Trojans flash speed, power, and pitching depth in first fall test
Early Takeaways from Fall Ball in Troy
On yesterday in Troy, Alabama the Troy Trojans hosted the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to begin the Fall Ball season. In 10 innings of work, I paid close attention, and the Trojans looked how I believed they would. In a 12-7 win, Troy had their share of mistakes as expected early on, but the overall body of work is what Coach Eric Newell and his staff would welcome, especially this early.
I want to mention a few key players and things that stood out to me yesterday. I know it is fall ball and it is early, but you can’t coach will and competitive nature. That is something you either have or you don’t. I saw that mindset yesterday on the base paths. While Troy did make some mistakes running the bases, they were aggressive, and that speaks to the confidence and belief they have in themselves.
Speed and Small Ball Spark the Offense
The ability to play small ball and make it count also stood out. The Trojans reached base on several occasions with perfectly placed bunts. The speed they have allows them to turn what would normally be routine sacrifice bunts into singles. Mia Tidmore is a speedy one on the paths, and that slight slapper ability gives her a jump and an even bigger advantage. The main thing is to score runs, and I see Troy having a great ability to generate that.
Pitching Depth on Display
Troy’s pitching staff showed both depth and versatility. Starting with freshman Abby Lovell, in my opinion, was the right call. Sometimes you just have to jump in the water. Lovell had a good first inning, only putting one on with a hit by pitch. The second inning was a bit rough as she tried to establish an outside presence, and a couple of defensive mishaps behind her didn’t help. Those things will be ironed out with time.
She worked into the third inning before being replaced by sophomore Mya Holt. Holt came in steady and gave Troy exactly what they needed. She pitched 3.2 innings, allowing only 2 hits with no earned runs, while striking out four. Holt leans on her drop and curve, and her movement gave Georgia Tech hitters trouble making good contact.
Last season, Holt posted an 11-5 record in 88 innings pitched across 29 appearances as a freshman. I look for her to take another step forward going into 2026.
Ella Cunningham, the transfer from Michigan State, brings a two-way presence to the Trojan lineup. In the circle, she worked four innings, striking out four while giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits. Cunningham brings a steady mix of curve, drop, and rise. Her first batter faced showed it, as she went full count and then finished the at-bat with a strikeout on a rise ball.
At times Cunningham fell out of rhythm and made a couple of mistakes, but overall she had a good outing. I spoke with her earlier this summer, and she has put in a lot of work to sharpen her game, which shows in how she carries herself on the field.
Newcomer Huffman Makes Immediate Impact
Kiley Huffman is a major pickup for the Trojans from Texas Tech. Yesterday she showed her impact with a couple of hits, including a hot 2-RBI single down the right field line. She also showed patience at the plate, drawing a walk for another RBI. On the defensive side, her arm in right field may save the Trojans some runs this season. That is a big positive that can’t go unnoticed.
“She’s gonna be a really good player for us, said Newell. I think today, what we batted her fourth, and had a big double, I believe, early in that game, and just is a tough, tough out, and a phenomenal young lady. She represents our program really, really well. So couldn’t be happier for her, couldn’t be happier for us, because we have her!”
Boswell Continues to Shine
Makaley Boswell, who returns from a standout sophomore season, is still a force in this lineup. Boswell reached base safely four times yesterday and crushed a three-run home run to left. Defensively at second, she hardly lets anything by without a huge effort to make a stop. Last season Boswell had a .986 fielding percentage with 98 putouts, 119 assists, and only three errors committed.
At the plate, she slashed .327/.436/.603 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and 53 runs scored. She also drew 29 walks, something this team as a whole does well. Boswell is a name that everyone should have on their preseason watch lists, and she lets her work do the talking.
“Makaley Boswell is a special player, and it’s because she goes about her business, she handles her business, she’s humble. She works hard, so you couldn’t be happier for a kid like that,” said Coach Eric Newell.
Closing Thoughts
I saw everything I wanted to see from the Trojans yesterday. It was their first competition against an opposite opponent this fall. After the first couple of innings, they settled in and took control with solid pitching, patient at-bats, and by doing the little things that stack into big results.
I look forward to seeing what this Troy team looks like as the fall goes on and more work is put in. Stay tuned.
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