Across college programs, fall ball reveals the process, potential, and passion that shape championship teams long before February.
The Return of Fall Softball
Fall is a time that is always awaited for the return of football, and rightfully so. It is a great sport that brings together so many for months. However, I have looked forward to fall softball. Why is that? Well, softball is a great sport that has captivated my mind and heart. I also enjoy seeing the process.
Many only see the result of the work put in after the fall and winter process has taken place, but fall allows you to see where teams need improvements and who could be on the horizon as the next breakout star. In the last week, I have begun my fall ball coverage, and what I have noticed right away is the attention from fans.
Fan Support and Early Impressions
The Troy Trojan fanbase showed up well for their 10 inning game against Georgia Tech. They witnessed the Trojans put together a 12-7 win over the Yellow Jackets to open fall play. This weekend, the Tennessee Lady Vols played on back to back nights, and the fans were there in great numbers.
I admit that I was very impressed that so many came out for games against Carson Newman and East Tennessee State University. It shows the excitement around the game and the continued buy in and support for the sport. It is a beautiful thing to see.
Building Through the Process
As mentioned before, fall is a time for teams to work on themselves long before the real thing begins in February. For example, Coach Karen Weekly has a big focus on pitching depth. She wants to enforce the notion of pounding the strike zone and not falling behind in counts.
On the offensive side, the Lady Vols are sharpening their approach at the plate, learning how to move runners, and improving situational hitting. Often in softball, you look back at those runners left on base or in scoring position, and I have seen that be a main reason why some teams have not won championships.
Tennessee has been to the WCWS many times under Coach Weekly, which is a great accomplishment for her program. The Lady Vols have a good mix of veteran and young players this year. I have watched them twice this weekend, and with a sharpened approach at the plate and more pitching depth to support Karlyn Pickens, the Lady Vols have the talent and pieces to make another run.
Young Players Making Their Mark
I am really excited to see Erin Nuwer’s rise come to fruition in the circle. She saw a good amount of time last season, and I believe this year will be a big jump for her. If she can attack the zone better, as Coach Weekly emphasizes, and really hone in on her tools, Nuwer can have a breakout season in Knoxville.
If you know Tennessee, then you know the returning players, but what about a couple of new faces? Meredith Barnhart and Elsa Morrison stand out already. Both are showing fast initiative to be productive pieces in this Lady Vols system.
Barnhart has a nice swing and can be an extra base machine for Tennessee. She looks well tooled at hitting to all fields, which is impressive for a freshman. I know it is just fall, but now is the time when confidence is built and good play is formed.
“I like the part of the park she’s using. I mean, I think everybody knows how to pull a ball. But when you can hit with power to the deepest part of the park, and then you can hit oppo, that’s pretty good stuff,” said Karen Weekly.
Elsa Morrison is already looking like a starting freshman catcher behind the dish. Both Weekly and Karlyn Pickens have voiced strong praise for Morrison. She is very mature for a freshman, both as a hitter and a catcher.
“I just like the way Elsa can get to a lot of things. You know, Elsa can hit the strike up in the zone, she can hit the strike low in the zone. She understands how to sit changeups. So it is pretty mature for a freshman,” said Weekly.
Last night, Karlyn Pickens tossed 10 strikeouts in five innings. Afterwards, I asked her how it felt to work with a new catcher in Morrison.
“She’s such a hard worker. You wouldn’t know she’s a freshman just by watching her. She commands it back there and knows exactly what I need. She’s always communicating with me, isn’t afraid to tell me when I need to fix something, and that’s something I appreciate as a pitcher. She definitely fills her role really well as a freshman,” Pickens said.
Both freshman players were standouts in high school and high level travel ball, of course, but the transition to the college game already looks like a smooth one for both so far.
The Bigger Picture of Fall Softball
I know it is only fall ball, but as stated before, this is the time when development happens. You get the chance to see the process take shape before most of the country even realizes what is going on. Like Tennessee, programs across the country are in the process of finding out more about their teams. This is where championship rosters are being built. It does not all begin in February.
From Troy to Tennessee and beyond, fall softball represents growth, competition, and connection.
On the fan side, I honestly wish fall ball was streamed more. Even if there was no commentary, with the popularity of the game continuing to rise, there would be plenty of people tuning in. I constantly see fans in the comments wishing for that access. This sport is amazing, and its popularity is undeniable.
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