Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Gators Cruise by Dolphins in Softball Exhibition - Florida Gators

 

Second Game 4 innings, Gators 3-1. Brooke and Reagan each had doubles. Mackenzie allowed the run. Olivia killed the JU rally and pitched two quick innings.

 

Starting Lineup in the 1st Game:
P---Ava Brown
C---Jocey Erickson
1B-Avery Goelz
2B-Mia Williams
3B-Ariel Kowalewski BTW her last name is Cow a loose key
LF-Korbe Otis
CF-KF
RF-Katie Kistler
DP-Reagan Walsh

2nd Game:
P--Mackenzie Wooten-1 2/3 Olivia Miller-2 2/3
C--Emily Wilkie Ariel Kowalewski
1B-Ava Brown
2B-Reagan Walsh
3B-Brooke Barnard Lou Hovermale
SS-Skylar Wallace Kaila Pollard
LF-Korbe Otis
CF-Kendra Falby Katie Kistler
RF- Cassidy McLellan
DH-?

I could have missed some, but this is my best recollection.

One final note: Jocey Erickson has a gun behind the plate. She picked a runner off 2B, and threw out one stealing. This is the best-throwing catcher in a good while.

 

I missed a couple.

 

We do have some lefties don’t we? Really like what she brings. Stay healthy girl.

 

Games summary by Herb Brooks:
Gators Cruise by Dolphins in Softball Exhibition - Florida Gators

 

Great job guys

 

Obviously you can't tell too much from playing Jacksonville, but....

I was impressed with Jocelyn Erickson at catcher. Picked off one runner by a mile trying to steal second and picked of one runner who was on second and didn't go back to the bag very quickly after a pitch. Had one runner steal, but that was on a pitch down in the dirt that she had trouble picking up but it was still close. Throws from her knees and gets the ball out quick.

Like Ava Brown. While "E" was one of my favorites last year for many reasons, a great number of her pitches did not require the batter to make any decision at all because they bounced in front of the plate or were otherwise clearly not a strike. Brown seemed to have great control, nibbling the edges, with very few "no decision needed" pitches. She did plunk two batters, but they had it coming (just kidding). Seems like our #1 pitcher, but maybe that is obvious from her history (which I know nothing about)

Mackenzie Wooten: do we have a pitching coach? If she gets to a point where she can contribute, credit to our pitching coach. She comes from a good program, maybe she just needs to be coached up.

Overall -- I've long been a charter member of the Sunshine Pumper's Club, but it sure seems like our glass is way more than half full. There were several obvious holes in the lineup last year (not throwing anyone under the bus) but this year looks like potent offense from top to bottom and additional speed beyond Falby. If we can avoid the dreaded "I" word (like what happened to volleyball), this could be a great season.

Anyone else at the game with insight?

 

Didn’t we just have a rumor that Ava Brown was injured and going to miss the season? Clearly that rumor was not true. Yes, it is concerning that Keagan Rothrock doesn’t appear to be pitching this fall, but we need more information. She was participating in the between innings jog to the fence and stretch with the rest of the team. I’m going to take that as a good sign.

On Jocelyn Erickson, while I don’t recall if she had a hit today, it just sounds different when she barrels up a ball. She’s got pop in her bat for sure. I hope to see her and Skylar put up 15 plus bombs.

On Mia Williams, what stood out to me was her athleticism. And she didn’t even do anything terribly athletic today. When she was jogging back to the dugout after an AB, it was like she was just gliding. Might just be me, but I thought she stood out athletically.

Overall, with the exception of pitching, this team has a good bit of depth on it that we haven’t seen in a while. Should make for some good competition. Also, Francesca Enea was the first base coach and I am fully behind that decision. I have high hopes for her coaching career.

 

I don't know.

 

Scrappy is my softball hero. He gives us great information. It is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Softball officially approved for the 2028 LA Olympics.

 

I predict there will be at a minimum three Gators on that team.

 

Brooke had some pop! She seems to like hitting in KSP.

 

Are the all orange uniforms with the Gator logo on the chest a new look? Can't remember seeing them before.

 

They are the Fall Ball Exhibition Game Uniforms.

 

While it is probably way too early to tell, Brooke might be the surprise pickup of the off season.