2019 FPN Conference Previews: WAC
| TEAM | CONFERENCE RECORD | OVERALL RECORD |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State | 11-4 | 29-24 |
| Utah Valley | 10-4 | 21-31 |
| Seattle U | 10-5 | 33-23 |
| Grand Canyon | 8-6 | 31-28 |
| CSU Bakersfield | 3-12 | 6-38 |
| Kansas City | 2-13 | 15-41 |
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.
TEAMS TO WATCH:
NEW MEXICO STATE
The Aggies have dominated the WAC and look to continue that tradition this season. Long time hitting coach, Cat Heifner, rejoins the squad after spending the 2017-2018 season with the Minnesota. NMSU is also led by FPN Preseason All-American and National Player of the Year Watch List selection, Kelsey Horton.
CAL BAPTIST
Cal Baptist moves up to Division I this season so the obvious question is how will the program fair in their first season? Should be fun to watch!
GRAND CANYON
GCU has been slowly and steadily making moves and improving: they finish 55 in the RPI just a few years ago (2016). The Lopes have a handful of tools (including speed and pitching depth) that could cause problems for opponents and help them rise even higher.
SEATTLE U
The Redhawks have also quietly been improving and rising in the WAC. Last year there was a bit of a drop off for them, so can they rebound in 2019 and get back to that upward trajectory?
BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
MOVIN’ ON UP!
As mentioned above, this will be Cal Baptist’s first season at the Division I level: how will it go? The Lancers return both of their top hitters Hannah Thieroff (.425, 16 home runs, and 52 RBIs) and Caitlyn Lloyd (.385, 12 home runs) but lose ace, Ciara Slapp.
YOUTH V. EXPERIENCE
New Mexico State welcomes seven freshmen this season including a few who are expected to contribute in their first seasons. The question for the Aggies is how long will that learning process take for the young ones to “find their groove” and can the veterans lead them through said process?
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Kelsey Horton, NMSU
Not much else to say! Horton is a stud. In 2018 she racked up another impressive stat line that included a batting average of .402, 64 RBIs, 11 doubles, and 25 home runs.
Madison Cathcart, Seattle U
Another absolute stud in the WAC and nationally, Cathcart and Horton will be battling it out for Player of the Year honors her 2018 stat line included a sparkling .444 batting average, 57 RBIs, 20 doubles, 19 home runs, and 53 walks.
Sierra and Shea Smith, GCU
These sisters are a fun duo to behold! Sierra finished 2018 with a .392 batting average, 50 RBIs, 17 doubles, 5 triples, and 6 home runs while Shea compiled her own impressive stat line hitting .335, 35 RBIs, 9 doubles, and 3 triples.
Kayla Green, NMSU
Recently named preseason Pitcher of the Year, Green posted a 3.72 ERA over 135.1 innings in 2018. Green only allowed 35 walks but isn’t a huge strike out pitcher (70). If her team can strengthen its defensive play behind Green (.951 fielding percentage), the Aggies should be in good shape.
Carly Nance, Seattle U
One of the pieces of the Redhawks’ well balanced 2018 staff, Nance will lead Seattle U in the circle again. She finished the season with a 3.07 ERA over 164.1 innings while recording a conference leading 123 strike outs.
New Mexico State Power Hitters
There are a number of Aggie student-athletes who put up big numbers and are poised to do so again in 2019: Victoria Castro: .343, 32 RBIs, 10 home runs. Nikki Butler: .376, 52 RBIs, 13 doubles, 11 home runs.
Chloe Rivas, New Mexico State
Keep an eye on this freshman! She pitches and will also hit for the Aggies. Rivas will need to adjust to the college game and develop her tools so the only question is, “when will that all come together?” Not “if”.
PREDICTIONS:
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: New Mexico State
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kelsey Horton, NMSU
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Kayla Green, NMSU
COACH OF THE YEAR: Kathy Rodolph, NMSU
