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

[TrashMaster G 17380]

Just now, Js1 said:

One of the OKST player’s mom has a line of creams and stuff she makes herself and Holly was highlighting some of them. One of them was a diaper rash cream and she and Mowins/Smith/Mendoza kept referring to it as “butt stuff” and she said “I never imagined doing butt stuff on TV” and “we might have to ask Coach Gajewaki about butt stuff”

Very nice.

[Js1 85056]

2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship Schedule
First Round / Wednesday, May 8
Game 1 – No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Houston – 5 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 2 – No. 8 Texas Tech vs. No. 9 Iowa State – 7:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Quarterfinals / Thursday, May 9
Game 3 – No. 3 Oklahoma State vs. No. 6 BYU – 11 a.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 4 – No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Winner of Game 1 – 1:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 5 – No. 1 Texas vs. Winner of Game 2 – 5 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 6 – No. 4 Baylor vs. No. 5 UCF – 7:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Semifinals / Friday, May 10
Game 7 – Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 – 5 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 8 – Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 – 7:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Championship Final / Saturday, May 11
Game 9 – Winner of Game 7 vs. Winner of Game 8 – 6:30 p.m. CT – ESPN2

[shadow_operative2.0 15820]

That’s blank for dark mode users, so here it is for us.

Quote

2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship Schedule
First Round / Wednesday, May 8
Game 1 – No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Houston – 5 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 2 – No. 8 Texas Tech vs. No. 9 Iowa State – 7:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Quarterfinals / Thursday, May 9
Game 3 – No. 3 Oklahoma State vs. No. 6 BYU – 11 a.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 4 – No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Winner of Game 1 – 1:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 5 – No. 1 Texas vs. Winner of Game 2 – 5 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 6 – No. 4 Baylor vs. No. 5 UCF – 7:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Semifinals / Friday, May 10
Game 7 – Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 – 5 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+
Game 8 – Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 – 7:30 p.m. CT – Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Championship Final / Saturday, May 11
Game 9 – Winner of Game 7 vs. Winner of Game 8 – 6:30 p.m. CT – ESPN2

[Post Oak 20182]

 

[Js1 85056]

Was curious why Kenny didn’t put Kilfoyl out there at all today, but knowing they will likely match up again on Friday in the conference semis, he probably didn’t want them getting another look at her before then.  

[perfectchaos007 6593]

Here's the bracket for visual folks like me. Single elimination tournament

 

 

[Cairn Horn88 8148]

2 hours ago, TrashMaster G said:

Very nice.

Uh….not if Holly applies it for ya!

[TrashMaster G 17380]

37 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

Uh….not if Holly applies it for ya!

Fair enough. I was just appreciating the willingness to talk about butt stuff.

[Js1 85056]

There's a huge disconnect with aggy - #8 in the polls, #16 RPI

Does the committee have their justification to seed them #16 and match them with #1 Texas? (Yes, probably)

MY TOP 8/16 SEEDS AS OF TODAY (RPI in parentheses) 

1 Texas (1) - 16 aggy (16)
2 Tennessee (7) - 15 California (17)
3 Oklahoma (2) - 14 Florida State (13)
4 Duke (4) - 13 Arkansas (14)
5 Oklahoma State (8)- 12 Missouri (9)
6 LSU (3) - 11 Louisiana (11)
7 Stanford (5) - 10 Georgia (6)
8 UCLA (10) - 9 Florida (12)

Made some small modifications from RPI to avoid any intra-conference super regional matchups and some good storylines (Texas/aggy, OKST/Mizzou, LSU/Louisiana)

3 Big 12 hosts
7 SEC hosts
3 Pac 12 hosts
1 Sun Belt host
2 ACC hosts

[Js1 85056]

All season stats:

Atwood - .433, 21 HR, 83 RBI
Jennings - .365, 19 HR, 56 RBI

Big 12 stats:

Atwood - .386, 10 HR, 40 RBI
Jennings - .341, 13 HR, 32 RBI

Kilfoyl finishes as the best Big 12 season pitcher by ERA (1.25) and Citlaly finishes 2nd (1.91) - big surprise even after her UH mess.  TK finishes fourth (and the top freshman) at 2.20 ERA.  Citlaly is the only qualified pitcher in the conference to finish conference play and season play undefeated (6-0 in Big 12 play, 10-0 on the season) 

Texas' finishes Big 12 play as the top hitting team (.356) and top pitching staff (2.25 ERA), as well as season-wide (.380 team BA and 1.72 team ERA) 

My guesses:

Big 12 COY - Mike White (duh)
Big 12 Player of the Year - Atwood
Big 12 Freshman of the Year - Kavan
Big 12 Pitcher of the Year - Kilfoyl
Big 12 Newcomer of the Year - Shaylee Govan (Baylor)

I would guess Reese, Citlaly, Ashton Maloney, Mia Scott and maybe Katie Stewart are 1st Team All Big 12.  TK should be 2nd Team All Big 12, with maybe Vivi and Kayden Henry. All Freshman Team selections should be TK, along with Stewie and Henry. 

