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Orange Blooded [2987]
TigerPulse: 91%
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Joined: 1/23/10
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Haven't stayed on top of softball as well this yr but
May 9, 2022, 12:17 AM
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From what I have watched, read, and followed, it really seems like the ACC is pretty stout this year. My assumption is we are almost as good as 2021, maybe slight drop but I think we are as good. Appears ACC has some stud teams and VT is pretty tough.
FSU was runner up last yr under the super pitching of OK. Is the ACC a lot stronger in 2022 as I have framed in my miniscule brain? Seems like ACC is stronger this year than last? Is my assessment correct? Will the ACC win the Natty? Which team if so??
Last year Clemson had a rough draw in the regionals. I think our pitching is slightly better this year but our defense seems to be slightly down.
Those keeping better tabs on team than myself, how do we do in Conference tournament and how to we fair in the NCAAT??
TIA for your feedback. Wish the girls the best and I plan to watch as much as possible.
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All-TigerNet [13838]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 7829
Joined: 11/30/98
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this team is younger, but fielding has been the nemesis
May 9, 2022, 12:30 AM
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this year. You are right. The ACC is really strong this year. We should get a better seeding than last year's shaft job.
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Letterman [256]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 220
Joined: 1/27/17
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Re: Haven't stayed on top of softball as well this yr but
May 9, 2022, 7:32 AM
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I would agree with your assessment. Fielding has been our Achille's heel most of the season. That, and to an extent, our hitters going silent when facing top-notch pitching. I feel this has sometimes led to a mentality with the pitchers that they have to be perfect and then they press too hard and struggle in big games.
Notre Dame is going to be a tough first round matchup. We did take 2/3 from them in the season series, but those were both 1 run games won in the 7th, and the loss was 4-0. Then we can probably assume Virginia Tech in game 2, and probably Keely Rochard or Emma Lemley as their pitcher. Both are big-time arms and the Tigers combined for just 3 runs against them in the season series. It's going to be tough to advance through our bracket for sure. They can do it, but the fielding has to be at its best and not give away free runs, and hitting has to do SOMETHING.
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CU Medallion [65370]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 12/3/03
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The bats have to come through. When you get to tourney
May 9, 2022, 7:38 AM
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time, even the ACC tourney this year, you are ONLY going to be facing good arms in opposing pitchers. Especially in the "one and done" ACC tourney format.
I like the makeup of this years team. Last year, we had Val Cagle and not much else in pitching. This year, Millie Thompson has blossomed, and several MORE good arms to go to behind her as well.
I expect us to compete well. As I said, it will all depend on the bats. Even with great pitching, need a couple runs a game.
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110%er [7971]
TigerPulse: 90%
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Joined: 11/28/03
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Re: Haven't stayed on top of softball as well this yr but
May 9, 2022, 10:00 AM
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We are a top 15-20 team which is really good for a young program. We still lack a super elite pitcher plus our bats are not good enough against teams with really good pitchers.
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Legend [15800]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 7691
Joined: 11/30/98
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The ACC is really stout this year w/ some of the best arms
May 9, 2022, 11:53 AM
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in the country (Rochard, St. George, Lemley, Sandercock, Cagle, etc). IMHO we're as good as we were last year...although record-wise it may not seem like it. We've played better teams this year (Clemgalalways® posted our SoS somewhere, I think it was 10 maybe?) and we've played series against the top teams in the ACC (only UNC & Pitt weren't top 10).
Our pitching has been great and our bats have been ok. A little better average w/ RISP and we probably have 4 or 5 more wins. Fielding has been below average and has cost us a few games...I don't think Rittman has all of the pieces exactly where he wants them.
The ACC tournament will be tough. We face a very good ND team and then in all likelihood a super VT team. If bats get hot and fielding tightens up we can take the tournament.
It will be interesting to see if we go with Millie or Val in game 1. My guess is VT goes with Lemley in game #1 saving Rochard for us. Won't surprise me to see Millie in game #1, setting up a potential Cagle vs Rochard matchup.
Also, fingers crossed, a win vs. ND should secure a regional host for us (assuming all SEC teams have been given their fair tribute).
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All-In [48223]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 14896
Joined: 11/7/20
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Re: The ACC is really stout this year w/ some of the best arms
May 9, 2022, 4:42 PM
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Thanks @tigermaniac. Good assessment by all. Our SOS was up to 6 as of 2 weeks ago and nothing has changed that would make it change. Our rpi was 10.
I've tried to watch as much softball as possible. I love it. Was real dissapointed that the cowgirls didn't fair better against Oklahoma... But then Oklahoma has .350 - .400 hitters up and down the roster. Unreal.
Talk about the Roy Bus. This year it does seem it's Oklahoma and then everyone else. Was totally shocked how liberty roughed up rochard. Would like to see VT play Oklahoma. Both can really hit. What sets both Oklahoma and VT apart is you can't really pitch around or walk anyone in their lineup. Rittman has been trying but our 7,8, and 9 hole hitters are usually pretty easy outs... Then MG and Val can be great or strike out.
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