2019 FPN Conference Previews: ACC
| TEAM | CONFERENCE RECORD | OVERALL RECORD |
|---|---|---|
| ATLANTIC | ||
| Florida State | 21-3 | 58-12 |
| Notre Dame | 13-10 | 34-23 |
| Boston College | 13-10 | 30-23 |
| Louisville | 10-12 | 33-20 |
| Syracuse | 9-12 | 30-20 |
| NC State | 5-18 | 23-31 |
| COASTAL | ||
| Pitt | 16-6 | 33-18-1 |
| North Carolina | 15-8 | 30-26 |
| Georgia Tech | 13-11 | 28-26 |
| Duke | 13-11 | 29-27 |
| Virginia Tech | 7-16 | 23-30 |
| Virginia | 3-21 | 12-41 |
Catch up on all of our conference previews here: Big West, Big Ten, CUSA, Atlantic 10, Big Sky, CAA, Summit League, American, ACC, Big 12,
West Coast Conference.
Also check out this episode of our In The Circle podcast where Eric Lopez, Justin McLeod, and Michael Kyllo-Kittleson discuss season outlooks for the ACC and other conferences!
TEAMS TO WATCH:
FLORIDA STATE
The ACC has and will continue to be Florida State’s for the taking for the foreseeable future though it may be more challenging as the conference begins to rise. The defending 2018 National Champions are yet again one to watch for in 2019. Check out head coach, Lonni Alameda’s recent appearance on the In The Circle podcast, here!
SYRACUSE
A team that has been on the rise, fans of the Orange have a lot to be excited about in 2019. First year head coach, Shannon Doepking, takes the reigns and has the pedigree for high levels of success.
PITT
After a breakout season that ended in heartbreak including a postseason snub and the departure of head coach, Holly Aprile, Pitt will be back with a chip on its shoulder and ready to make a statement in 2019.
DUKE
Marissa Young has Duke off a promising start! In its first season of existence the Blue Devils posted a 29-27 record, going 13-11 in the ACC. Young challenged her first year squad with a tough schedule and they finished just outside of the top 100 in RPI (107).
VIRGINIA TECH
Va Tech named Pete D’Amour next Hokie head coach this past summer. After two season of great success at Kennesaw State, Hokie fans should be very excited about what D’Amour brings to the table. With the pick up of some key transfers and his ability to develop talent, look for measurable improvement for the Hokies in 2019.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
KING’S COURT
Meghan King came on strong during the WCWS in what could be called the breakout performance of her career. In 2019, it is her turn to step up and be the Noles’ true ace. Is she up for it? How will she do?
NEW FACES, NEW PLACES
The ACC made many coaching changes during the off-season so the question is: how will those teams do in 2019? Will they see marked improvement? Can Pitt and Syracuse make it to the NCAA tournament after being close last season? How will Holly Aprile’s transition from Pitt to Louisville go? Can Jennifer Patrick-Swift return NC State to the national success it enjoyed in just 2015? Lots left to be seen.
YEAR TWO
After a successful campaign in Duke’s debut season, what does head coach Marissa Young and her Blue Devils have up their sleeves?
CHIP ON THE SHOULDER
After a successful 2018 season that ended abruptly and then was capped off by the departure of previous head coach, Holly Aprile, how will Pitt rebound and perform this season? Especially in one of its key pitchers, Kayla Harris.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Meghan King, FSU
Posting a 1.19 ERA in 183 innings of work, King has been part of any of FSU’s most lethal one-two punches. This year, it’s her show!
Carrie Eberle, VT
Eberle compiled a great 2018 campaign posting a 1.72 ERA over 187 innings of work that landed her a NFCA Second Team All-Region selection. She needs to limit her walks this coming season (62) but will be one of the conference’s top pitchers this season.
Alexa Romero, Syracuse
Romero was crazy good for “the Orange” in 2018. Through 169.2 innings of work she issued 264 strike outs, posted a 1.73 ERA, and notched 17 wins. New head coach, Shannon Doepking, has a phenomenal work horse for the 2019 season who can give Syracuse a shot to win in almost any competition.
Bryce Holmgren, Syracuse
Holmgren lead the ACC in batting average last season hitting .413 with an on-base percentage of .549. In her senior season she could be poised for an even stronger season in 2019.
Ali Wester, Notre Dame
The now senior has been rock solid over her entire career at Notre Dame. Wester hit .372 with only seven strike outs.
Sydney Sherrill, FSU
Just a freshman in 2018, Sherrill took the ACC by storm. Second in batting average for FSU, Sherril hit .371 with 12 home runs, 58 RBIs, 28 doubles, and was a perfect 16-16 in stolen bases. Watch out, NCAA Softball.
Raine Wilson, Duke
Duke’s offensive leader, Wilson had a stellar 2018 campaign hitting .371 with six home runs, 15 doubles, and 35 RBIs.
PROJECTIONS:
CONFERENCE CHAMPION (REG. SEASON): Florida State
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sydney Sherill, Florida State
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Meghan King, Florida State
COACH OF THE YEAR: Lonni Alameda, FSU / Shannon Doepking, Syracuse