[torre 1284]

Wondered about Mike White's contract since his 5 year original contract ($525K) was set to expire this year.    Emailed Danny Davis at the Statesman and he informs that Mike signed an extension in '22 for 5 years thru '27 for $625K.    Did not ask about performance bonuses but he surely will receive some this year.    And possibly another extension and raise.

Well done, Mike  !

[Js1 85056]

 

[WBT 20397]

12 hours ago, Js1 said:

Does the committee have their justification to seed them #16 and match them with #1 Texas? (Yes, probably)

[Cairn Horn88 8148]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

 

[torre 1284]

aggy hitting coach Jeff Harger above was also ejected at our Regional game last year.   Obvious anger issues.   Let's see if SEC takes any action.

Props to the UF fans for not engaging.    Surely UF has a visitor locker room he should have been limited to  ?     Not a good look.

As you may expect,  idiot aggy reaction.

 

https://texags.com/forums/8/topics/3459018

 

 

[FloridaHorn 4735]

9 hours ago, Js1 said:

 

I was watching that game, and when he was ejected, they escorted him down the RF line, thru a gate and into the area where fans are allowed to stand and watch the game. From Ocala to Tallahassee, Florida is basically Oklahoma with palm trees. Lucky this didn’t end up far worse.

[Js1 85056]

There is still a lot of "TXST to Texas" predictions and I wanted to look at regional sites within 400 miles of San Marcos where Texas State could go that isn't Austin 

Norman - 401 miles
Baton Rouge - 430 miles
Stillwater - 478 miles
College Station - 135 miles

I've seen teams like Arizona to LSU or Oregon to Oklahoma, but seems like you could flip one of those to Austin and then send TXST to Norman, College Station or Baton Rouge and send Baylor to College Station or Fayettnam (427 miles) or Baton Rouge (449 miles)

But I'm 99% sure the committee will just go "meh" and send TXST to Austin, because fuck us. 

Edited May 7 by Js1

[Js1 85056]

While we wait for All Big awards, Reese lands the final Big 12 Player of the Week award and NFCA Player of the Week

.700 avg
7 hits
4 HR
13 RBI
19 TB
1.900 slugging %

[Cairn Horn88 8148]

Js1….I don’t know where you get your Lady Horns data/info/stats, but I’m really impressed at your ability to do so.  It adds quality to the posts and makes for interesting reading.  Thanks.

 

 

 

[Js1 85056]

2 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

Js1….I don’t know where you get your Lady Horns data/info/stats, but I’m really impressed at your ability to do so.  It adds quality to the posts and makes for interesting reading.  Thanks.

 

 

 

I was an SID in another life.  CDC should hire me. 

[MuellerHorn 4176]

6 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

Js1….I don’t know where you get your Lady Horns data/info/stats, but I’m really impressed at your ability to do so.  It adds quality to the posts and makes for interesting reading.  Thanks.

 

 

 

100% agree here. I don't know how you have so much knowledge across the entire catalog of UT Athletics. I feel like I pay attention, but @Js1's depth certainly outweighs mine.

4 minutes ago, Js1 said:

I was an SID in another life.  CDC should hire me. 

Hey, hey, me too. Although, I was an assistant SID out of UT. I'd love to do something similar, or just have a role in the AD in some capacity, once my main career has provided financial independence.

Edited May 7 by MuellerHorn

[Js1 85056]

26 minutes ago, MuellerHorn said:

100% agree here. I don't know how you have so much knowledge across the entire catalog of UT Athletics. I feel like I pay attention, but @Js1's depth certainly outweighs mine.

Hey, hey, me too. Although, I was an assistant SID out of UT. I'd love to do something similar, or just have a role in the AD in some capacity, once my main career has provided financial independence.

Really need CDC to invest in SID for the women's sport.  Some of the write-ups for the games are so bad. 

[torre 1284]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

 

But I'm 99% sure the committee will just go "meh" and send TXST to Austin

Very likely.    I also think the NCAA likes fan attendance which may be a factor.   Closer, the better for attendance.    

 

Certainly conur with the above comments about @Js1.     Besides his vast knowledge,  the thing I respect is he credits his source.   Does not act like a "super insider". 

[chiu1040 62]

Excited to say that our company is giving all employees free tickets to the semifinal games, and I’ll be there to cheer on the Horns.

[Js1 85056]

I still assume Simpson is going portaling with Cambria Salmon coming in. I could see her in sort of that Simpson/Czech role, and I’m assuming Mike will look for an experienced lefty in the portal. 

