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| Ulmer Stadium |
Teams: California, Louisville, Illinois-Chicago, Jacksonville State
Location: Ulmer Stadium (Louisville, KY)
Players to watch:
Jamia Reid, California
Jolene Henderson, California
Chelsea Bemis, Louisville
Coryn Schmit, Illinois-Chicago
Kristin Graham, Jacksonville State
Tiffany Harbin, Jacksonville State
Interesting storyline: Once again the selection committee's seeding left a lot to be desired. Jacksonville State was given the 4 seed in this regional, while Illinois-Chicago was given the 3 seed. Jacksonville State was 39-19 on the year and they have an RPI of 76, while UIC was 25-22 with an RPI of 94. How can they justify matching Jacksonville State against Cal, while UIC gets Louisville. It is mind boggling and they definitely have some explaining to do.
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| Jolene Henderson |
Overview: Cal is the team to beat at this regional and frankly they don't have too much competition. Jolene Henderson has been amazing for the Golden Bears, throwing almost every single game, after Valerie Arioto went with an injury. Henderson is a drop ball pitcher and she has a devastating changeup. The Bears have one of the fastest offenses in the country, as they have recorded 89 steals this year, while hitting .290. Britt Vonk and Jamia Reid lead the way for the Golden Bears on offense and they are fast. Reid is hitting .428 with 29 steals and Vonk is hitting .414 with 25 steals. Louisville is seeded second at this regional, but they don't have the offensive firepower or the pitching to win this regional. Tori Collins is the Cardinals best pitcher and as a left handed pitcher, she could be a tough matchup for Cal. On offense, Alicja Wolny, Chelsea Bemis, and Colby Wherry lead the way for the Cardinals. The trio hits for both power and average, but they will be put to the test against Jolene Henderson. The third seed at this regional is Illinois-Chicago and this placement by the selection is a bit of a headscratcher. The Flames are just 25-22, while Jacksonville State is 39-19 with a higher RPI. Devin Miller is UIC's ace in the circle and she figures to see most of the work in the circle. At the plate, Carly DeMarco, Melinda Macias, and Coryn Schmit lead this squad, as all of them are hitting over .300. The most intriguing team at this regional is Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks have done well in postseason play over the past few seasons and they are in a good position to go on another run. JSU has the most powerful bats at this regional, with the squad hitting 88 HR this year. Kristin Graham and Abbey Stepp have both had career years leading this offense. In the circle, Tiffany Harbin should get the ball and she has been dynamic. Jacksonville State has a great shot at advancing to the regional final and they may even take a game from Cal.
Winner: California
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