LSU softball holds first practice

• Advocate news services
• Published: Sep 30, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:30 a.m.

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The LSU softball team officially began preparation for the 2009 season with the first team practice on Monday at the original Tiger Park.

The team worked on the basics by practicing base running and doing infield and outfield drills as well as taking batting practice in the cages.

“It was unbelievable weather for us,” Girouard said. “The players showed fantastic attitudes. We are starting to put the pieces together and trying to teach them from the get-go that this is a building process.”

Eleven players took part in their first team practice as Tigers, including 10 freshmen.

LSU will continue fall practice until Nov. 19 but will once again host the annual Fall Collegiate Classic in the original Tiger Park on October 17-19.

FALCON, HEDBERG TO FACE DUKE PAIR IN ALL-AMERICAN QUALIFYING: In Pacific Palisades, Calif., LSU’s 11th-ranked duo of Megan Falcon and Mykala Hedberg will take on Duke?s Ellah Nze and Reka Zsilinszka in the first round of the qualifying portion of the Riviera/ITA All-American Championships today.

Falcon and Hedberg are also listed as the No. 1 seed in the 32-team qualifying bracket that will be played at the Riviera Tennis Club. The Lady Tiger tandem will take on the duo from Duke at 11 a.m.

“Megan and Mykala have been playing great doubles to this point and hopefully it can continue in this tournament. Because it’s the All-American tournament every match will be tough, so I look forward to seeing them compete and give their best effort,” LSU coach Tony Minnis said.

In order to advance to the main draw, Falcon and Hedberg will have to win three matches. The duo will play one match today against Duke’s pair, and if Falcon and Hedberg win they will have to win two matches on Wednesday to advance to the main draw.

The pair is 4-0 on the season with four dominant wins in the Gopher Invitational. Last season Falcon and Hedberg finished 12-5 with a No. 28 final ranking and an appearance in the NCAA first round.

Falcon, ranked No. 15 nationally in singles, will compete in the singles main draw of the tournament beginning Thursday.