Athens Regional: Preview

Turner Stadium

Teams: Georgia, Florida State, UAB, Georgia State
Location: Turner Stadium (Athens, GA)

Players to watch:
Megan Wiggins, Georgia
Sarah Hamilton, Florida State
Leigh Streetman, UAB
McCall Langford, Georgia State

Interesting storyline: Back in 2006, Florida State came to Athens for a regional and they came away victorious. This Florida State team will try to repeat history at this regional. Florida State has had a rough year, but they are in the postseason and they have a senior pitcher, so just about anything is possible. Georgia is going to be hardpressed to make sure that this doesn't happen.

Sarah Hamilton

Overview: The NCAA Selection Committee gave Georgia a gift with this regional and if they can't make it out, it would be a very disappointing moment in Georgia softball history. Georgia has all the pieces to make a big postseason run with experience, pitching, hitting, and defense, but they have to come ready to play. In the weeks leading up to the SEC Tournament, Georgia faltered a bit with some odd losses to teams at the bottom of the SEC. Georgia has depth in the circle and some huge bats led by seniors Megan Wiggins, Alisa Goler, and Taylor Schlopy. Florida State comes into this regional on a roll after winning the ACC Tournament. Senior Sarah Hamilton has had a tough season, but she is battle tested and if she is on her game The Seminoles have a shot at this regional. UAB doesn't have an explosive offense, but they do have three pitchers with ERAs under 2. Leigh Streetman is the Blazers top pitcher and she should see most of the work, but Lauren Webster and Alisha Smith will also see some action. UAB will need all three to pitch well if they want to pull off an upset by winning this regional. Georgia State comes into this regional after upsetting Hofstra in the CAA Championship and they actually matchup well with Florida State and UAB, but Georgia may have too much firepower for the Panthers to handle. Georgia State will turn to McCall Langford, Alana Thomas, and Kaitlyn Medlam in the circle and they will need to pitch even better than they did last weekend.

Winner: Georgia