Coming off a really successful season where we saw an SEC regular and tournament championship as well as a 3rd place finish at the WCWS to say that the expectations are high for this team is an understatement. I think that this probably has to be the most deep both offensively and defensively (outside of pitching) we have seen in a really long time.
Schedule:
2024 Softball Schedule - University of Tennessee Athletics
Roster:
2024 Softball Roster - University of Tennessee Athletics
The schedule this season is definitely packed and strong once again with 17 tournament teams and 9 of those teams being played pre-SEC play. My guess is by the end of February we should be able to get a strong look at the type of team we are.
Graduating the loss of Goodloe and Rogers, the transfer of Beautae, and the retirement of Donihoo really will hurt the leadership aspect, however with 5 new additions to the team as well as plenty of experienced returners I expect us to be able to make a deep run again in the tournament. I think the biggest question this year will be the pitching and how Karen and staff decide to manage the 4 of them. The dark horse will be Orsini and Pickens. If Pickens can return to first half KP I think we will be just fine and if Orsini can step up and be able to eat up some midweeks and SEC innings that will be HUGE for KP and PG. As far as defensively and the lineup are concerned you have a lot of options on where people can play which is a very good thing as injuries and illnesses may arise during the year.
I have not been able to see the team in the fall, but based on my opinion I think the field lineup goes as:
1B: Gibson
2B: Mealer
SS: Faw
3B: Pannell
C: Nugent
LF: West
CF: Milloy
RF: Koutsoyanopulos
I put Pannell at 3B because I am not sure on Puni's status concerning her surgery and if she will be 100% by season. You could easily make the case for Brockenbrough, Rodriguez, Taylor, Keene, Ahlin, and both leach twins to see the field as well.
In terms of the pitching the staff it'll obviously be PG and KP running the show, but I am intrigued to see if KP has expanded her game both in the circle and mentally as well.
