2019 FPN Conference Previews: Big Ten
Last season Michigan claimed another regular season Big Ten Title behind the freshman arm of Meghan Beaubien. However, Michigan found them upset in the Big Ten Tournament for the second year in a row to rival, Michigan State. The Minnesota Golden Gophers went on to claim its fourth tournament title in five years.
With a few coaching changes in the off-season, the loss of one of the conference’s biggest stars, and big time newcomers there is a lot to pay attention to this year in the Big Ten.
We’ve got the most in-depth look at the Big Ten including teams to watch, our biggest questions, players to watch, and predictions!
| TEAM | CONFERENCE RECORD | OVERALL RECORD |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 18-3 | 44-13 |
| Minnesota | 17-4 | 41-17 |
| Indiana | 17-6 | 26-30 |
| Ohio State | 14-8 | 36-16 |
| Northwestern | 14-8 | 38-19 |
| Illinois | 13-8 | 37-18 |
| Wisconsin | 11-9 | 29-23 |
| Michigan State | 10-12 | 26-26 |
| Nebraska | 9-13 | 31-23 |
| Purdue | 7-15 | 16-40 |
| Maryland | 7-16 | 18-37 |
| Iowa | 6-16 | 21-32 |
| Penn State | 5-18 | 8-41 |
| Rutgers | 4-16 | 19-31 |
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.
TEAMS TO WATCH:
INDIANA
Under its first year of new head coach, Shonda Stanton, the Hoosiers enjoyed immediate improvement posting a 26-30 regular season record and an impressive 17-6 conference campaign that put Indiana in the running for a Big Ten title.
MINNESOTA
The Gophers lost two-time All-American Kendyl Lindaman to transfer during the fall in addition to graduating a powerful senior class in 2018. Minnesota has some key returners and transfer, Hope Brandner, in place to try and solve the puzzle of replacing Sydney Dwyer, Danielle Parlich, Dani Wagner, and Lindaman. But with what looks to be one of the strongest schedules Minnesota has played in recent years this could be a more difficult task.
NORTHWESTERN
Watch out for the Wildcats this season and in the years to come. Northwestern has always been a team positioned towards the top of the conference but has lacked the pitching in recent years to really push NU over the hump to conference titles and advancing through the regional round; that could all start to change this season with the addition of an unbelievable freshmen class.
IOWA AND RUTGERS
The Hawkeyes and Red Knights both hired new coaches this off-season. Iowa tabbed native Renee Gillispie while Rutgers announced Kristen Butler as their respective head coaches. In year one, both programs are looking for improvement across the board. It will take a few years to see heavy improvement within these programs but there are pieces in place that point to 2019 being a better season for both programs.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
LIFE AFTER LINDAMAN
Going into 2019 there were already questions surrounding Minnesota with the loss of an impactful senior class, some inconsistency in the circle with relievers, injuries galore, and the addition of a very talented but very raw freshmen class. Then Kendyl Lindaman transferred to Florida adding a new question mark for the Gophers: there is currently no proven catcher on the roster. There are three options on paper: freshman Emma Burns, freshman Josey White, and sophomore Anne Miller. Here’s the problem for the Gophers to solve – the best defensive option isn’t going to be the best offensive option and various alterations of that scenario. Burns is realistically the best combination of a defensive catcher and offensive potential but coming in she is raw so who knows if she will be ready, able, or get the nod for the Gophers on opening day. White is the best offensive option for Minnesota of the three while Miller may be the best defensive. So, the question is: who will be the team’s starting catcher? Will it be “catch by committee”? Or will someone get the full-time starting job?
Then there is the obvious blow of losing the power and presence of Lindaman at the plate. The then sophomore hit .361, with 13 doubles, 20 home runs, 55 RBIs, 55 walks, and an on-base percentage of .532. How do the Gophers replace that offensive production? You don’t. Not with one person at least. So the question becomes, “can the Gophers work together 1-9 to better every individuals’ production to help close that gap that the loss of Lindaman left”? Minnesota also graduated three senior starters who were notable contributors and added 98 RBIs and 126 hits to the team’s totals of 293 and 330 (a major injury cut Dani Wagners season down to only 38 games or have expected to she her post even better numbers.) The answers to this will lay heavily on returners Ellee Jensen (SO), MaKenna Partain (JR), and Maddie Houlihan (SR). All three have been amazing, steady, and extremely consistent during their time thus far as Minnesota. Another bright spot for the Gophers could be Oregon State transfer, Hope Brandner, who posted an impressive season last year and should perform well against the Big Ten. After that, there are a lot of offensive question marks and Minnesota is going to need new faces to really step up into bigger roles. A another freshman that will be worth keeping an eye on is Ali Linder, she is a little raw but is extremely talented. Two other names that could be posed for breakout seasons for the Gophers: Katelyn Kemetmueller and Kaylen Krueger if their heads can remain in a strong mental place.
