Thoughts on LSU softball opening weeks

I know TL;DR....


Current Record: 12-3

On the mound:

Coming in we knew the strength of this team would be pitching. Hoover, Walljasper and Smith are definitely one of best staffs in the country.

Walljasper and Smith look solid so far, Smith's development will play a critical role for how far this team goes this year. She had a very good showing out in California this weekend.

Hoover, we all know what she is capable of and no doubt she is among the best pitchers in the country. Although early, she is showing some issues with her control. It did come back to bite her in Cali this past weekend. She is getting behind in the count too much and its making it much more difficult for her. Especially against UCLA, its difficult to go against this kind of competition and constantly be behind in the count. Its early tho but I think Torina will have here prepared when we open the SEC against Auburn.

Gorsuch- I was very happy to see her get her first victory as a tiger this weekend. She had some control issues early on to open the season but she looked much more in control this weekend. I expect Torina to continue to try to bring her along. She's extremely talented, I think she will be fine. I am excited to see her develop as we get further into the season.

Pitching has been solid but not great.

Defense:
I think defensively we have been ok so far, except for this past weekend, droppings a popup on the infield led to a run. We are ranked 7th in the SEC in field percentage. Sanchez has the most at 3 but I expected this somewhat as 3rd base is a new position for her this year, although I think she is doing a fantastic job. She has already made some pretty spectacular plays and has saved a run or two. I expect her to continue to develop there.

Serrett is looking great as well not a surprise there. Shes really a natural, has a cannon of an arm and good instincts. Quinn has been solid as well although she did have some hiccups this weekend with a couple of errors.


At the plate:

We all knew coming in we are going to probably be experiencing growing pains. So far I am pleased where we are. We will definitely continue to get better as the season goes on. We were very explosive in California this weekend. Amanda Doyle had a big weekend especially, she showed flashes of complete dominance, blasting 3 homeruns, 2 against a top 5 UCLA team. Another freshman Springfield hit her first homer of the season, hitting a grand slam. Shemiah Sanchez also joined in hitter her first homerun as well.

As of now LSU ranks 2nd in the SEC in batting average and hits. 3rd in doubles and 2nd in triples.

We definitely still need more time to continue to get better at the plate but I am pretty pleased with what I am seeing thus far. Doyle, Springfield, Serrett, and Sanchez really had a great showing this weekend. This core group will continue to get better. All showed they can hit for power as well. They just need to continue to get more experience, its the only way for them to get better.

Takeaways so far:


Doyle and Springfield are definitely hitting the ball better than I was expecting this early. I think Doyle and possibly springfield will be an All American by the end of the season. These two freshman will be hitting in the middle of this lineup for years to come.

Aliyah Andrews- I am extremely impressed with her quickness and eye for the ball. She is definitely one or if not the best defensive player in the OF, although she needs to continue to grow at the plate. She has a little ways to go there.

Thornhill- Torina truly believes that she is much improved at the plate. I can see it. She looked great this weekend at the plate, she also seems to come up clutch in pinch hitting situations. I think if she shows consistency at the plate, then she will have LF locked down. At this point we need more play makers at the plate. She isn't really a liability on D.


Predictions:

Torina will continue to work with Dawson and Quinn at 2B. Torina I think has made it clear her spot isn't secured. After looking rough at the plate the other weekend. She gave dawson two starts and even gave her a start this weekend. If Quinn continues to struggle, look for Dawson to get more looks.

I think the last spot in the OF will continue to be rotations of Thornhill, Weinberger, and Andrews until someone steps up and take the job.