Despite Tough Start, Volts Still Hold Second-Half Upside in Athletes Unlimited Softball League
Volts: Athletes Unlimited Softball League Halfway Mark
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League season is halfway over? Yes it is, and the first half officially wrapped up last night in Norman, Oklahoma and Wichita, Kansas. One team I want to take a moment to focus on is the Volts.
Before getting into individual leaders, I’ll be honest. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect from this squad to start the year. On paper, the pieces looked solid, and I had the Volts pegged for a better trajectory than what we’ve seen so far.
They currently sit at 4-8, riding a four-game losing streak after being swept by the Talons. Things don’t get any easier after the break, as they jump right back into the fire with upcoming matchups against the Bandits and Talons in Rosemont.
But this team has firepower and world-class talent. The second half still holds opportunity. They’re not out of it by any means.
Amanda Lorenz has been the steadiest presence in the lineup. She’s hitting .432 with a .543 on-base percentage and a .703 slugging mark. Lorenz has reached base in all 12 games and leads the team with 16 hits, including four doubles, two home runs, and eight RBIs. She also leads the Volts in total bases with 26 and in runs scored with seven. Add in nine walks and a 1.246 OPS, and you’re looking at one of the most complete hitters in the league right now.
Joining Lorenz in the double-digit hit club are Sierra Romero and Tiare Jennings with 11 each, and Danieca Coffey with 10. Jennings leads the team with three home runs. The offensive pieces are here. The numbers aren’t bad. Sometimes, though, the game doesn’t follow the script.
On the pitching side, Rachel Garcia has led the way. She’s pitched in nine games, totaling 35.1 innings with a 2-3 record. Garcia has thrown two complete games and struck out 31 batters while walking 15. She has the tools and veteran poise, but she can’t pitch all the time.
Payton Gottshall holds a solid 2.91 ERA with a 1-1 record across six appearances and 21.2 innings pitched. I’ve always liked her stuff. Even going back to her days in Knoxville with the Lady Vols, once she locks in, she can be as tough to hit as anyone out there.
Rookie Sam Landry is someone to watch as the second half unfolds. She’s fresh off her collegiate career at Oklahoma and now adjusting to life in the pros. It takes time. Give her some grace.
This Volts team still has every reason to believe they can fight back in the second half. The talent is there, the stats show promise, and a reset might be just what they need. After all, it’s not always how you start, it’s how you finish.
