Texas Softball 2024 - Farewell to the Big 12 (and back to OKC?)

[Js1 87,305]

Reese Atwood is Softball America's Player of the Year

Atwood - 1st Team All American
Scott - 2nd Team All American
Stewart and Kavan - Freshman All Americans

[Js1 87,305]

Reese is D1 Softball 1st Team AA. Vivi is 2nd Team

We have faced every 1st Team AA pitcher this year - Kilfoyl, Canady, Berzon, Pickens, Kennedy. And 2 of the second team AA pitchers - Maxwell and Mullins

[kingkoopa6 8,751]

17 hours ago, Chooky said:

fluggelgleckheimlen
 

[dcar00 15,003]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

She should have been fired after we lost 2 home regionals as a national seed in back to back years. That was so embarrassing 

it really is amazing. we made it past the regionals twice in her last 12 years.  we lost years with women's basketball and softball due to worrying about title IX and not excellence.

She owes Cat a lot of money.

[Cairn Horn88 8,503]

[TrashMaster G 18,137]

21 minutes ago, dcar00 said:

it really is amazing. we made it past the regionals twice in her last 12 years.  we lost years with women's basketball and softball due to worrying about title IX and not excellence.

She owes Cat a lot of money.

Ohhhh, that wasn't the worry.

[Cairn Horn88 8,503]

[Js1 87,305]

20 minutes ago, TrashMaster G said:

Ohhhh, that wasn't the worry.

Fuck Chris Plonsky.

[Vermin 3,171]

18 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

25 years ago it was just a rich California/Arizona sport and now those places are barely relevant.

[Js1 87,305]

21 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

6th in our new conference, 3rd in our current conference in spending.   Not too far behind Auburn and Bama, so hopefully we start spending a bit more.

Hopefully another WCWS appearance (and a good finish) + SEC will bump those attendance numbers up. 

[Pato del Muerto 53,606]

Is that anywhere near capacity/do we need to build to increase attendance?

[Js1 87,305]

11 minutes ago, Pato del Muerto said:

Is that anywhere near capacity/do we need to build to increase attendance?

I think (?) with the outfield bleachers, we can get it to about 2200-2400 capacity.  We hit 2,000+ twice this year - 2084 for the game 2 victory over OU and then 2,214 for the game 3 win over aggy.

[Cairn Horn88 8,503]

So…OU has twice the budget and twice the attendance of Texas.   We need to close that gap.

OU also has a girl’s gymnastics team.

Edited May 28 by Cairn Horn88

[Js1 87,305]

4 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

So…OU has twice the budget and twice the attendance of Texas.   We need to close that gap.

OU also has a girl’s gymnastics team.

Well their new stadium has literally 2x capacity as ours. They have a lot more room on campus than we do

[bschoolprof 6,352]

Udub spending so much kinda surprises me. Not great ROI.

[pyrohornIII 4,848]

On 5/27/2024 at 7:18 AM, bschoolprof said:

 

What a dumb question at the end: "What pitch are you most comfortable with as your go to when you need that K?"  Like she's going to self scout herself right before the WCWS.    They stopped it before we can see how she responded.  Hope she said something like, "I have confidence in all my pitches, it really depends on the batter."  

Edit:  And could VIvi had had a better day?  Great bat and great fielding.  She was fire.

Edited May 28 by pyrohornIII
add Vivi rave

[Cairn Horn88 8,503]

[Js1 87,305]

1 hour ago, bschoolprof said:

Udub spending so much kinda surprises me. Not great ROI.

It's weird because their results aren't bad the last couple years. 

4 WCWS in the last 8 years, excluding 2020 (they were also 23-2 when the season was cancelled and ranked #2, just ahead of Texas) 
Runner-up in 2018 as the #5 overall seed
They just haven't made it out of regionals in 2 of the last 3 years (including the 2022 one they hosted and was won by Texas)

I have seen Tarr's name attached to Auburn's opening, but she's under contract at her alma mater until 2029 and has a $2m buyout.  But SEC >>>>>>> B1G 

[Js1 87,305]

Baylor co-ace Crandall is in the portal.  Feels like an OKST type of grab.  

[bschoolprof 6,352]

27 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Baylor co-ace Crandall is in the portal.  Feels like an OKST type of grab.  

Did we run rule her?  Can’t remember. 

[Js1 87,305]

Just now, bschoolprof said:

Did we run rule her?  Can’t remember. 

Probably? She did get the W in the UF super regional. I think she also got the Ws against UCLA and OKST

[D3zii 3,956]

1 minute ago, bschoolprof said:

Did we run rule her?  Can’t remember. 

Yea I’m sure they’ll be better that enter 

[Deej 77,896]

On 5/27/2024 at 7:18 AM, VirginiaLonghorn said:

No shit!  For the life of me, I cannot tell how someone sees balls and strikes so clearly when the TV camera angle is 30-45 degrees off center of the line between the rubber and plate.