Another thing for people to keep an eye on is can Minnesota put runners in motion more? Especially now sophmore Ellee Jensen; she is blazing fast, arguably one of the fastest players in the Big Ten last season. Yet she only attempted to swipe a base 13 times last year. While Minnesota has not been a big base stealing team over the past decade, second year head coach, Jamie Trachsel, is going to have to put her in motion more this season.
DEPTH!
Biggest question for Michigan this year is can they find depth in the circle behind Meghan Beaubien? The now sophomore threw 217 innings last season. That’s way too much and does not set the Wolverines up for a long run in the post season. Michigan also losses two key seniors that leave big holes in the Wolverines line up: Terra Blanco and Aidan Falk.
PIECE IT TOGETHER
Under Trya Perry the Illini offense has not been one to mess with. Last season, Illinois hit .318 which was good for 10th nationally. Perry also had seven hitters with an average over .300. Where the struggle continues for Illinois is in the circle. In 2018 the staff posted an ERA of 3.29 with its “one-two” posting ERAs of 3.26 and 3.32. Can the Illini perform better in the circle in 2019? If they can, watch out.
IS THIS THE YEAR?
Northwestern doesn’t always get enough credit for how tough they actually are, especially offensively (top 50 nationally last season). Where the Wildcats’ biggest weakness has been in with its pitching (3.85 2018 staff ERA). But could that all change this year? Freshman Danielle Williams could make all the difference in NU’s quest to regain the Big Ten title. OH! And next season, the Wildcats welcome long awaited stud pitcher, Sydney Supple: beware of that one-two punch.
TRYING TO NOT BE A ONE HIT WONDER
In an unexpected yet important season not only for Indiana but the Big Ten as a whole, the Hoosiers climbed to the top of the conference race. The big question in 2019 is can Indiana repeat while continuing to improve? Luckily for IU most all of the roster returns and have added a few transfers who could be helpful.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Maddie Houlihan, Minnesota
Houlihan, another impressive Minnesota native, has been destroying opponents both in and out of the Big Ten for the last three seasons. She has garnered award after award including Big Ten Freshman of the Year in her first season as a Gopher. Consider Houlihan a top contender for Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 2019 if she can continue the success she’s had thus far.
MaKenna Partain, Minnesota
A player who can sometimes fly under the radar slightly – that is what happens when Kendyl Lindaman is part of your same class – Partain has been as steady as they come. Last year she posted a .375 batting average, with 48 RBIs, 53 runs scored, and a .448 on base percentage. This Gopher is another contender for POY honors.
Amber Fiser, Minnesota
The staff’s ace, Fiser really came into her own in 2018 following the graduation of All-American and Team Canada pitcher, Sara Groenewegen. The race for Big Ten Pitcher of the Year will realistically come down to Fiser, Beaubien (MI), and Williams (NU). Over a hefty 244.1 innings of work Fiser recorded a 1.69 ERA with a 27-10 record.
Ellee Jensen, Minnesota
Jensen burst onto the Big Ten and national scene last season and played like an upperclassman veteran. She posted a team high batting average of .401, scored 63 runs, and held an on base percentage of .460. She should be in the conversation for POY honors but given that she is more of a table setter and lead off hitter it will be hard for her to bring it home.
Sydney Smith, Minnesota
Before the loss of Lindaman, Smith was possibility the biggest key to the Gophers continued success in 2019. The bullpen for the Gophers was hit or miss last year (again Fiser threw 244.1 innings) but Smith looked to finally “click” and come into her own down the stretch, including throwing extremely well in the Washington regional. Can she pick up where she left off this season to help provide some relief for Fiser and strengthen the circle? This could be even more crucial now with the loss of Lindman and the potential questions surrounding offensive production.
Allison Doocy, Iowa
Renee Gillispie walked into a great situation at Iowa having Allison Doocy on her roster. A proven work horse, Doocy threw 197.2 innings with a 1.81 ERA. She gives Iowa a chance in every game and just needs the support behind her.
Hallie Ketcham, Iowa
Originally a Minnesota recruit, Ketcham opted to stay home and play for Iowa following the departure of previous head coach, Jessica Allister. If she has transitioned well, Ketcham could be a front runner for Freshman of the Year honors and should be expected to make an immediate impact for the Hawkeyes.
