4 Florida to its sixth consecutive win over South Florida this season. The Hokies hit 3 home runs in a Game 1 win, but managed just 2 runs total in the final 2 games as Florida rallied to win the series. I asked Tara which team she could see making a run for it this season, and right away, her answer was Michigan. In a year where the long ball grabbed the headlines Oklahomas Jocelyn Alo became the sports all-time HR queen and now has 117 its a Florida team that finished last in the SEC in homers that is the conferences lone representative at the Womens College World Series, which gets underway on Thursday in Oklahoma City. The Gators (45-9) went 3-0 in the Gainesville Regional with their 8-0 victory Sunday at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, advancing to the Super Regionals next week. Wayne Cavadi looks back and ranks the teams one last time this year. As previously mentioned, the key is consistency, and maintaining that high level of speed during gameplay. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. The 2022 Women's College World Series began Thursday in Oklahoma City, with eight teams vying for the Division I NCAA softball championship. Lugo pitched for six innings against the Beavers and gave up one hit, no runs and struck out six to secure the win. If youre trying to improve your pitching speed, the best way to do so is by focusing on your technique and mechanics. For a slightly more recent accomplishment, Hightower recently realized a dream of hers, pitching against Florida State University (FSU) and winning. Gators pitching allowed only three hits in their three games and outscored teams 19-0. Floridahosts the Super Regionals starting Fridayand will face SEC East rival Georgia (32-21), the winner of the Athens Regional, at 5 p.m. South Florida 5,Baylor 0, Baylor eliminated, Friday:Georgia (32-21) vs. Florida (45-9), 5 p.m., ESPNU, Saturday: Georgia vs. Florida, 12 p.m., ESPN, Tickets:Gators Ticket Office at 352-375-4683. She currently sports a .143 opponents batting average, 0.69 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. That led us perfectly into the next topic. FRESHMEN STAR POWER: Top 55 freshmen to watch in 2023. The fight and envisioning success are the real main differences to me Coach Walton challenged me over the break, and I just made sure that I was going to keep working every day, fighting for a spot and a position this year. Even though she has collected respectable stats during the first two years of her college career she owned a 2.27 ERA entering this season something seems different, perhaps even improved, about the junior hurler when she steps into the circle this year. "Coach Walton holds all his players to a high standard," Hightower mentioned. They had a great regional last season with a big fight against Oklahoma State to end the season last year. Thursday's 7-1 win over Oregon State could be the most well-rounded game Florida had put together all season as the 14th-ranked Gators (48-17) went on scatter 13 hits, tally six strikeouts and give up just one earned run, followed by six scoreless innings. Feb 28, 2022 #21 apkgator GC Hall of Fame Had heard Delbrey was dealing with a blister..that easily could impact control on a freshman that already struggles a bit with consistency. 4 Florida to its sixth consecutive win over South Florida this season. Briana Perez, Maya Brady, Aaliyah Jordan and more also return for the Bruins. After Oklahoma UCLA, Oklahoma State, Florida State and Florida close out the top five. Congratulations, Elizabeth Hightower! Behind a complete-game shutout from pitcher Elizabeth Hightower, the No. Riseball thrown by college softball pitcher Elizabeth Hightower of Florida Gators.#softball #pitcher #strike #strikeout #ncaa #college The Bruins are another team that loaded up from the transfer portal this offseason. "I think we've named it transfer-U," Henry said. She isn't entirely sure where she plans to go with her degree, but she loves her major and loves learning. Posted an 4-1 record in the circle with 10 starts and 18 appearances. You wont start throwing faster balls just by swinging your arm around so fast that its almost popping out of its socket. During the first month and a half of the 2021 season, Hightower has emerged as the ace of the Gator pitching staff, and has turned heads with her performance and leadership in the circle. Henry said she thinks she is in the best shape she has ever been in at UCLA. The way its set up, theres one way in which the Gators could flip to the other side of the bracket. If youre a college level softball pitcher looking to play at the highest levels, youre probably wondering how your pitching speed measures up to the average college softball pitching speed. A week later, after a series against conference rival LSU, her ERA stands at a comparatively-astronomical 1.07. The lefty went 15-5 with a 1.81 ERA and 8.9 strikeouts per seven innings last season. Headlined by Montana Fouts and Alabama, the SEC will once again be the deepest conference in the country with a plethora of teams in contention for