LSU will make the 169-mile trip east and open play on Friday night against third-seeded Kennesaw State in the Hattiesburg Regional. The Owls, champions of the Atlantic Sun Conference, are 35-26 this season and are making only their second-ever NCAA tournament appearance. Despite that, Tigers coach Jay Johnson says KSU isn’t to be taken lightly…

Cut 21 (18) “…a great test.”

This will be the first ever meeting between the two programs.

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Johnson also said on Monday that he believes that both Cade Doughty and Jacob Berry will be available for the Regionals. Doughty has been sidelined with a dislocated shoulder since May 21, while Berry is recovering from a broken finger he suffered back on May 6. Gavin Dugas is listed as day-to-day with an injured thumb.

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Louisiana Tech enters the tournament for the second straight year as the Bulldogs head to the Austin Regional as the two-seed behind Texas and will face Dallas Baptist at 6:30 pm on Friday. Tech lost to the Patriots, 7-4, at home back on March 29. Coach Lane Burroughs says he expects another tough battle this weekend.

Cut 16 (12) “…to bring it.”

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Southeastern and U-L are both back after extended postseason absences. The Lions will play Auburn on Friday while the Cajuns are headed to College Station to take on TCU. U-L coach Matt Deggs says his program took a major step forward this season.

Cut 18 (19) “…into words.”