The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the intricate dance between pitcher and batter – these are the hallmarks of collegiate softball, a sport that has steadily risen in prominence to capture a national spotlight. And at the heart of this ascendancy, consistently drawing attention and accolades, is the LSU Tigers softball program. While team success is always a collective effort, the 2025 season saw two remarkable athletes elevate their game and, in doing so, power LSU to new heights and national recognition: junior catcher Maci Bergeron and freshman first baseman Tori Edwards. This dynamic duo, affectionately dubbed the “Smash Sisters,” not only redefined LSU’s offensive prowess but also earned coveted All-America honors, marking the first time since 2021 that the Tigers have had multiple All-Americans in the same season.
Tori Edwards, the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, exploded onto the collegiate scene with a season that can only be described as historic. As a redshirt freshman, Edwards started in all 58 of LSU’s games at first base, becoming an indispensable part of the lineup from day one. Her statistics are staggering and speak volumes about her immediate impact. She set a program single-season record with an astounding .802 slugging percentage, showcasing her incredible power and ability to hit for extra bases. Furthermore, she tied a program best with 18 home runs, a remarkable feat for a debut season, including a record four grand slams that consistently turned games on their head. Beyond the long ball, Edwards broke into the program’s top 10 with 73 RBIs, ranking third all-time, and registered a .495 on-base percentage, placing her ninth. Overall, she boasted a stellar .375 batting average with 62 hits, scored 52 runs, and drew 37 walks, demonstrating a keen eye at the plate. Her consistency was also evident in her 18 multi-RBI games and 19 multi-hit games, highlighting her ability to deliver critical offense repeatedly. Defensively, Edwards was equally impressive, providing a reliable glove at first base with 346 putouts, eight assists, and contributing to 15 double plays. Her performance earned her not only NFCA Second-Team All-America honors but also All-America selections from D1Softball and Softball America, cementing her status as one of the nation’s premier freshmen.
Complementing Edwards’s power was the steady, impactful presence of junior catcher Maci Bergeron. Bergeron, a seasoned veteran despite her junior status, also started all 58 games for the Tigers, anchoring the lineup and providing invaluable leadership behind the plate. Her offensive contributions were equally significant, as she batted an impressive .364 with 60 hits, including nine home runs, and collected 49 RBIs. Bergeron’s ability to get on base was a critical asset for the LSU offense, as she drew 45 walks and recorded a .498 on-base percentage, figures that rank fifth and seventh, respectively, in the program’s single-season record book. While Edwards was known for her prodigious power, Bergeron consistently got on base and set the table for the Tigers’ potent offense, often driving in runs herself. Behind the plate, Bergeron was a rock, registering an exceptional .994 fielding percentage with 312 putouts, 13 assists, and only two errors. She also proved adept at stifling opponents’ running games, catching five runners stealing and participating in two double plays. Her defensive prowess and offensive reliability made her a true dual threat, earning her NFCA Third-Team All-America recognition. Bergeron’s career fielding percentage of .995, with a minimum of 800 chances, positions her as the program’s all-time leader in that category, a testament to her consistent excellence and unwavering commitment to defensive mastery.
The synergistic effect of Edwards and Bergeron on the LSU offense was undeniable. Together, they accounted for 27 of the team’s 42 total home runs, a staggering 64% of LSU’s long balls, and combined for a remarkable .373 batting average with 122 hits. This offensive firepower, particularly from two key positions in the lineup, allowed LSU to maintain pressure on opposing pitchers throughout the season. Their ability to hit for power and average, coupled with their high on-base percentages, created countless scoring opportunities for the Tigers. When one was struggling, the other often picked up the slack, embodying the essence of a true dynamic duo. Their complementary skill sets – Edwards’s raw power and grand slam heroics, paired with Bergeron’s consistent hitting and defensive leadership – made them a nightmare for opposing coaches to strategize against. The “Smash Sisters” moniker was well-earned, reflecting their explosive impact on the game and their ability to consistently deliver powerful blows that tilted the scales in LSU’s favor.
While the individual accolades for Edwards and Bergeron are a highlight of the 2025 season, their contributions were instrumental in LSU’s overall success. The Tigers concluded the regular season with a 40-13 record, including a 12-12 mark in the ultra-competitive SEC, securing the No. 9 seed in the 2025 SEC Softball Tournament. They subsequently earned the No. 10 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and hosted a Baton Rouge Regional for the second consecutive season. This marks the third consecutive 40-plus win season for the LSU softball program, a testament to Head Coach Beth Torina’s consistent leadership and the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence. The pitching staff, with a solid 2.79 ERA and 13 shutouts, held opponents to a .210 average, but it was the dynamic offense, powered by the “Smash Sisters,” that provided the crucial run support in many close contests.
Although LSU’s 2025 season ultimately ended in the Baton Rouge Regional elimination game at the hands of Southeastern, the impact of Maci Bergeron and Tori Edwards on the program’s trajectory and national standing cannot be overstated. Their All-America selections not only brought individual recognition but also cast a bright national spotlight on LSU softball, reminding the collegiate softball world of the talent and potential simmering in Baton Rouge. These two athletes embody the future of LSU softball, and their continued development promises even greater things in the seasons to come. As they look towards the 2026 season, the “Smash Sisters” will undoubtedly continue to be a force to be reckoned with, inspiring teammates and captivating fans with their exceptional talent and undeniable chemistry, further solidifying LSU’s place among the elite in collegiate softball.
