behind the plate, threw out a BRCC runner attempting to steal. In the final inning, Tillford sealed her outstanding performance with a home run, capping off an impressive game for her.
In a post-game interview with head coach Brittney Williams, when asked how the scrimmage made her feel about the upcoming season? She responded, “It makes me feel very good about this season. I love progress; we played this team last year and had a very different outcome, so I was very excited about this being our first game and how we dominated”. Her next question was how did she think this team differed from last year’s team? She responded, “Energy, the energy and positive attitudes and really wanting to get better is there, which is something we’ve been trying to build here since year one.” When asked what was something worked on this week at practice that paid off in tonight’s game? She responded, “we have really been working on first and thirds, a runner on first base and third base, getting the runs out and we did that twice today.” SU softball has been putting in the work on and off the field.
In the end, the Southern University Lady Jags emerged victorious with a convincing score of 14-5. Standout players in this game included Sydney Westly, who showcased her offensive and defensive prowess. Keira Miracle Tillford excelled behind the plate and contributed offensively, and Makiah Taylor who delivered crucial RBIs. The Lady Jags’ ability to capitalize on key moments and maintain their defensive discipline played a pivotal role in securing this well-deserved victory.