While LSU was busy celebrating its dominant win 95-44 over Eastern Kentucky, there’s a chance they might be feeling a little sting of regret. Why? Because Hailey Van Lith, who once suited up for the Lady Tigers, started her TCU Horned Frogs journey with a bang. 

The guard put up 21 points (second-most on the team), 7 assists, 6 steals, and 5 rebounds against Houston Christian, showing Kim Mulkey what she’s missing after the transfer. About LSU’s opener, sure, they won big, but something felt off. Coach Kim Mulkey made a post-game comment that raised some eyebrows. 

When asked about Flau’jae Johnson’s role as the main scorer, Mulkey quickly clarified that she didn’t see anyone on the team as the designated scorer. “I wouldn’t use the word main scorer. She’s going to be a main scorer. Morrow may be a main scorer one night,” she said.

She was certain that the team was going to have four or five that could be double-figure scorers every night. Emphasizing Johnson’s experience, she said in the postgame conference, “This is her third year now, so it’s not like she has to think a whole lot out there.”

That’s all well and good, but it also makes you wonder: does the Tigers have that one player who can take over when the game’s on the line? In their season opener, LSU had four players in double figures: Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, Mikaylah Williams, and Sa’Myah Smith. 

But still, the scoring felt spread out, and there wasn’t a single player truly leading the charge. Flau’jae had 25 points, Morrow added 20 with a double-double, Williams scored 18, and Smith chipped in with 15. The team shot 58.5% from the floor, yet you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

But things weren’t the same last year. Along with star player Angel Reese, they had Hailey Van Lith. The 23-year-old once stood out at Louisville, averaging 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. After entering the transfer portal and being ranked the No. 1 by ESPN, she lit up the court for the Lady Tigers in 2023-24. Though her performance, averaging, 11.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, did not stand out, she started all 33 games and looked promising enough to remain consistent. 

Watching the guard kick off today, she could have been the main scorer LSU needs, especially with an injured roster this season. 

Kim Mulkey & Co. struggling with Injured roster

Kim and Co. are battling injuries that could really complicate things moving forward. Their roster isn’t at full strength, and it shows. Kim Mulkey admitted post-game that her team’s depth is a concern, especially since several players are not yet fully healthy. “We have depth, but we don’t have it right now,” she said.

Right now, LSU is dealing with a mix of nicks and bruises. Mikalayah Williams, who was a standout in their opener, has been struggling with an ankle injury that kept her out of several practices. The HC confirmed that the player’s ankle isn’t fully healed. 

Center Aalyah Del Rosario is also dealing with an off-season ankle procedure, and she’s still trying to get back into game shape. Add to that the absence of key players like Shayeann Day-Wilson (hip injury) and Miracle Sheppard (stress reaction injury), and suddenly, the depth the coach spoke about starts to look pretty thin.

However, she knows that getting everyone healthy and active is the key. But as she put it, “We’ve gotta get them out on that floor every day.” With so many players still dealing with injuries and lacking a ‘main scorer,’ let us see how things work out for them in the coming match ups.