The incessant whining is a bit much …

[torre 1,298]

55 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Probably? She did get the W in the UF super regional. I think she also got the Ws against UCLA and OKST

I watched the Florida series.  She pitched a gem in game 2, 5 hits/2 runs. (5-2 win)   They brought her back to start game 3 instead of Binford and she gave up 4 runs in 1st inning.   Binford relieved and gave up 1 run on 2 hits the rest of the way. (5-3 loss).    Hope going to portal is not an emotional decision.   

 

[Cairn Horn88 8,503]

High probability of rain on Thur and Fri in OKC…..subject to change of course.

[Js1 87,305]

Just now, Cairn Horn88 said:

High probability of rain on Thur and Fri in OKC…..subject to change of course.

Rain in OKC in June?? 

[Pato del Muerto 53,606]

Just rain?  

[Redneck Mutha 8,233]

[FloridaHorn 4,887]

19 hours ago, Js1 said:

It's weird because their results aren't bad the last couple years. 

4 WCWS in the last 8 years, excluding 2020 (they were also 23-2 when the season was cancelled and ranked #2, just ahead of Texas) 
Runner-up in 2018 as the #5 overall seed
They just haven't made it out of regionals in 2 of the last 3 years (including the 2022 one they hosted and was won by Texas)

I have seen Tarr's name attached to Auburn's opening, but she's under contract at her alma mater until 2029 and has a $2m buyout.  But SEC >>>>>>> B1G 

Washington has struggled in the big games since Coach Tarr and her husband divorced and he quit coaching the team's hitting. Maybe a coincidence, Maybe not.

[FloridaHorn 4,887]

15 hours ago, Js1 said:

Baylor co-ace Crandall is in the portal.  Feels like an OKST type of grab.  

OU or bust....I have no inside information, but it just seems like every big name pitcher that enters the portal exits the portal into Norman.

[Js1 87,305]

19 minutes ago, FloridaHorn said:

OU or bust....I have no inside information, but it just seems like every big name pitcher that enters the portal exits the portal into Norman.

I mean, possible. I figured UW’s Ruby Meylan is OU bound 

[Js1 87,305]

No surprise that Canady was NFCA POY due to there not being a separate pitcher/player award. But Reese was also named D1 Softball POY this morning. 

2 separate POY awards. Jersey retirement when she’s done at Texas?

[Pancho 46,377]

USA Today prediction

Quote

Women's College World Series Predictions:

Edward Sutelan, Sporting News: Oklahoma is still dominant

Sutelan writes, "The Sooners are once again dominant in nearly all facets of the game. They rank seventh in team ERA (1.85), first in on-base percentage (.473) and second in slugging percentage (.724) among all Division I teams. They have outscored opponents 483-107 this season."

Bryan Clinton, Heartland College Sports: No. 1 Texas to disappoint

Clinton writes, "This might not be a popular opinion, but seeing Texas on the ropes last weekend makes me think that they might walk into OKC a bit staggered. That, combined with NiJaree Canady on deck, is a bad bad combination. I don’t see Texas going 2-and-Que, but I do think the No. 1 seed is headed to the Loser’s bracket out the gate, and that will put them in win-or-go-home mode for the rest of the week."

 

[Js1 87,305]

Nothing egregious about that. The team with 3 straight titles and 10 seniors is the favorite? And the team with freshmen or sophomores at 5/9 defensive positions and 2/3 starters may struggle? No way 

This team played tight against aggy with the expectations of needing to advance. At home as the #1 seed in front of their fans. Hopefully managing to advance will take some pressure off

Its going to take the leaders like Cap, Bella, Czech and Scott who have been to OKC to lead this team and keep them focused 

Edited May 29 by Js1

[Vermin 3,171]

1 hour ago, FloridaHorn said:

OU or bust....I have no inside information, but it just seems like every big name pitcher that enters the portal exits the portal into Norman.

Ok, I'll bite. Why don't we invest in a lights out pitcher?

[chiu1040 116]

Local weatherman predicted 2.5 to 4 inches of rain between Wednesday through Saturday.

[Js1 87,305]

8 minutes ago, Vermin said:

Ok, I'll bite. Why don't we invest in a lights out pitcher?

Because we have Gutierrez, Kavan, who has swing and miss stuff but is only a freshman, and incoming Cambria Salmon, one of the top pitchers in the class.  Plus Mac, who will be a senior next year and can start or come out of the pen.  

