True. She started the season last year at first base, remember? But she just made a great play at SS to end the 3rd. She's just a gamer.
I don't know how it's going to work out, but Ava Brown has played first when not pitching and she's been a great hitter in high school and travel ball. Mia Williams and Alyssa Hovermale are both infielders. Kaila Pollard is a 2nd baseman as well. I could see Wallace staying at SS, Williams starting out at 3rd, Pollard or Hovermale at 2nd and Brown and Wilkie alternating at 1st. I can see Ariel Kowalewski winning the job at catcher and Cassady McLellan challenging for an outfield position with Falby, Goelz and Kistler. That's a lot of "ifs", not to mention who we might pick up in the portal. Everybody, I think, is counting on Keagan Rothrock and Ava Brown coming in right away and being great pitchers, but that's a lot of pressure to put on freshman pitchers. That's why it's important for him to get 1 or 2 quality pitchers in the portal and let's hope Lexie Delbrey gets totally healthy and comes back next year much better. If the pitching doesn't improve dramatically we're still not going to be challenging for any kind of title.
Agree on all that, would also take a look at Roe at third. IF Pollard is ready that does allow you to put Mia at 3B. Haven't seen Hovermale defensively so hard to know what she brings to the table in the field. Also IF Goddard can come back healthy you have a power bat/corner OF added to the mix. Will be interesting, really looking forward to fall in that regard
No offense to Goelz and Kistler, but they shouldn't be starters next year. I don't know how many times I've watched Goelz hit a weak, soft fly to the left fielder with runner on base in her career. Her average typically goes way down after the February cupcakes. And she is maybe good for 1 to 3 HRs a season overall and not a lot of 2Bs either. Kistler should just be a PH, PR, and defensive replacement.
Kistler was very good last year...it hasn't carried over to this year. Goelz finished last year very strong and I think we all felt the light bulb came on. It also hasn't carried over.
I have a confession to make... This is the first season that I'm not sad this is the last game of the regular season. This season felt like running toward the finish line of a race but then tripping over your shoes and falling short.
And it seems like some of the air has gone out of the balloon with the team. Gator softball is just not used to being in this position and they all know their own expectations haven't matched the results. Hopefully, they'll be super motivated in the off season to right the ship. But that takes some leadership decisions from the commander.
Hightower has pitched really well today and got ZERO offensive support. But now a solo HR in the bottom of the 6th might be all their All American (what??!!!) pitcher needs to beat us. Hope we rally, but body language doesn't look good.