Inside the Diamond is a weekly feature during the off-season of NCAA Softball. Each week FPN will look at a 2016 USA Today/NFCA (final poll) top 25 team. FPN will look at the season that was and what 2017 may have to offer.
Next up: Florida Atlantic
Long time Owl Head Coach Joan Joyce led her squad to an impressive 51-9 overall record and a 22-2 conference mark in 2016. They cruised through the conference tournament winning all three games. That sent them to the Gainesville regional where they went 1-2. The question for this year will be; can they increase their offensive production to support their pitching? They do return five everyday starters which should help and they brought in a large 2015 class with eight newcomers. They will add four more this year as well. The good news is that All-American Kylee Hanson is back in the circle for the Owls. Hanson was also a Top 10 Finalist for USA Softball Player of the Year. If they can win 50 plus games again this year is yet to be seen, but with a pitcher like Hanson, you know you have a shot in most if not all games she throws.
As stated above, Hanson (28-5) plays a key role in the success of the Owls. Last season she posted a 0.76 ERA with 300 strikeouts over 221 innings. She only threw 53% of the innings which is good and shows she was not over used. Coach Joyce relied on two others during the season as well in Amanda Wilson (16-4) and Tatum Buckley (6-0). A 22-4 combined record is a good thing and gives the Owls options when it comes to their pitching staff. Wilson had a 1.69 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 128.1 innings of work. Buckley posted a 1.46 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 52.2 innings. Pitching should not be an issue heading into the next season. Another positive for the Owls is they return what is really their only power hitter in Emily Lochten who hit 14 balls over the fence in 2016. She was second on the team in RBI (46) and third on the team in average (.342).
Run production will be key to their ability to advance in post season. They were just 1-4 against top 25 teams last year. But all four of those losses were close games losing all four by just one run. All but one were pitcher duels. If they can find a way to manufacture runs against top pitchers they may be in good shape. Three players of the five returning starters batted above .300 in Madisyn Palmer (.432), Lochten (.342) and Delaney Rickey (.310).
Who they lose
- Infielder – Melissa Martinez
- Outfielder – Christina Martinez
- Utility – Carnesha Thompson
- Outfielder – Kiley Southall
- Catcher – Mickey Bell
Losing your starting catcher can be an issue so the graduation of Bell could effect the Owls. The staff needs to adjust to the new one and it sounds that coach Joyce will use a two or three player rotation, at least early in the season. The loss of the Martinez twins could impact the offense. Melissa (.357) led the team in RBI (49) and Christina (.333) led the team in hits (64).
Who they get
- Catcher – Kaitlyn Burke (Gainesville, FL)
- Outfielder – Fayth Davis (St Johns, FL)
- Catcher – Madison Farrell (Tampa, FL)
- Infielder – Samantha Williams (Coconut Creek, FL)
One thing is clear is that coach Joyce wanted to add depth at catcher. Burke may see significant time early and is known for having a strong arm and an excellent defensive catcher. Davis is a left handed power hitter, something the Owls need, and should see time playing in the outfield. They add depth with Farrell and speed and depth to the middle infield with Williams.
All in all the Owls are poised to be a top 20 team in 2017. They have the pitching to get them there and much of their success will depend on the development of their hitters. They brought in a large class last season and they just need a few of them to take a step forward.