Go look at what Mike has done  - Citlaly had an ERA of 2.00 in 108.2 IP last year; 1.79 ERA in 90 IP this year (thanks to a bigger staff). Czech went from a 3.24 to 2.56 to 1.92.  Morgan went from 2.50 to 1.99

I would expect more improvement from Citlaly and from TK next year.  Especially with another offseason with PRT

Edited May 29 by Js1

[Cairn Horn88 8,503]

Does the location of the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City give the powerhouse Oklahoma program an edge seemingly every season? Absolutely, said Texas coach Mike White.
 

https://tinyurl.com/29ls64yj
 

Good read.

[FloridaHorn 4,887]

1 hour ago, Vermin said:

Ok, I'll bite. Why don't we invest in a lights out pitcher?

 

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

Because we have Gutierrez, Kavan, who has swing and miss stuff but is only a freshman, and incoming Cambria Salmon, one of the top pitchers in the class.  Plus Mac, who will be a senior next year and can start or come out of the pen.  

Go look at what Mike has done  - Citlaly had an ERA of 2.00 in 108.2 IP last year; 1.79 ERA in 90 IP this year (thanks to a bigger staff). Czech went from a 3.24 to 2.56 to 1.92.  Morgan went from 2.50 to 1.99

I would expect more improvement from Citlaly and from TK next year.  Especially with another offseason with PRT

Js1 beat me to it. We have a deep staff, and top 10 ranked pitchers coming each of the next 2 years. In my opinion, we don't need to chase much in the portal this year, unless we lose someone we are not expecting. Only thing I would take is a big power bat that is ok with the DH position and an occasional start at 1B.

[Js1 87,305]

7 minutes ago, FloridaHorn said:

 

Js1 beat me to it. We have a deep staff, and top 10 ranked pitchers coming each of the next 2 years. In my opinion, we don't need to chase much in the portal this year, unless we lose someone we are not expecting. Only thing I would take is a big power bat that is ok with the DH position and an occasional start at 1B.

Also a lefty specialist with Czech graduating.  Even more so if Simpson departs. 

[ruitxn 299]

On 5/28/2024 at 10:12 AM, Js1 said:

Fuck Chris Plonsky.

No thanks!!

[BurntOrange&White 42,019]

20 hours ago, Js1 said:

Baylor co-ace Crandall is in the portal.  Feels like an OKST type of grab.  

I think a Washington all-american pitcher is in the portal. I can't find the tweet anymore because it's been a few days or a week.

[Js1 87,305]

1 minute ago, BurntOrange&White said:

I think a Washington all-american pitcher is in the portal. I can't find the tweet anymore because it's been a few days or a week.

Ruby Meylan, Third Team AA last year.

Probably going to OU, let's be real. 

[Js1 87,305]

Tim Walton and Patrick Murphy both spoke about the 2025 SEC schedule at their WCWS press conference.

Florida - hosting both Texas and OU
Alabama - hosting OU 

The league definitely going to fuck over Texas and OU in year 1.  Texas should be at OU too, so I hope we get 2-3 marquee home matchups (aggy, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia)

[bschoolprof 6,352]

It will be great playing an SEC schedule instead of tech, isu, kansas, etc. It should knock OU down a peg. They play two tough series every season (us and OSU). Now, it will be almost every week.

[Js1 87,305]

May 30

Game 1: (14) Alabama vs. (6) UCLA, 11am | ESPN

Game 2: (10) Duke vs. (2) Oklahoma, 1:30 p.m. | ESPN

Game 3: (1) Texas vs. (8) Stanford, 6 p.m. | ESPN2

Game 4: (5) Oklahoma State vs. (4) Florida, 8:30 p.m. | ESPN2

All weather depending, of course. 

Edited May 30 by Js1

[Js1 87,305]

Trying to gather all the postseason awards in one place so far:

Big 12

• POY - Atwood
• FOY - Kavan
• 1st Team All Big 12 - Atwood, Gutierrez, Kavan, Maloney, Scott
• 2nd Team All Big 12 - Henry, Martinez, Stewart
• All Big 12 Freshmen - Henry, Kavan, Stewart

NFCA

• 1st Team All American - Atwood
• 1st Team Central All-Region - Kavan, Atwood
• 2nd Team Central All-Region - Martinez, Maloney
• 3rd Team Central All-Region - Maloney

D1 Softball

• POY - Atwood
• 1st Team All American - Atwood
• 2nd Team All American - Martinez
• Freshman All Americans - Henry, Kavan, Stewart

Softball America

• POY - Atwood
• 1st Team All American - Atwood
• 2nd Team All American - Scott
• Freshman All American - Kavan, Stewart

[Js1 87,305]

Mike White was blasted the other day as a whiny baby because he suggested that maybe the NCAA consider rotating the WCWS to different locations.  Maybe because this happens every year like clockwork in OKC in May/June.

 

[shadow_operative2.0 16,295]

Good, I need later than 6. 

[Js1 87,305]

Last I saw, UCLA, OU, Texas are all favored today, with OKST/UF a pick 'em