2024 stats here:
https://12thman.com/sports/softball/stats/2024We lost a lot of power and a large percentage of hits, runs, doubles, etc. but we have a lot of good bats returning and some new ones (freshmen and transfers). Boozer92 phrased it nicely with "This team will have to manufacture runs and string hits together" and "It will be a puzzle for the coaches to figure out." Much better pitching staff and have had a pretty darn good defense for years. Base running was great last season. Hitting IS the big unknown.
Allie was awesome at the plate the first part of the season last year (4-6 weeks or so) but then fell off a cliff. Ended up leading the team in strikeouts. If Allie can 'get her groove back' it will be surely be a big part of the offense. Her speed, range and glove in the OF make up for the loss of offense but she was truly awesome when her bat was working - I called it "Allie Magic" !!!
Clutch hits were hard to come by many times during the SEC season. Lost several games and series that we could have won. The lack of pitching depth a big part of that. But with all of that we were only a run away from the WCWS.
We will probably see a LOT of lineup changes during non-conference! Comes back to the 'puzzle' mentioned earlier.
Mac did very well in her career at 1st at SDS. Only one error on the season. She's quick for her size. Good chance of seeing her there. But easily could be someone else. She will probably be our 'big bat' and great chance to put up some big numbers. If Maya lives up to her history and potential she would add a lot. Huge mystery what she will do.
KP was an outstanding hitter at UCLA but fell off some here. Amari had a good bat last year but will she start? KK Dement (2B) and Frankie Vrazel (RF) have very good chances at starting and both have really good bats. Ojo probably starting catcher but her bat has been up and down in her career.
I would love to see several of the freshmen at the plate but would probably be only in PH roles - DeeDee, Reagan (got the redshirt!), Larisa, Kelsey and and Harley. DeeDee and Kelsey had a LOT of power in HS. Harley was offensive player of the year for New Braunfels Canyon at least twice in her career. And that was with DeeDee (awesome hitter) on the team - that says a lot!
Hailey Golden had a good bat in HS, too, and she was a great PR last year because she is really fast and makes good decisions on the bases. She was a star in OF (and a Team MVP at least one year) in HS but will probably have to wait until next year for a shot there. Two positions will be open but signee Annsley Groce out of Keller, TX might grab one of those.
Taylor Brown (P) was also a power hitter in HS. Played 1B a lot. Really, REALLY great numbers at the plate. Will the staff give her a chance at the plate? Would love to see her in a dual role (1B and P) but probably will not see it this year - perhaps next year? Perhaps a shot at PH'ing this year? Why the heck not? But I do not know if the coaches are keen on dual role or even in PH roles.
Kramer won the starting job in OF and had a great bat. She's a fighter. Can hit the ball really hard. Can she keep it up?
Koko will be Koko!
I think we will do well this year. Deep pitching staff a big part of it and with them I think we will find the hits, runs, etc. to win more games than last year.
Feb 6 will not come soon enough !!!