Scouting, predictions for LSU, opponents in NCAA Baton Rouge Regional

For the 15th time, LSU softball will host a regional tournament in the NCAA Tournament.

The NCAA Baton Rouge Regional runs from Friday through Sunday and includes Cal, Southern Illinois and Jackson State in addition to the Tigers.

With three teams that LSU has not played this season, each representing a different conference – including two conference tournament champions – this region is much more open than it seems. Here’s what you need to know about the Tigers’ opponents in the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional:

California

Nickname: Golden bears

Conference: Pac 12

Head coach: Chelsea Spencer (fourth season)

This season: 36-17

Players to watch: IF Tatum Anzaldo, P Haylei Archer

Cal started strong in 2024, winning 27 of 31 non-conference games. However, the Golden Bears’ momentum was halted in conference play, falling to four games under .500 in the Pac-12 and a first-round exit in the conference tournament.

Southern Illinois

Nickname: Salukis

Conference: Missouri Valley

Head coach: Jen Sewell (third season)

This season: 42-9

Players to watch: AS Jackie Lis, P Maddia Groff

SIU improved as the season progressed. The Salukis, led by MVP Lis and Freshman of the Year Groff, went 23-4 in MVC play and finished the season by capturing the conference season and tournament titles. SIU has won nine in a row when competing in the region.

Jackson stands

Nickname: Lady Tigers

Conference: SWAC

Head coach: Kevin Montgomery (fifth season)

This season: 33-17

Players to watch: AS Jace Jackson, AS Julie Lopez

The Lady Tigers finally broke through this season, as Montgomery led them to six straight wins in regional competition, including the first SWAC Tournament title in program history.

LSU Football: LSU football-USC has kickoff time, TV information for season opener in Las Vegas

Predictions

On Friday, third-seeded Southern Illinois will keep its momentum going by beating Cal in the early game, while LSU will beat plucky but overmatched Jackson State in the late game.

On Saturday, the Tigers will clinch their spot in the title game with an early afternoon win over the Salukis, then JSU will take out the Golden Bears in the second game of the day. In the final elimination match, Southern Illinois will defeat Jackson State to set up a rematch Sunday afternoon.

LSU Women’s Basketball: The LSU women’s basketball 2024-25 SEC schedule includes South Carolina, Texas away, OU at home

SIU will beat LSU in the opening game of the championship, if only because beating a great team twice can be tough. However, the Tigers will punch their ticket to the super regional with a victory in the winner-take-all final.