2012 USF Softball Season Preview

The 2012 softball season is finally here.  The Bulls finished the 2011 season with an impressive mark of 33-21 (13-5) while going 17-8 at their new stadium.  The Bulls won last year with a very young team that many thought was still a year away from winning.  The young team returns with a lot of experience and several newcomers will help make a large impact as the ladies look to reach the NCAA tournament.

The Bulls return their top three pitchers from last year, Lindsey Richard, Brittany Bowles, and ace from last year, Sara Nevins. The three of give the Bulls one of the best pitching rotations in the conference led by young ace Nevins.  New comers like freshman Sam Greiner who batted .373 in her final year of high school but also pitched (had a .27 ERA) join the mix with live arms and even more firepower for Coach Eriksen. With Nevins coming off of a monster season, the Bulls could dominate the circle this year.

The offense returns a ton of talent and experience as well.  Top players such Janine Richardson, Gina Kafalas, Stephanie Medina, Kourtney Salvarola, Ashli and Courtney Goff all return to add power and speed to the offense.  The Bulls have a deep lineup that can do damage from the top to the bottom.

The offense will be impacted by the talented recruiting class Eriksen has assembled.  First is third baseman Jessica Mouse who is returning home area after starring on the LSU team the last few years (going to the NCAA tournament as well).  Her experience and fielding will help anchor the infield at third base, allowing Salvarola to slide back to her short stop position (thanks to GA for confirming these changes to the order). 

The move would also allow Janine Richardson to move back to centerfield, teaming up with Kafalas and giving the Bulls a fast outfield that would be one of the best in the league.  Other players such as JUCO star Kenshyra Jackson, who hit .454 last year (led Polk State with 12 home runs and 56 RBIs), joins the lineup, giving Eriksen a ton of weapons and endless lineup possibilities. Coach mentioned last year that injuries took a toll on the team, but now he has at a loaded roster full of star bats to add to a 9-bat lineup, a problem ever coach wishes they could have.

The team is loaded and has the experience, the offense, the pitching, and great athletic defense needed to "make some noise" this year.  If everyone can stay healthy and live up to the hype and play the way they can, the ladies should have a huge season.  The coaches picked the ladies to finish 5th this season, but some had them winning the Big East, showing how wide open the conference is this season.  If the Bulls can stay healthy, get production from the loaded lineup and have the pitching do what they can do best, this could be a great season for the ladies.  I predict 35 to 40 wins for this team, possible Big East title, and a great shot at the NCAA tournament.