- May 12th, 2015, 10:36 am
#483605
Well... 2015 is done and the players performed admirably considering the number of freshman playing, tough opponents, and the injuries at the end of the season.
I am not sure I would be bold enough to predict many more than 30 wins next season, not because they won't be better. The reason is teams won't just walk in thinking they are going to crush LU like they have in the past. The loss of Kelby, Megan, and Jamie should not be underestimated. The leadership and experience those players brought won some games this season either by key at bats or ESPN highlight defensive plays. I do believe we will see better Big South Tournament results next year at the end of the season. This year there were some coaching mistakes, base running mistakes, and a few key errors at the wrong time. LU competed in every game and very easily could have won the 2 games they lost had the ball bounced a different way. There will be errors and walks, it happens at every level, just ask Tennessee (if you watched the SEC championship.. you understand this). It's minimizing the impact and taking advantage when the other team gives up an error or walk. Things we didn't do at the tournament this year.
One of the key differences this season.. Chandler Ball. Returning from an ACL injury is hard enough, she also had to learn 3 new infielders. She did her job and at times put the team on her back. I believe she lowered her ERA by 2 full runs. That's impressive and shows the kids determination to get better and Coach Cassady's impact on her pitching. Kenzie had a nagging injury towards the end of the season. She is an awesome kid and will not be outworked.
I won't make predictions for next year. They have 12 incoming freshman, we will have to see how many of them make the adjustments to learn the speed of the college game, learn that the coaches are nice on the recruiting trail.... those days are over, overcome the grind of daily practice and workouts, classes, their time is not... their time. If you have been watching the roster, college programs lose kids every season. LU included, I believe they lost 3-4 players this year alone.
Having 4 Freshman on the Big South Freshman team and Freshman of the Year bodes well for LU, not just because the Freshman did well... more importantly, LU is getting respect from the other teams and their coaches. We will have to see if all 4 return to LU for another season. Other opportunities open up at other schools and Freshman like these get noticed....