2019 Conference Previews: Colonial Athletic Association
Colonial Athletic Association is comprised of eight programs and has been most notably dominated by James Madison in recent memory. In 2018, James Madison claimed the regular season title and the overall No. 1 seed in the CAA tournament. No. 2 Hofstra had other plans and went on to upset the Dukes to claim the conference’s NCAA automatic qualifying bid. James Madison did make the field of 64 after receiving an at-large nod. With coaching changes, the return of injured players, departure of transfer and graduated student-athlete, and more there are a lot of story lines brewing within the CAA for 2019.
| TEAM | CONFERENCE RECORD | OVERALL RECORD |
|---|---|---|
| James Madison | 19-2 | 43-14 |
| Hofstra | 17-4 | 41-14 |
| Towson | 13-8 | 42-19 |
| UNCW | 9-12 | 20-29 |
| Charleston | 8-13 | 31-27 |
| Delaware | 8-13 | 18-31 |
| Elon | 7-14 | 24-28 |
| Drexel | 3-18 | 21-29-2 |
Catch up on all of our conference previews here: Big West, Big Ten, CUSA, Atlantic 10, Big Sky, CAA, Summit League, American, ACC.
TEAMS TO WATCH:
JAMES MADISON
After an impressive 2018 season that was surrounded by questions and unknowns following a coaching change and loss of All-American, Megan Good, the Dukes continued on with its tradition of CAA Conference dominance. James Madison welcomes back Megan Good this season while retaining Odicci Alexander (2018 POY), Kate Gordon and Payton Buresch who are all powerful assets to the Dukes’ success.
HOFSTRA
After another successful season at Hofstra, head coach Larissa Anderson left the program to take over the reigns at Mizzuo. The Pride also said “goodbye” to its three top offensive producers and pitching staff of Sophie Dandola and Sarah Cornell who transferred following Anderson’s departure.
TOWSON
The Tigers recorded one of the best seasons in program history in 2018 which came to a close in the NISC final. The campaign was highlighted by the offensive performances of then seniors, Kendyl Scott and Brook Miko (NCAA National Leader in RBIs), and anchoring force in the circle, Megan Dejter.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS:
BETTER THAN EVER
How will Megan Good look, feel, and perform following her injury? And with the rise of Payton Buresch and Odicci Alexander in the circle could this trio be one of the best staffs in the country in 2019?
NEW YEAR NEW ME
As mentioned above Hofstra is facing a huge transitional season, can a rebuilding program under new leadership continue on and find success in 2019?
KEEP BUILDING
After a season for the record books, can Towson continue to build on the momentum developed throughout 2018? The Tigers loss three key pieces to its lineup and pitching staff so do they have the depth, newly gained experience, transfers, or newcomers to replace those holes?
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Megan Good, James Madison
In what will realistically be the biggest story line in the CAA this season, all eyes are on Megan Good in her return to the field.
Kristi DiMeo, Drexel
DiMeo is a stud who should be in consideration for a Player of the Year nod if she is able to repeat or better her performance from 2018. The now sophomore hit an impressive .399 with 57 RBIs, 18 doubles, and 16 home runs.
Madison Wilson, Towson
Following the graduations of Scott and Miko, the Tigers will look to Wilson to help fill the holes left in the line up. Last season she hit .389 with 36 RBIs and 18 doubles. It will be exciting to see what kind of year Wilson puts together in 2019 and is one to keep an eye on for Player of the Year honors.
Kate Gordon, James Madison
The now junior is an absolute killer at the plate! In 2018 Gordon shinned hitting .400 with 19 doubles, 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .483. Expect more of the same and for her name to be in the running for post season accolades.
Payton Buresch, James Madison
Buresch had a phenomenal year in the circle for the Dukes helping steady the ship following the loss of Megan Good. In 2018 she posted an 1.96 ERA over 153.2 innings with 90 strike outs and an 18-5 record. She needs to lower the number of walks she issues this season but depending on the performance of teammates Good and Odicci Alexandar could be a front runner for CAA Pitcher of the Year.
Odicci Alexander, James Madison
She hits, she pitches …she’s good at both! In 2018 the now junior notched a .374 batting average with 56 RBIs, 16 home runs, and an on-base percentage of .456. In the circle she posted an ERA of 2.27 in 225.1 innings of work, struck out 216 batters, and recorded a 25-8 record. She does it all for the Dukes and is our front runner for the 2019 CAA Player of the Year.
Kelly Sinclair, Charleston
Sinclair posted a batting average of .305 with 11 doubles and 40 RBIs during the 2018 campaign. We will be keeping an eye on the now senior to see how she finishes out her steadily successful career along side fellow offensive leader, Yair Felix (JR). Sinclair will be crucial in anchoring Charleston’s offense in 2019.
PROJECTIONS:
PROJECTED CONFERENCE CHAMPION (REG. SEASON): James Madison
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Odicci Alexander, James Madison
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Megan Good, James Madison
COACH OF THE YEAR: Loren LaPorte, James Madison
