Softball 38-13 (14-10) SEC TOURNEY WED 4:00 vs MSU

Returning starters in Bold/Underline

PITCHERS
Tori Finucane(SO)(21-6, 1.73 ERA, 168 K, 57 BB): Tori is an All-SEC selection. She had an OUTSTANDING freshman season. She has a wide arsenal of pitches. Of the 2 freshman pitchers last year, it was Finucane who put up Chelsea Thomas like numbers.

Paige Lowary(FR): Freshman pitcher who has looked solid in the fall and in the scrimmage. This lefty can absolutely bring it from the circle. The biggest question was whether she could develop a change up. According to most, she did exactly that and showed it in the scrimmage game.

Cheyenne Baxter(SO): A transfer from Omaha, she will actually have an important function on the team, eating up mop up innings and starting and going deep in mid-week games. Because Mizzou starts a week later than most, they have more mid-week games later. This can lead to burning out arms if you only have 1 or even 2 starters. Having a 3rd one to help out in those mid-week games can be crucial.

CATCHER
Sami Fagan(JR)(.342, 10 2b's)): Was originally a transfer from Florida and finished the season last year catching for the Tigers. If Mack(below) can take over the catching duties, it would be a huge boost for the Tigers by being able to put Fagan at 2nd.

Kirsten Mack(SO)(.225, 3 HR's): Came in as a highly touted recruit but was a bit overwhelmed as a freshman. As was indicated, if she can meet those expectations and take over the catching role, it will give the team a lot of flexibility elsewhere.

Alyssa Cousins(SR)(.154): Played sparingly and will continue to play sparingly. A 3rd catcher is a nice luxury, but that is exactly what she is.

FIRST BASE
Kelsea Roth(SR)(.256, 8 HR's): Has first base locked up. A third year starter, Roth has a lot of pop in her bat. Her numbers were bigger her sophomore year than junior year, but she's already showed off the pop in her bat in the scrimmage game.

Jordan Zolman(SO)(.067): Didn't play much as a freshman and probably won't play much as a sophomore with Roth holding down the corner.

SECOND BASE
Natalie Fleming(SO): If Fagan ends up catching, I expect to see Fleming at 2nd. She saw some playing time as a freshman, but because of a transfer and injury, the job might be Fleming's by default unless a freshman ousts her or Fagan is freed up to play 2nd.

Paige Bang(FR): Not sure if she plays 2nd, but bet she can. She had a solid fall and scrimmage and opened some eyes. Would not be surprised to see her given some opportunities at 2nd.

THIRD BASE
Amanda Sanchez(FR): Thought highly enough as a recruit and showed the ability in the fall and in the scrimmage, it appears as though the freshman is going to win the hot corner spot. That's a good thing as there are returning players who've played 3rd. Sanchez is getting the spot because she's that good. Not because there is no one else.

SHORTSTOP
Corrin Genovese(SR)(.410, 5 HR's): Don't be surprised if Genovese is an All-SEC player by seasons end. A returning starter, she's solid in nearly all phases of the game.

LEFT FIELD
Angela Randazzo(SR)(.349, 7 HR's): Randazzo played some 3rd base last year. There is an open spot in left field this year and Randazzo was given the shot in the scrimmage game. She has a good enough bat that as long as she isn't a complete liability in the OF, I can see her winning the position.

Kayla Kingsley(JR): My pick in the fall to ultimately win back the spot after an injury last year. Unfortunately, it just never seems she can get over the injury bug. A lot of talent that just has never had the chance to show itself on the field.

CENTER FIELD
Taylor Gadbois(JR)(.421, 46 SB): Another returning starter, Gadbois has speed to burn. She'll cover ground in the outfield and steal some bases. She was another pre-season All-SEC player who I expect big things from this year.

RIGHT FIELD
Emily Crane(JR)(.389, 4 HR, 17 SB): Yet another returning starter, Crane is consistent and reliable.

Anna Reed(SO): A JUCO transfer who put up big numbers at Jefferson College, has some adjusting to do, playing in the SEC. If she plays, it will be sparingly.

UTILITY(Because they're freshman and I don't know where they'll fit in)
Sara Harvey(FR): Another one of those players who broke every school record in the book. Will probably be used, but sparingly, as Mizzou has so many returning starters.

Sydney Sprague(FR): Another player that Mizzou has the luxury of bringing along slowly instead of throwing right into the fire. Again, set all kinds of records in high school.

Morgan Walters(FR): Yet another of a very solid incoming freshman class. Mainly plays on the corners but could compete for the left field spot as well.