No. 1 LSUS Set to Open NAIA World Series Against No. 10 Grand View
LEWISTON, Idaho – Championship season has arrived, and No. 1 LSU Shreveport (54-0) is ready to get to work. The Pilots open play in the 2025 NAIA World Series on Friday, May 23 at 1:30 PM CST, taking on No. 10 seed Grand View University (24-23) in the first round at Harris Field. This marks LSUS's sixth all-time appearance in the NAIA World Series, and its first since 2022. The Pilots punched their ticket to Lewiston by dominating the Shreveport Bracket in the Opening Round—another chapter in a season that has been nothing short of electric.
At the heart of the offense is RRAC Player of the Year Josh Gibson, who enters the World Series hitting .442 with 67 RBIs and 52 stolen bases. The Pilots lead the nation in multiple offensive categories and bring a team slash line of .364/.495/.604, showcasing power, patience, and plenty of speed.
On the mound, the Pilots feature a dangerous three-headed monster in right-hander Draven Zeigler and lefties Isaac Rohde and Cobe Reeves who were all First-Team All-Conference selections. Zeigler boasts a 12-0 record, 1.38 ERA, and an incredible 10.96 strikeouts per nine innings, while Rohde comes in at 14-0 with a 2.14 ERA, 130 strikeouts, and a WHIP of just 0.74. Reeves's numbers are equally impressive with an 11-0 record, 103 strikeouts and a 2.02 ERA. Together, they've helped set the tone all year long.
Grand View enters the matchup as a scrappy underdog after battling through the Opening Round with four straight wins following an opening loss. The Vikings, in their first World Series appearance since 1991, are led by Brock Johnson (.376 AVG, 47 RBIs, 13 SBs) and bring a team batting average of .331 with solid production across the board. On the mound, Jason Moist (6-3) leads the staff with 50 strikeouts, but enters with a 7.63 ERA and 1.76 WHIP.
With a lineup that applies pressure at every turn and a pitching staff that limits opportunities, the Pilots thrive on getting out in front early and staying there. Zeigler, Rohde, and Reeves give them the flexibility to control matchups, while the offense's depth forces opponents to make tough choices from the first pitch.
LSU Shreveport arrives in Lewiston with the tools, talent, and mindset of a championship contender. Game 1 against Grand View is about execution and setting the tone. With high expectations and momentum behind them, the Pilots are poised to make a strong opening statement on the national stage.
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