Well-scripted: Faile, Tigers roll

• By WILLIAM WEATHERS
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: May 17, 2008 - Page: 1C - UPDATED: 12:30 a.m.

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The script for LSU’s NCAA regional softball opener couldn’t have unfolded any better had coach Yvette Girouard written it herself.

Casey Faile provided the Tigers with a boost, both in the circle and at the plate, Rachel Mitchell continued her postseason home run mastery and Dani Hofer returned to the field for the first time in more than a month to rave reviews.

For No. 1-seeded LSU, it added up to an 8-0 victory Friday over No. 4 Mississippi Valley State in front of a Tiger Park crowd of 1,114 in a game shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule.

“Obviously the competition steps up greatly (today),” LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard said. “But this is exactly what I wanted to have happen (Friday).”

LSU (43-16) advanced to winner’s bracket play against second-seeded University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a 2-1 winner over No. 3 seed East Carolina. he Tigers and Ragin’ Cajuns meet at 1 p.m. today (WNXX-104.5/104.9-FM).

Faile (4-1) made her first career postseason start memorable, holding Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Mississippi Valley (28-27) to a pair of singles through four innings. She walked one and struck out seven, throwing 55 of 72 pitches for strikes.

“I was proud of Casey,” Girouard said. “I think she settled down.”

Right fielder Haleigh Eubanks (3-for-3) twice reached second base after a pair of leadoff singles and stolen bases for MVSU, which meets East Carolina in an elimination game at 4 p.m.

In both instances Faile responded and retired the side, ending both the first and third innings with strikeouts.

LSU finally broke through in the third inning with four runs on four hits to gain control.

MVSU starter Brittany Franklin (15-7) retired LSU in order through the first two innings, getting five of six outs on ground balls.

Faile appeared as a pinch-hitter in place of Dee Dee Henderson and snapped the scoreless game with a two-run single up the middle to score Erika Sluss, who drew a lead-off walk and Jazz Jackson (2-for-2) who singled.

“I was just excited to start us off,” Faile said. “Just so everybody would get the momentum and momentum to get in there and do the same.”