Kiana Sherlund, Illinois
The top hitter for the Illini, Sherlund is a tough out who wreaks havoc on opponents everywhere. Batting .397 with 47 RBIs and 52 runs Sherlund is in the mix for POY.
Carly Thomas, Illinois
Right behind Sherlund is Thomas. Hitting .363 with 46 RBIs of her own, 17 doubles, nine home runs, and a .431 on base percentage this is a deadly one-two punch.
Fatih Canfield, Michigan
The returning batting queen, Canfield posted a .391 batting average, 13 doubles, 38 RBIs, and a .440 on base percentage in 2018. With the loss of Blanco and Falk she will need to continue to be steady and consistent for the Wolverines and should yet again be in the conversation for post season awards.
Meghan Beaubien, Michigan
Michigan claimed the 2018 Big Ten title largely on the arm of freshman star, Meghan Beaubien. She’s good. Really good. Over 217 innings she posted a 1.16 ERA while fanning 266 batters and only allowing 46 walks. Opponents recorded a measly batting average of .135 en route to her sparkling 33-6 record.
Lilli Piper, Ohio State
A FPN first team preseason All-American selection, Piper posted another impressive campaign and is our front runner for POY if she can repeat in 2019. With a .404 batting average, 14 doubles, scoring 50 runs, blasting 20 home runs, and notching 58 RBIs for the Buckeyes she is a force. She also drew 27 walks while only striking out 11 times. She’s big time.
Tara Trainer and Emily Goodin, Indiana
This one-two punch for Indiana was strong in 2018 with room to grow in 2019. They have the potential to be the most fun and effective pitching duo in the Big Ten. They are crucial to Indiana’s continued success and we hope to see even more improvement from both of them this year.
Northwestern’s Freshmen
The tides may be turning in Evanston especially with this freshmen class. Specifically keep your eye on Skyler Shellmyer, Lauren Caldrone, Maeve Nelson, and Danielle Williams. Honestly the whole class is just good.
Northwestern’s Offense
We know it’s not necessarily fair to group everyone into one category but, like it’s freshmen class, there are so many worth noting. The Wildcats return Rachel Lewis and Morgan Nelson who will all be in the conversation for POY honors. Another key player worth keeping an eye on is Morgan Newport.
Kaitlyn Menz, Wisconsin
When she is healthy she is good, and that has been the biggest struggle in her career. Can she be healthy and bring back that force we saw early on her freshman year?
Haley Hestekin, Wisconsin
The Badgers ace in 2018, Haley helped carry this program. She posted a 17-7 record and a 2.63 ERA over 164 innings in 2018. She has got to lower her allowed free passed but the Badgers will again rely heavily on her in 2019.
Ebonee and Charla Echols, Michigan State
Do not underestimate this sisterly duo. Ebonee is powerful on her own and her sister, Charla, was one of the most sought after recruits in the country. As far as offenses go, we cannot wait to see what these two do together in 2019.
Kaitlyn Eveland, Michigan State
Largely underestimated Eveland quietly did her thing in 2018 posting a batting average of .333 with six home runs, 24 RBIs, and an on base percentage of .461. She’s worth keeping an eye on.
Tristen Edwards, Nebraska
Yes, “Edwards”. Tristen follows her sisters, Tatum and Taylor, in the family tradition of being big name Huskers. In 2018 Edwards was one of only nine unanimous All-Big Ten selections. She also lead the team in batting average hitting .356 and posted 11 doubles, 12 home runs, a team leading 43 RBIs, and a .459 on base percentage. Look for her to anchor the Huskers again in 2019.
Lindsey Walljasper and Courtney Wallace, Nebraska
Nebraska is like Northwestern – look out for them in the coming seasons. The Huskers have a storied tradition of success including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in just 2013, they’re not overlay far removed from that success. This freshman class could very well be the start of that resurgence especially immediate impact players Lindsey Walljasper and Courtney Wallace. Walljasper has the pedigree to be great (sister of Allie Walljasper, LSU All-American). Wallace is a complete stud and will probably be in consideration for Freshman of the Year honors.
PROJECTIONS:
PROJECTED CONFERENCE CHAMPION (REG. SEASON): Michigan
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lilli Piper, Ohio State
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Meghan Beaubien. Michigan
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Danielle Williams, Northwestern
COACH OF THE YEAR: Carol Hutchins, Michigan
^^The Big Ten most always selects the Coach of the Year on who wins the regular season title. If not for this fact our pick for Coach of the Year would be the Drohans, Northwestern.