Last I saw, Softball America has Cambria ranked top 5. We are only bringing in 2 freshmen I believe, considering the bulk of our roster are sophomores (Atwood, Goode, Martinez, Citlaly, Maloney RS SO) or freshmen (TK, Henry, Stewie). Mac, Joley and Mia will be the old ladies of the roster with Bella, Cap and Czech leaving. 

Edited May 7 by Js1

[TrashMaster G 17380]

50 minutes ago, Js1 said:

I still assume Simpson is going portaling with Cambria Salmon coming in. I could see her in sort of that Simpson/Czech role, and I’m assuming Mike will look for an experienced lefty in the portal. 

Last I saw, Softball America has Cambria ranked top 5. We are only bringing in 2 freshmen I believe, considering the bulk of our roster are sophomores (Atwood, Goode, Martinez, Citlaly, Maloney RS SO) or freshmen (TK, Henry, Stewie). Mac, Joley and Mia will be the old ladies of the roster with Bella, Cap and Czech leaving. 

Don't leave Sophia!!!!

[Js1 85056]

5 minutes ago, TrashMaster G said:

Don't leave Sophia!!!!

Unfortunately, with Texas likely returning Morgan, Kavan, Gutierrez and bringing in another righty in Salmon, it is hard to see how Simpson gets innings, as Mike is likely to focus on Salmon getting 30-50 innings and probably a transfer lefty getting the rest.  Her change-up is still so good but her command is not great (11 walks in 21.1 IP). 

Salmon is likely to be within our top 3 rotation in 2026 when Mac graduates, so her development in 2025 is extremely important. 

[TrashMaster G 17380]

4 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Unfortunately, with Texas likely returning Morgan, Kavan, Gutierrez and bringing in another righty in Salmon, it is hard to see how Simpson gets innings, as Mike is likely to focus on Salmon getting 30-50 innings and probably a transfer lefty getting the rest.  Her change-up is still so good but her command is not great (11 walks in 21.1 IP). 

Salmon is likely to be within our top 3 rotation in 2026 when Mac graduates, so her development in 2025 is extremely important. 

Yeah, yeah, yeah.... logic, I get it.

She's my favorite to watch. 

[Hookem10 638]

Sophia Simpson should pitch more I think……..for developmental purposes of course 

[bschoolprof 6232]

Simpson is def the most beautiful longhorn.  I wish her command were better.  

[bschoolprof 6232]

3 hours ago, Js1 said:

 and I’m assuming Mike will look for an experienced lefty in the portal. 

 

Surly expects a full breakdown of all the possibilities by end of business tomorrow.    

[Js1 85056]

4 minutes ago, bschoolprof said:

Surly expects a full breakdown of all the possibilities by end of business tomorrow.    

Portal for softball opens May 19th

 

[Rickylovesweed 14154]

There is zero chance Simpson is back. 

She's already behind a Fr, So, and JR. Plus another top-10 recruit coming in. I'm even worried about keeping Morgan with those two underclassmen and Cambria coming in. 

[Js1 85056]

1 minute ago, Rickylovesweed said:

There is zero chance Simpson is back. 

She's already behind a Fr, So, and JR. Plus another top-10 recruit coming in. I'm even worried about keeping Morgan with those two underclassmen and Cambria coming in. 

Morgan could move into the pen, along with a lefty portal pitcher. Will be interesting to see if White treats Cambria like TK (leads the team in IP as a FR)

Edited May 8 by Js1

[Rickylovesweed 14154]

4 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Morgan could move into the pen, along with a lefty portal pitcher. Will be interesting to see if White treats Cambria like TK (leads the team in IP as a FR)

If they add a portal pitcher that eats 50 to 70 IP, I say it's very likely that Morgan transfers. 

Two underclassmen (who already lead the team in IP), then Cambria, and another portal pitcher that will eat innings. I see no chance Morgan is going to sign up for that if the portal pitcher is good. 

[Js1 85056]

3 minutes ago, Rickylovesweed said:

If they add a portal pitcher that eats 50 to 70 IP, I say it's very likely that Morgan transfers. 

Two underclassmen (who already lead the team in IP), then Cambria, and another portal pitcher that will eat innings. I see no chance Morgan is going to sign up for that if the portal pitcher is good. 

We already carry a large pitching staff (5 pitchers) with 4 getting most of the work. So you’re not wrong, if we get a lefty specialist, Mac could transfer. TK, Gutierrez, Cambria is a hell of a top 3 staff 

[Rickylovesweed 14154]

5 minutes ago, Js1 said:

We already carry a large pitching staff (5 pitchers) with 4 getting most of the work. So you’re not wrong, if we get a lefty specialist, Mac could transfer. TK, Gutierrez, Cambria is a hell of a top 3 staff 

The only thing that might keep her is we will be one of the national title favorites next year with what is likely returning. 

