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LSU Softball Team Practices In New Tiger Park

BATON ROUGE ? After hitting at the old Tiger Park, the LSU softball team finished practice Monday by breaking in the new Tiger Park with its first defensive session.

The Tigers started the 60-minute session in their infield and outfield units before wrapping up with situational team defense to get use to all the nuances the new ballpark has to offer.

?It was an awesome experience for our players,? head coach Yvette Girouard said. ?The older players thought they were on a road trip, but it?s their home now. The new park plays dramatically different than the old park. The outfielders are looking into a massive roof. The ball carries different and plays different off the fences. We?re excited to get out here and the new Tiger Park is going to be a jewel in the realm of college softball.?

Monday also was the first day of classes for the Tigers, who started practice last week. LSU embarks on the 2009 season at the Paradise Softball Classic squaring off against Oklahoma, UAB and host Hawai`i from Feb. 5-7. The new Tiger Park opens against McNeese State on Feb. 11.

?It was fantastic to have the chance to practice at our new home,? outfielder Ashley Applegate said. ?Our motto for the upcoming season is build it and it will come. It?s here, we?re excited and it looks amazing.?

Season tickets are on sale now at www.LSUSports.net, the official Web site of LSU Athletics. Tickets also can be purchased at the ticket office or by calling (225) 578-2184 or (800) 960-8587.

Chair-back seats are available for $100, while reserved bleacher seating is $75. Fans are encouraged to get their season tickets to guarantee great seats for LSU?s marquee home schedule that features six games against teams that made the 2008 Women?s College World Series.