2019 FPN Conference Previews: PAC-12 and SEC
PAC-12 TEAMS TO WATCH:
WASHINGTON
The national runners-up just a season ago, the Huskies look to begin their quest back to OKC and another shot at the championship title. Washington graduates a number of notable seniors however they return both all-American pitchers Taran Alvelo and Gabbie Plain.
UCLA
Last season’s NCAA tournament number three team, UCLA looked poised to return to the championship series and bring home their next national title. The Bruins return a strong majority of their lineup and are lead by National Player of the Year, Rachel Garcia.
OREGON
We all know the story and it has been discussed to no end. Now, it’s time to see what happens.
ARIZONA STATE
The Sundevils returned to the WCWS in 2018 behind the arm and big bat of All-Americans, Giselle Juarez and Danielle Gibson. But as we know, both of those players and a handful of others left the program this offseason.
SEC TEAMS TO WATCH:
ARKANSAS
After a dream season in 2018, the Razorbacks have picked up a number of talented transfers in addition to returning an already skilled roster. Arkansas is geared up for another strong run this season.
FLORIDA
The Gators enter this season with a few questions, especially around their offense, that are still to be answered. The addition of previous Minnesota All-American, Kendyl Lindaman, should help fill some of those gaps.
MISSOURI
With new head coach, Larissa Anderson at the helm keep an eye on the Tigers for signs of improvement and grittiness this season. Especially in light of the recent NCAA sanctions that have been handed down which has been receiving a heavy amount of criticism nationally.
TEXAS A&M
It may have fallen by the wayside with other story lines dominating the headlines but the Aggies lost a large number of big name student-athletes in the offseason including offensive leader Sarah Hudek, and impact pitcher Samantha Show.
PAC-12 BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
- How will ASU perform this season after being hit hard by transfers?
- Can Arizona finally make it back to the WCWS?
- How will Oregon fare?
- How much improvement will we see in year two under head coach, Jessica Allister?
SEC BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
- Can Florida fill the big holes left by graduation?
- After enjoying a breakout season in 2018, how will South Carolina fare following the departure of hitting coach, Matt Lisle?
- Can Texas A&M pick up the pieces to remain competitive in the SEC?
- Does Alabama have what it need to make a legitimate run at the SEC title in 2019?
- LSU says goodbye to Carley Hoover and Allie Walljasper this season, how can they fill those shoes? Do they have the pitching staff to do so?
PAC-12 PLAYERS TO WATCH:
- Rachel Garcia, UCLA
- Taran Alvelo, Washington
- Gabbie Plain, Washington
- Maddy Dwyer, Stanford
- Whitney Burks, Stanford
- Caroline Lee, Stanford
- Aaliyah Jordan, UCLA
- Bubba Nickles, UCLA
- Sis Bates, Washington
- Haley Cruse, Oregon
- Jordan Dail, Oregon
- Kindra Hackbarth, ASU
- Cielo Meza, ASU
- Jade Gortarez, ASU
- Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza, Arizona
- Taylor McQuillin, Arizona
- Marissa Schuld, Arizona
- Kamalani Dung, Cal
- Zoe Conley, Cal
SEC PLAYERS TO WATCH:
- Amanda Lorenz, Florida
- Kelly Barnhill, Florida
- Kendyl Lindaman, Florida
- Mary Huff, Arkansas
- Danielle Gibson, Arkansas
- Ryan Jackson, Arkansas
- Alyssa DiCarlo, Georgia
- Aubrey Leach, Tennessee
- Jenna Holcomb, Tennessee
- Amanda Sanchez, LSU
- Amber Serrett, LSU
- Kaylee Carlson, Auburn
- Mia Davidson, Miss. St.
- Justice Milz, Georgia
- Abbey Cheek, Kentucky
PREDICTIONS:
PREDICTIONS:
CONF. CHAMPION: Florida
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Amanda Lorenz, Florida
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Kelly Barnhill, Florida
COACH OF THE YEAR: Courtney Deifel, Arkansas
CONF. CHAMPION: UCLA
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rachel Garcia, UCLA
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Taran Alvelo, Washington
COACH OF THE YEAR: Kelly Inouye-Perez