the title and deep postseason runs. She started those final 2 games of the Super Regional as the Gators rallied for back-to-back victories to advance. Background Check Elizabeth Hightower Sponsored by Truthfinder Paid Service Search for criminal & traffic records, bankruptcies, assets, associates & more View full report Public Records Sponsored by Spokeo Paid Service Henry said she is on the ACC train and so excited to see how Clemson, Duke, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech battle it out in the ACC. It wasnt easy. Oregon State hit 59 home runs, averaging exactly 1 home run per game. The Gators, in the brink of elimination from the NCAA tournament today, are expected to start Hightower in the circle to force a third game Sunday against Georgia, which won Game 1 4-0 on Friday.. That would be if they defeat Oregon State on Thursday and then lose their next game. It is a storyline every year, but it feels like the main one this season. Alo smashed the all-time record and stands at 117 career home runs heading into the WCWS, including 29 this season. Reduces Training Time To Minutes | No Catcher Required And You Can Train All Year, Indoors Or Out! ", So perhaps the question isn't, "Who's going to start against the Cowgirls? I thought it was even better today than Friday.. Currently, Hightower is a junior, but she hopes to take some summer classes and graduate a bit early this coming Fall semester. ETGator1 GC Hall of Fame. Those differences and improvements are the result of concentrated effort by Hightower, and a challenge from her coaches. The rise of the ACC. Explore historical records and family tree profiles about Elizabeth Hightower on MyHeritage, the world's family history network. Florida returns Skylar Wallace and Kendra Falby for some incredible speed around the bases. 4 Florida hosts Georgia. Type above and press Enter to search. Though she added they might not even be an "under-the-radar" team anymore following their run last season. Henry felt that the biggest storyline entering 2023 was how teams respond following the departure of their aces. If you want to check your own pitching speed before tryouts, there are some great radar guns and devices available - here is a low priced option from Bushnell that is perfect for softball pitching speeds and . The first career no-hitter from Elizabeth Hightower and a six-run seventh inning lifted No. Former Florida softball right-handed . It was a tough, tough, tough game. The Bulldogs missed out of the top 25 despite making it to the Super Regionals last season. They were led by the new NCAA home run record holder: Jocelyn Alo. "We hit a lot of singles, which is hard to score runs at times, but our team batting average is probably close to .320 now, and I think these guys are doing a good job have being who they are, and I think that's been fun for me.". In one of the All-SEC Super Regional showdowns, No. "I am excited to see how she does, the rookie, in the circle. The 2023 Gators postseason plans likely hinge on an explosive offense, ever-dependable defense and a pitching rotation by committee. 5 Gators (22-3, 6-1 SEC) won their fourth top-25 matchup of the season with a 5-0 decision over No. In the other dugout, what the Cowgirls might lack in consistency, they find in power. The Gators are led by two players that are batting over .400, including Skylar Wallace (.406, 71 hits, 79 runs, 53 RBIs, 12 doubles) and Kendra Falby (.401, 83 hits, 63 runs, three triples). Florida (48-17) opens with Oregon State (39-20) at 7 p.m. Home-run hitting WCWS field The Gators are 1 of only 2 teams (Texas) in the WCWS that did not average at least 1 home run per game for the. MORE FROM D1SOFTBALL.COM The culture of Florida softball was always the best, and you knew that if you played for Tim Walton, he was going to get and expect the best out of you. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. All rights reserved. Natalie Lugo, Florida roll past Oregon State in WCWS opener, Florida softball in the World Series is just standard operating procedure, Florida softball in spotlight at Women's College World Series and so are the sunflowers, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. If you can pitch like a speed demon during practice, but the pressure of competitive games gets to you and negatively affects your ball speed, thats a problem. I think if we play with grit and we play like each game is personal, Id really love to see us roll off of that. Only Alabama, with All-American Montana Fouts, yielded fewer (25) among SEC teams. But dont forget to keep up with balanced strength training in the gym as well. They played conference-only games last season and now are back to normal. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew I wanted to be here, Hightower said in a recent phone interview. INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PHOTOS?? You could see that, you could feel that, Walton said. Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. The first two teams that came to mind for Tara Tennessee and Georgia. Not only is it relatively close to home, she loves the campus and knew that she would get a good education there. The Florida Gators softball team continued its postseason roll on Thursday night as fifth-year senior pitcher Natalie Lugo pitched a gem in relief of freshman Lexie Delbrey and the Florida lineup continued to produce hits from spots one through nine. "Who puts a kid in in the second inning? 1998 - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College. Virginia Tech is hosting a Super Regional for the first time and Florida has never traveled to Blacksburg before. Florida senior Elizabeth Hightower spent much of the regular season regarded as the Gators'. All the others were belting them out of the park with regularity. With a day between games, it's possible that the Gators see Maxwell (1.19 ERA) again. The Composite Xelerator Fastpitch Softball Pitching Trainer and Warm Up Tool with 12 Inch Premium Leather Indoor Ball for Improved Rawlings 14" Oversized Pitcher's Training Softball. She wanted to be pushed to uphold that standard and rise to that level of excellence. But can UF keep it going against Oklahoma State's talented bullpen? If you want to check your own pitching speed before tryouts, there are some great radar guns and devices available here is a low priced option from Bushnell that is perfect for softball pitching speeds and easy to use from multiple locations on the sidelines or even in the stands: One of the main goals of players in the college-level age group is to get recruited by a college coach, so that they can get into good softball programs. If the Gators defeat Stanford, they will be one win away from the Super Regionals round of the NCAA Softball Tournament. Henry broke down the top five teams in D1softball's preseason top 25 rankings, headlines and storylines for this season, player of the year candidates, under-the-radar teams and squads she thinks might make a run for it this season. One of Hightower's favorite memories of playing softball was when she was a freshman at ACA, and they won the State Championship. Lastly, Henry mentioned you can not count out Louisiana. Madison All-Stars end after impressive season. Her pitching stats so far for the 2021 year are 84.1 innings pitched, 40 hits allowed, 13 runs allowed, 13 earned runs allowed, 18 walks, 69 strikeouts and two home runs allowed. Hightower has thrown nearly one-half of her teams innings this season, and she knows what she wants to see both from herself and from her team through the seasons home stretch. The Wildcats were able to notch just five hits against Maxwell and scratched across a pair of runs after Sharlize Palacios smacked a two-runhome run. I'm of the. The Gators have four one-hitters on the season and Hightower has been involved in every one. ", Touching tribute:Florida softball in spotlight at Women's College World Series and so are the sunflowers. Henry said that Patty Gasso, Oklahoma's head coach, felt the offense was frustrated with her pitching in the fall. during the Gators' game against Team USA on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium in Gainesville, FL / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey. She was awesome, Florida coach Tim Walton said. She currently sports a .143 opponent's batting average, 0.69 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. She is kind of the quiet one in the circle but she just knows how to get it done. This team is loaded in literally every category, even after losing the best player in the sport of softball. After two 1-2-3 innings from USF pitcher Georgina Corrick (24-9), Florida threatened to score with Baylee Goddard advancing to third and Hannah Adams stealing second. Rather, you need to have efficient pitching mechanics, which will naturally bring your speed up to at least the college average. [Walton] is very honest, and I appreciated that and I was like okay, lets go. 13 LSU (18-9, 4-3) at . There are also several great training aids with solid reviews that you can buy to help practice pitching: Image Credit: Kat Espinosa by KT King is licensed under CC BY 2.0. My confidence has grown so much, not even just in softball but also as a person.. The next team to keep an eye on in Henry's opinion is North Texas. Having the proper equipment can also help vastly improve your pitches, check out our guide on the best fastpitch softball glove for pitchers here. The Gators improved to 26-1 in opening day games and 33-5 in games during opening weekend. After she graduated, she chose the University of Florida (UF) as her next step. The Gators improved to 28-17 all-time against the Seminoles and 15-8 when playing at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Hightowers numbers are so good this season that even absorbing a loss against UCF on March 24th didnt take her ERA over the 1.00 line. Florida (48-17) opens with Oregon State (39-20) at 7 p.m. "Arguably it allowed them and put them in a position to host regionals.". Hightower also appreciates the culture of UF. The Gators (45-9) went 3-0 in the . The Gators got the edge over fellow SEC team Alabama