Morgan will be a SR and we will almost certainly be her best chance of winning a national title (assuming it doesn't happen this year). Is she cool being the 3rd to 5th option trying to chase a title? 

[hornag 18]

Unfortunately, all of our pitchers have suffered with control issues from time to time this year.  Mac Morgan and Sophia Simpson more so than the others.  We need to know that when you, as a pitcher, are called on that you will be dependable almost every time you go to the mound and you will be able to command control and location of your pitches.  Everybody will experience an off night from time to time, but you have to be able to minimize those outings.

[Pato del Muerto 52322]

5 hours ago, TrashMaster G said:

Don't leave Sophia!!!!

Hate to see her go…

[D3zii 3637]

10 minutes ago, Pato del Muerto said:

Hate to see her go…

But I love to see her walk away 

[bschoolprof 6232]

[TrashMaster G 17380]

9 minutes ago, bschoolprof said:

I'll be in my bunk....

[FloridaHorn 4735]

10 hours ago, Js1 said:

We already carry a large pitching staff (5 pitchers) with 4 getting most of the work. So you’re not wrong, if we get a lefty specialist, Mac could transfer. TK, Gutierrez, Cambria is a hell of a top 3 staff 

Also have Hannah Wells coming soon and she will be a force at the plate, and in the circle. Coach White is starting to get it rolling on the recruiting trail at a level we haven’t seen here in a while.

[shadow_operative2.0 15820]

Bro, js will be pissed. Do not talk about anyone he hasn’t. 

[Js1 85056]

50 minutes ago, FloridaHorn said:

Also have Hannah Wells coming soon and she will be a force at the plate, and in the circle. Coach White is starting to get it rolling on the recruiting trail at a level we haven’t seen here in a while.

Maybe if ever. Clark never recruited at this level. And certainly didn’t develop

[Js1 85056]

1 hour ago, shadow_operative2.0 said:

Bro, js will be pissed. Do not talk about anyone he hasn’t. 

I don't have any of the 2025 recruits on my radar - hell, I forgot we had more than Cambria incoming for 2024 because it is a tiny class.  Considering we are only graduating 4 seniors and returning so much production (top 3 starting pitchers + returning starters at 6/8 defensive positions) and one of those seniors (Washington) is just going to be replaced by last year's starting 2B (Goode). 

It is a good problem to have when Texas is only looking to replace its lefty bullpen specialist and LF.  

Pitchers: Kavan, Gutierrez, Morgan, Salmon, Simpson (maybe)
Catcher: Atwood, Stewie
1B: Stewie, KC, Joley
2B: Goode
SS: Vivi
3B: Scott, Joley
LF: ??
CF: Henry
RF: Maloney

My guess would be Wallace gets first crack at LF if we don't go portal hunting for a third OF or move Scott to RF and put Joley at 3B.  Scott's defense has really improved substantially the latter half of this season. 

Edited May 8 by Js1

[Js1 85056]

Don’t forget OU graduates 10 seniors this year. Texas should be one of the best in the SEC next year, along with UF (underclass heavy team as well)

Edited May 8 by Js1

[Js1 85056]

That’s MY catcher 

 

[Js1 85056]

TK Freshman of the Year

White is Coach of the Year

Atwood, Citlaly, Kavan, Maloney, Scott 1st Team

Henry, Vivi, Stewie 2nd Team

Henry, TK, Stewie All Freshmen

Texas and OU both had 5 1st Team selections and 4 2nd Team selections 

[FloridaHorn 4735]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

I don't have any of the 2025 recruits on my radar - hell, I forgot we had more than Cambria incoming for 2024 because it is a tiny class.  Considering we are only graduating 4 seniors and returning so much production (top 3 starting pitchers + returning starters at 6/8 defensive positions) and one of those seniors (Washington) is just going to be replaced by last year's starting 2B (Goode). 

It is a good problem to have when Texas is only looking to replace its lefty bullpen specialist and LF.  

Pitchers: Kavan, Gutierrez, Morgan, Salmon, Simpson (maybe)
Catcher: Atwood, Stewie
1B: Stewie, KC, Joley
2B: Goode
SS: Vivi
3B: Scott, Joley
LF: ??
CF: Henry
RF: Maloney

My guess would be Wallace gets first crack at LF if we don't go portal hunting for a third OF or move Scott to RF and put Joley at 3B.  Scott's defense has really improved substantially the latter half of this season. 

I think White has to find a way to get Hunter into next seasons line up. Her bat is going to be a big part of protecting Stewart and Atwood next season. Team should still be really fast, and Hunter will provide some added pop.