I have been giving some thought to what we need to accomplish in the off season to complement the very good nucleus of players now on our team. In my opinion, the following needs must be addressed if we are to advance to OKC:
1. An elite pitcher; preferably an experienced one. If she has two or more years of eligibility left, so much the better, but a grad transfer is ok. This could be Delbrey or Ryan, but a transfer or recruit is more likely.
2. Another good defensive catcher with a power bat, so Vic doesn't have to catch every game. This might be addressed internally, as Allred was recruited as a catcher/corner infielder.
3. At least one more quality middle infielder and one more corner infielder, as Ellestad, Roe and Langliers will all be Seniors next year.
4. A long, athletic outfielder with speed and a power bat; Hayden and Falterman will both be Seniors next year.
5. Make sure the Hunter Veaches don't go anywhere else.
Notice the recurring theme of long athletes with speed and power bats; I love our girls who are slappers, but the days of winning at an elite level with small ball are over. Speed still kills; but you want that speed to come with power. I would rather see a hitting lineup of 9 girls with the offensive abilities of Brooke Ellestad than one with 9 Mihyia Davis clones.