for the fifth spot. Every play, every slide. But first, lets answer the question: what is the average college softball pitching speed? Over 77 2/3 innings of work this season, Lugo has given up just 7 homers. After the abrupt end to the 2020 season and the months of turmoil that followed, it would have been easy to fall out of a high-level athletes normal routine. They return a ton of talent with Ashley Peters and Skylar Savage in the circle for this season. This is on top of players like Grace Lyons, Kinzie Hansen and Jayda Coleman. But no. Let's get into it. Delbrey, a freshman, has been on some big stages through the last three games having started both must-win games in Blacksburg, followed by the WCWSfirst game Thursday. Once I finally figured my change-up out later in the game, I kind of settled in and took it from there.. We caught up with the Florida pitcher to see what originally drew her to the Gators, what last season was like for her, as well as what to expect from her squad for the rest of this year. Jenn Salling, a former Olympian, and Shannon Saile, who you might remember from the OU pitching staff not too long ago, joins the staff for this season. Hightower, though, said that confidence in her teammates work ethics helped buoy her own self-resolve. The Sooners return the 2021 NFCA National Player of the Year, Jocelyn Alo. A week later, after a series against conference rival LSU, her ERA stands at a comparatively-astronomical 1.07. Last update was on: July 13, 2023 2:21 pm, Join the discussion - Leave a comment below, 1 used from $12.14. 1998 - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College. Just under a month remaining until opening weekend of the 2022 college softball season. The Sooners return D1softball's No. 'Have to win the first game':Natalie Lugo, Florida roll past Oregon State in WCWS opener, David Whitley:Florida softball in the World Series is just standard operating procedure. Arizona ranked 10th in the country, belting 95 homers, an average of 1.61 per game. Only Wichita State sophomore Addison Barnard hit more (33) in 2022. POLLS:D1Softball Top 25FOLLOW ALONG: Scoreboard | Season statsPodcast| Video Vault, Enter your information to receive emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners. After a red-hot start to her true junior season, if her work in the circle continues on its recent successful path, Hightower could soon be counted as the next Gator great in the pitching circle. This is another team that scheduled tough this season and will be tested early on in 2023. If you're one to follow sports, you may have seen a familiar face pop up when watching Gator softball games. She tied her career high with 10 strikeouts Sunday and had four 1-2-3 frames in a row. Not to mention Kinzie Hansen, Jayda Coleman, Mackenzie Donihoo and more. "I think the Wolverines are packed and ready to go," Henry said. Instead, it's been the Lexie Delbrey and Natalie Lugo show. The trio of Charla Echols at third base, shortstop Skylar. best fastpitch softball glove for pitchers, Markwort Club K Spin Right Spinner Softball Training Aid, Yellow. I knew if I came here [that]I was going to get the best college experience, the best education, as well as play for national championships.. The Cowgirls (46-12) went with redshirt junior Kelly Maxwell in Thursday night's win, where Maxwell went the distance and tallied 14 strikeouts. When she played at ACA, Hightower pitched, but she also played first and third base. The award honors work on and off the field. 2023 www.gatorsports.com. 2023 www.gatorsports.com. Florida State was knocked out of their Tallahassee Regional last season, but return a strong group for 2023. The sport of softball lost a lot of arms heading into this season. Her immediate response was the fact that Oregon State didn't make the top 25 after reachingthe WCWS just last season. Elizabeth Hightower, originally from Monticello, graduated from Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) in 2018, where she played softball for the Lady Warriors. In fact, 4 Florida relievers have put a lid on opposing hitters. As a group, its proven up to the task. It's also the 21st shutout for the Gators during Opening Day. UFran up the score in the seventh on Bulls reliever Vivian Ponn with Jaimie Hoovers groundout that platedpinch-runner Katie Kistler, a grand slam from Longley and Lindseys solo shot. Go mow down Georgia next week. D1softball.com's Tara Henry sat down with us to break down the upcoming season and preview all that is in store. Here's what to watch for in today's battle. Here's a quick guide to the 2023 SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, including a schedule, links to results and how to to watch the annual track and field meet. