Softball 2/4/2019 3:08:00 PM Communications

@WSU_SB Hopes to Make Special Memories in 2019

by Andrew Call

Can the 2019 Wright State softball team hit the ground running? Second-year head coach Laura Matthews hopes so.

"We're still in the early stages of building this program," Matthews said. "We've taken good steps forward—steps we needed to take before we can start taking leaps forward."

The pace of that process is the question the Raiders will answer this spring. Their active roster will include zero seniors, eight freshmen, and one pitcher with collegiate experience.

"The great thing about freshmen is, they have no preconceived notions," Matthews said. There's no history in their minds. They just stay in the moment."

Four starting position players return from a team that had its moments while finishing 21-32 last season. Wright State recovered nicely from an 0-11 start to play .500 the rest of the way and compile a winning record in the Horizon League (12-10).

"We were young last year and we got off to a rough start," Matthews said. "Once we got our first win, we found our groove. We had a great group of seniors who always took care of the culture and played with pride."

The pitching staff

One of those seniors was pitcher Ashley Sharp, the Horizon League Player of the Year. Sharp has completed her eligibility, however, and No. 2 starter Ally Russell, the lone returning senior on the squad, will take a medical redshirt year in 2019.

That leaves sophomore Maddux Hughes. She made two starts and 10 relief appearances in 2018, striking out 22 in 22 innings, but walking 24. "Maddux has unbelievable stuff, hard stuff with wicked movement," Matthews said.

Three freshmen will contend with Hughes for the No. 1 starter role.

Makenna Durieux, a power pitcher, was first-team all-Ohio while leading Massillon Perry to a Division I state championship and was impressive during fall practice. Olivia Otani is adept at changing speeds and creating sink on her pitches and can also be an effective hitter. Lexi Hilling is a changeup specialist with excellent control.

"We do have four pitchers we can trust to throw for us," Matthews said.

The infield

The Raiders' young pitchers can look behind them and be encouraged by a talented and experienced infield.

Madison Whitaker made the Horizon League's all-freshman team in 2018. She batted .244 with a .357 on-base percentage and was second in the team in home runs (3) and RBIs (23). Whitaker will shift to third base this spring.

"Madison was a good shortstop, but she is a great third baseman, one of the most talented I've ever seen," Matthews said. "She can also hit any pitch you throw. I would be surprised if her power numbers don't really jump this season."

Sophomore first baseman Madison Mills is a solid defender who made some adjustments to her swing during the season and batted .262 in league games. Joining the 1B/DH mix is junior transfer Brianna Hutchinson, who hit .337 and .295 in two seasons at Saint Peter's (N.J.), and Raidyn Johnson and Kenna Ross, both sophomores.

Junior second baseman Lauren Deitrick returns for her third season with the Raiders. Matthews predicts a "huge leap forward" for Deitrick from last year's .214 average. Freshman Madison Hartman takes over for Whitaker at shortstop.

Freshman Madison Nunez set Ohio high school records for RBIs in a season (66) and home runs in a game (4) at LaGrange Keystone and will step into the starting catcher's role as well as a spot in the middle of the Wright State batting order. Sophomore infielder Mackenzie Soma and freshman Natasha Price will also play some catcher.

The outfield

Right fielder Rebekah Lenos returns after a sophomore season in which she hit .246, finished second in the league with 29 walks, and accumulated a .395 on-base percentage. "She's a pain in the butt to pitch to," Matthews said.

Freshman Macy McCall takes over in center field and freshman Meredith Keel in left field. McCall hit .484 as a high school senior and was also a Pennsylvania state qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles. Keel could become the Raiders' leadoff hitter.

Sophomore outfielder Jordyn Poulson is the Raiders' fastest baserunner and most improved player, according to Matthews. Poulson will rejoin the outfield mix after going 8-for-11 stealing bases while playing in 30 games in 2018. Hilling may play some outfield when not pitching.

The bottom line

The addition of so many new players to the lineup and pitching staff creates many unknowns for the Raiders in 2019. But, when summarizing what she does know, Matthews likes what she sees.

"We need depth and we need to create a good mix of speed and power, but we have a chance to be pretty good," Matthews said.

"We looked for players who want to work, and now I have to kick them out of practice so we don't go over the NCAA (practice) hours. We looked for people who would be great teammates, and I think we've found them. We looked for things we can't teach. Fortunately, for this team, we don't have to teach character."

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Players Mentioned

#13 Lauren Deitrick: IF; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#3 Ally Russell: P; 5' 6"; Junior

#22 Ashley Sharp: P; 5' 8"; Senior

#7 Madison Whitaker: IF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#5 Maddux Hughes: P; 5' 9"; Freshman

#10 Mackenzie Soma: IF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#8 Kenna Ross: OF; 5' 3"; Freshman

#24 Madison Mills: IF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#28 Jordyn Poulson: OF; 5' 2"; Freshman

#12 Raidyn Johnson: Util.; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#13 Lauren Deitrick
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: IF

#3 Ally Russell
: 5' 6"; Junior
: P

#22 Ashley Sharp
: 5' 8"; Senior
: P

#7 Madison Whitaker
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: IF

#5 Maddux Hughes
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: P

#10 Mackenzie Soma
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: IF

#8 Kenna Ross
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: OF

#24 Madison Mills
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: IF

#28 Jordyn Poulson
: 5' 2"; Freshman
: OF

#12 Raidyn Johnson
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: Util.