Inside the Diamond is a weekly feature during the off-season of NCAA Softball. Each week Fastpitch News (FPN) will look at a 2016 USA Today/NFCA (final poll), top 25 teams. FPN will look at the season that was and what 2017 may have to offer. Next up: Washington Softball.
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The Huskies are coming off a 39 win season that saw them reach the super regional. They also played a rather deep schedule and had regular season wins over Oklahoma and Michigan. As a team they were ranked among the top 10 nationally in five offensive categories, batting average (9th), doubles per game (2nd), home runs per game (9th), scoring (5th) and slugging percentage (4th). The good news is they return the bulk of their order.
Two Huskies received All-American honors last season in Kimberlee Souza and Ali Aguilar. Souza earned first team honors behind her 13 homer runs and 59 RBI in the season. Aguilar, who returns this season, was named to the second team. Last season Aguilar hit 21 home runs and knocked in 70 RBI. As a team the held a .337 batting average and a .558 slugging percentage. Offense is one thing they should not be lacking.
In the circle, they were led by Taran Alvelo (18-7) and Madi Schreyer (13-4). The two combined to throw 80 percent of the innings. Of the two Alvelo is more of the strikeout pitcher accumulating 153 over 152.2 innings. They are adding pitching depth as well.
Who they lose
- Infielder – Kimberlee Souza
- Infielder – Jennie McNeill
- Outfielder – Dani Braun
- Infielder – Courtney Gano
- Pitcher – Hailey Bator
- Infielder – Tannon Snow (Transfer to Auburn)
Who they get
- Utility – Alyssa Simons (Snohomish, WA)
- Utility – Maggie Gallagher (Seattle, WA)
- Infielder – Nicole Bates (Ceres, CA)
- Catcher – Gianna Carideo (Knoxville, TN)
- Pitcher – Samantha Manti (Chula Vista, CA)
- Utility – Kaija Gibson (Redmond, WA)
Simmons is a power hitter with exceptional speed on the bases. She pitched in high school, but will most likely be playing on the field for the Huskies.
Gallagher is another player with a good bat and good speed from the left side. She is very athletic and should give the Huskies some options as to how she is used.
Bates is a product of the Firecrackers-Rico program and is a versatile fielder. She is considered one of the best players in the 2016 class and is a true triple threat from the left side of the plate.
Carideo is a solid defensive catcher that also brings a loaded bat. Know for her power hitting she just adds depth right away to an already good lineup.
Manti is a top pitching prospect that has played at the highest levels as a member of the Corona Angels. She could find herself getting innings from the start this season.
Gibson also hails from the Firecracker-Rico program and is also a triple threat from the left side. She also has a great ability to track balls in the outfield.
There is no reason not to think that the Huskies will be better this season. They return the majority of one of the best offenses in college softball, they mature as a pitching staff and add depth just about everywhere on the field. They do play a very difficult schedule and will face both Auburn and Oklahoma the first week of the season. They will also make a late-season trip out to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama. They key to their success will depend on how improved the pitching staff is. We know they will score runs, but will they also be able to keep runs off the board? That is the one question heading into the season for the Huskies.
