Coach Ford has often said that those who can hit will start but I think she actually leans a bit toward the defensive side - a really good arm and glove will keep you in the starting lineup. Kramer and Allie good examples from last season - both had some long rough patches at the plate during the year but they continued to start. I thought it was the right call at the time because great defense in the OF is very important but once Kelsey got a few chances and did really well I started having second thoughts on that!
On Ariel (aka AK) I wrote the following in a previous post (based on her being at catcher in practice and other comments about her at that position):
"Hard to tell since I do not see the practices but if Ariel really is going to see action behind the plate we might see Ariel and Maddie get most of the time there in February. The one who hits best might be the starter when SEC play starts. We have had some really great hitters at that position in the past - past time to have that again. [in 2027 might be Ariel at 3B and Maddie at C]"
Last season some of the lineup changed a bit in non-conference but not a huge amount. Mostly at catcher with Ojo, Gracyn and DeeDee getting chances (DeeDee not as many). With Mac on the team Mya played a ton of 1B but this year I think they will go with Micaela at that position at the beginning and see how she works out (glove and bat). As another person wrote, I think the coaches really want to see Micaela at 1B and I agree with this but if her bat does not produce we might see Mya end up there again, Ariel behind the plate and Maddie at DP. Overall, this year I think we might see a bit more lineup change during non-conference.
I also mentioned Annsley's speed on the bases and imagined what that speed would look like on defense in the OF (huge range). If she gets a chance to show what her glove and bat can do, and if they work out, she might be out there come SEC play. From the way Coach talks about her (and her success in HS and one year in D1) I think Paislie has a better chance to start and the coaches really want to see her on the field (like Micaela). But I have seen zero practices and have no idea how they have been doing so hard call. And maybe Coach WILL put Ariel out there. The coaches are really high on her and she will be on the field somewhere! And, I have to say that the coaches have really surprised me in the past with some of their lineup choices so anything can happen. Oh well, we will see in about three weeks!
My guess for Opening Day (only change from previous post is adding Sidne):
P - Lessentine (or Sidne?)
C - Ariel (guess or hope?!)
1B - Micaela
2B - Tallen
SS - KK
3B - KP
DP - Mya
LF - Paislie or Annsley? Small chance Hailey?
CF - Kelsey
RF - Frankie