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The Gators (22-3, 6-1 SEC) picked up a complete-game shutout performance from junior right-hander Elizabeth Hightower (11-1). Press Esc to cancel. Democrat staff writer 0:03 0:56 Elizabeth Hightower was on fire to begin her sophomore season. According to Henry, she had an incredible fall and offseason and what she described as a "hyper-focus." Who's not? Those clearly don't cover all of the top pitchers and players to watch in 2023, so take a look at D1softball's top 20 players entering 2023. Delbry must continue her hot streak while Hightower has to return to form in order for the Gators to slow down the homerun onslaught. Oklahoma State's offensive threat resides in the bats of Miranda Elish and Sydney Pennington, who hit from the four- and five-holes and have gone for a combined 7-of-16 through the last three games. UF broke through in the fourth with leadoff singles from Charla Echols and Kendly Lindaman. I absolutely believe it,"Henry said. Improving your pitching speed will also come down to consistent balanced strength training, and getting in as many weekly pitching reps as possible. Division 1: 63 MPH or faster. Oklahoma State ranked 42nd nationally with 66 home runs, or 1.12 per contest. We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. But on Thursday, she admitted her change-up wasn't working and that she had to turn to her rise ball. The long ball was the focus of the 2022 season. Florida cover photo of Natalie Lugo via Twitter @GatorsSB. They also have a transfer from North Texas, HopeTrautwein, and they have Nicole May who of course did an incredible job last season for the Sooners.". During that game on Friday, March 5, Hightower gave up just one hit, three walks and no earned runs, while striking out three batters in the 5-0 Lady Gator win. Florida returns Skylar Wallace and Kendra Falby for some incredible speed around the bases. She's just been doing it for us, and I'm really happy for her because she works really hard, and she's had a good season. "I think the addition of Payton Gottshall in the circle with them and a healthy Ashley Rogers" Henry said. Oklahoma State comes in at No. It was a grind. The 2023 SEC softball bracket, schedule and scores for the conference tournament, which was May 9-13 at Bogle Park in Fayetteville, Ark. Its that simple. Thatll give some kind of indication as to just how many home runs were hit this season. So to be able to pick up my teammates was a great feeling.. It felt really good, Cottrill said of her performance. Hightower scattered three LSU (18-9, 4-3 SEC) hits for her fifth complete-game shutout of the season and the third-straight of an SEC opponent. 5, with incredible leadership returning for this season and their whole pitching staff coming back Elizabeth Hightower, Natalie Lugo, Hannah Adams, Charla Echols and more returning. That and more in D1Softballs Daily Dozen. Elizabeth Hightower She had a big load with the Gators during her senior campaign with 167.0 innings pitched (sixth in the Southeastern Conference). Lee also transferred in from Texas A&M after batting .422 with 25 home runs and 51 RBI as a junior then closed out 2022 with a .405 batting average, 15 home runs and 45 RBI while guiding the Aggies to the 2022 NCAA Norman Regional. She turned in a 2.43 ERA with a 17-9 record in . ST. LOUIS - With the goal of enriching, educating and enhancing the game of softball and its community, Rapsodo has partnered with student-athletes Elizabeth Hightower of the University of Florida and Tiare Jennings of the University of Oklahoma, in accordance with the NCAA's new Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Policy. What happens to many pitchers is they max-out their pitching speed because theyve topped out on their arm speed and cant seem to figure out what else to do in order to get their speed up. Henry broke down the top five teams in d1softball's preseason top 25 rankings, headlines and storylines for this season, player of the year candidates, under-the-radar teams and squads she thinks might make a run for it this season. So, she talked to her academic advisor. Hannah (Adams) made an amazing play, just a lot of good defensive outs. She now plays softball for the UF Gators while continuing her education. The Gators pitching staff hasn't allowed more than five hits in a game so far season and is averaging just 0.44 hits per inning pitched and only 2.93 hits given up per game. She suffered an ACL injury last season, and her return will likely give this team a boost, as well as infielder Kaylee Tow, a 2021 All-American. Struck out 55 and walked only 19 batters. This season, she is currently 4-0 with a 0.69 ERA. "Excited to see what they do in that three-spot." Elish is a renowned two-way player and will join Kelly Maxwell, the likely ace of the staff. The 10 finalists for the 2022 Senior CLASS Award in Division I softball were announced on Thursday afternoon. So it makes sense that they come in as the No. She knew that if she came to UF, she would excel academically, as well as in sports and learn many life lessons that would help her long after her softball career is over. 3 in the D1softball preseason top 25. "Lexie did a good job but Natalie has just she's hot right now," Walton said. The Oklahoma Sooners took home their second consecutive national championship in 2022.
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