Beth Torina Highlights LSU Women Of Past, Present In 500th Win

To say LSU is off to a strong start would be an understatement. The 14-2 Tigers are fresh off a historic weekend in Baton Rouge, La., during which head coach Beth Torina reached the 500th win of her illustrious coaching career on a Shelby Wickersham no-hitter, which was later followed by the first perfect game of senior pitcher Maribeth Gorsuch's career.

Torina's 500th win, which came last Friday with LSU's 12-0 victory over Sam Houston State, was even more special to her since she was able to experience it on the Tigers' home field with her family and some of the players who helped make the achievement a reality.

"When I think about those wins I think about all the women that were part of all of them," Torina told Softball America in a phone interview. "They all had special qualities and moments. I’m just proud of all of them and what they brought to us and how they gave their heart and soul to their university."

For Torina, who has been at the helm of LSU's program since 2012, her time with the Tigers has been filled with success. In her LSU tenure to date, Torina has led the Tigers to an average of 45 wins per season, helped them reach the Women's College World Series four times and coached eight All-Americans.

And according to Torina, her team this year has a special quality to it that gives her confidence it can add to LSU's storied program legacy.

"This is a team that just enjoys the game," Torina said. "It has been really fun to coach athletes like that."

LSU's 2020 lineup is a solid combination of both fresh and experienced faces. Freshman Taylor Pleasants has wowed onlookers with her offensive prowess, sophomores Georgia Clark and Morgan Cummins are thriving and LSU's pitching staff with Gorsuch, Wickersham, Ali Kilponen and Shelbi Sunseri is undeniably elite.

For Torina, seeing Gorsuch's success this season has been particularly special. She recalled thinking about Gorsuch's up-and-down journey at LSU during the senior's perfect game last weekend.

"She’s been through a lot," Torina said. "She sat behind Carley Hoover and Allie Walljasper and now gets her opportunity. I’m proud of how she has never given in."

As Torina and her Tigers look ahead to SEC play, which begins in just two weeks, they are hungry for more success and redemption from their tie for second place in last year's conference standings.

"We have a really great opportunity to perform," Torina said. "We are definitely ready."

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