by Kirt » Wed Jan 18, 2012 5:02 pm
Due to vested interest, I watched Big East softball fairly carefully last year. So here's some quick observations. I'm no expert and I'm only speaking to what I know, which is insignificant compared to what I don't know. I'll say what I know about the teams I see as sort of the top "third" (and don't read too much into the order within the top third or the fact that I rounded up to talk about five teams).
Top Third...
Syracuse: Always tough with Caira in the circle, and Kuwik is effective too. I'd say they are the odds-on favorite to win the conference, but I said that last year too. That noted I don't expect Caira to stumble coming out of the gate this time.
USF: I'm a big fan of Nevins (So, P), she's a serious top-shelf talent. Also gotta like the coaching staff. I think the Bulls suffer in league a bit as nobody except Nevins seemed to be relied upon in big games. In a league series, odds are you'll have back to back games and 14 innings gives the other side a lot of looks. Losses are big since the conference is awarded based on winning %.
DePaul: Kirsten Verdun (So, P/IF) was the BE Rookie of the Year and the Blue Demons should be tough as always.
Louisville: Only lost three seniors, but Bemis and Wherry are two big ones to lose. