Softball 2025-expectations?
- Thread starter TideATL70
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We played Oklahoma State today down in Florida and took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 7th. Briski came on in the 5th and was pitching well despite having her pitching arm all wrapped up. She lost it in the bottom of the 7th and gave up 4 straight hits sandwiched around a fielders choice out at home plate. The last hit, a two run single gave Oklahoma State the win. We had a couple of chances to add runs earlier in the game but couldn't get the big hit.
It's still early, but we kind of look like last year. We have a couple of ladies that are making good contact, but we can't put any good rallies together. The way Briski's arm was wrapped up I'm wondering if we're over-using her already.
And what's up with Kennedy Marceaux. She was our all-everything recruit this year. Why is she not playing much? Is she injured or is she not sucking up to Murphy enough. I think her bat could help, at least as a DH or something. Or will she be the next big name moving down the road.
It's still early, but we kind of look like last year. We have a couple of ladies that are making good contact, but we can't put any good rallies together. The way Briski's arm was wrapped up I'm wondering if we're over-using her already.
And what's up with Kennedy Marceaux. She was our all-everything recruit this year. Why is she not playing much? Is she injured or is she not sucking up to Murphy enough. I think her bat could help, at least as a DH or something. Or will she be the next big name moving down the road.
Alabama softball recruiting class:
rolltide.com
Alabama Softball Adds Six for 2025 National Signing Day Class - Alabama Athletics
Alabama softball welcomed six new members to its family Wednesday on National Signing Day. The high school seniors will join the Crimson Tide next fall ahead...
Definitely a disappointing weekend going 1-4 in Clearwater. Contributing to that disappointment is losing the lead in I think 3 of those games.
As far as players, Vandagriff is a stand-out and one of the definite bright spots on the team. As a Freshman, she has been the team's most consistent hitter (.517 avg), and has great speed on the bases. Pupillo has also been a good addition to the offense as a transfer. Riley and Briski have looked good at times pitching, but haven't looked elite.
I agree with others that this feels a lot like the last couple years. I saw the graphic during the game yesterday reminding us that Alabama had a losing record in the SEC for the first time last year. Unfortunately, I would predict the same again this year from what I have seen so far.
For me, there is some reason for optimism in that some of the early losses this year have occurred in games where Alabama had more game control than the opponent then one disastrous inning dooms the outcome. Three games from Clearwater that definitely fell in that category for me were the losses to Liberty, UCLA and OK St. Hopefully, the team can improve through the year and win those type games.
As far as players, Vandagriff is a stand-out and one of the definite bright spots on the team. As a Freshman, she has been the team's most consistent hitter (.517 avg), and has great speed on the bases. Pupillo has also been a good addition to the offense as a transfer. Riley and Briski have looked good at times pitching, but haven't looked elite.
I agree with others that this feels a lot like the last couple years. I saw the graphic during the game yesterday reminding us that Alabama had a losing record in the SEC for the first time last year. Unfortunately, I would predict the same again this year from what I have seen so far.
For me, there is some reason for optimism in that some of the early losses this year have occurred in games where Alabama had more game control than the opponent then one disastrous inning dooms the outcome. Three games from Clearwater that definitely fell in that category for me were the losses to Liberty, UCLA and OK St. Hopefully, the team can improve through the year and win those type games.
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Alabama softball recruiting class:
Alabama Softball Adds Six for 2025 National Signing Day Class - Alabama Athletics
Alabama softball welcomed six new members to its family Wednesday on National Signing Day. The high school seniors will join the Crimson Tide next fall ahead...
If we didn’t get Moten then we would be behind Auburn, Georgia, and Mizzou in that class. We also did very bad in the 24 class in terms of recruiting whereas our SEC rivals improved.
Again the question remains… “ is Alabama a national championship contender or a team that is just happy getting to the Supers and occasionally winning a series”. Because we aren’t consistently recruiting like we are going to challenge the big dogs.
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The thing that bothers me is that it seems like, for a lot of our players, their best year is their first one, which tells me they aren't improving much while playing for Alabama. I think that's a coaching issue. There are exceptions to every rule and I haven't done a deep dive on this, so I'll admit it could be off.
Also, I noticed the sleeve on Briski's arm as well. I couldn't tell if it was for injury, preventative support, or protection.
Also, I noticed the sleeve on Briski's arm as well. I couldn't tell if it was for injury, preventative support, or protection.
Well it’s a top 7 class that my niece happens to be a member of. I spoke with her travel ball coach (one of the top organizations in the sport) who seems to think pretty highly of Murphy. Hopefully, they can improve over last year going forward. RTR
If I read the link correctly, it looks like Palozzi is the big get in that class although Moten and a couple of the others look pretty solid. I am not particularly optimistic about this year* but we have some good young players, Giles, Vandergriff for sure, Marceaux and Hubbard possibly. IF Murphy can keep them from bolting to the portal after this season, then I think we have the makings of an improved team and one that can be competitive down the road.
Regarding the recruiting of power hitters, it's not that we haven't (altogether). Heivlin set the Michigan single season HR record as a senior. Dowling was the career HR record holder in Illinois without the benefit of playing her senior (covid) season. They just never produced like I thought they might.
* That said, we have had some freakish defensive collapses this year and that from reputedly solid defensive players, that likely cost us a couple of games. If we can get THAT stabilized, we might still make some noise this season.
Regarding the recruiting of power hitters, it's not that we haven't (altogether). Heivlin set the Michigan single season HR record as a senior. Dowling was the career HR record holder in Illinois without the benefit of playing her senior (covid) season. They just never produced like I thought they might.
* That said, we have had some freakish defensive collapses this year and that from reputedly solid defensive players, that likely cost us a couple of games. If we can get THAT stabilized, we might still make some noise this season.
Definitely a painful trip to Clearwater. Vandagriff has been a breath of fresh air, reminds me of Coach Kayla Braud. Briski HAS to cut down on the walks. Love the increase in SB's and Dingers but pitching has got to improve. I think it will!! Last night I was only able to follow on Twitter but a little concerning to give up 4 to Jax St???
I've heard quite a few guys at work saying the same thing. Wondered if it was just here, or a larger sentiment among softball fans.
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