LOS ANGELES – Loyola Marymount University head softball coach and two-time Team USA Olympic Medalist Tairia Flowers welcomes the National Team to Smith Field on Monday. The Lions will capitalize on a once in a lifetime opportunity, as the team will host Team USA, which Flowers is also an assistant coach for, on the team's "Stand Beside Her" tour. 
 
"I am looking forward to seeing Team USA in action," said Flowers. "It's been a while since I've been with the Women's National Team and I've definitely been missing them, but I know they are taking care of business as they gear up for Tokyo. Our LMU athletes are so excited to have the opportunity to compete against the best of the best and are truly looking forward to the challenge. The Team USA athletes are players that so many of our Lions grew up watching and admiring, so for them to have this experience will be super special and I'm so glad to be a part of it."
 
Team USA is on a three-game exhibition contest, and LMU is its second stop after San Diego, and before visiting Cal State Northridge. The National Team's "Stand Beside Her" tour is presented by Major League Baseball, and provides preparation before the team heads to Tokyo for the Olympic Games. 
 
The 2021 Lions will experience an incredible opportunity, as the last time softball was in the Olympics was in 2008, and after this year, Olympic softball won't be played until 2028. The National Team typically plays professional teams, however this year, the team is paying one of their coaches a visit. 
 
The last time Team USA was in the Olympics in 2008, Flowers was on the team as a utility player. The head coach won the silver in 2008, and the gold in 2004. 
 
This will be the second National Team of the season that the Lions. Have faced, as the team played Team Mexico in a double-header in early April.
 
The Lions will head into Monday's exhibition with a 20-20 record and an 8-4 conference play record. LMU dropped its most recent series to BYU, 2-1.
 
First pitch will be on Monday at 1:00 PM at Smith Field. Spectators are welcome, contingent on following COVID-19 safety guidelines.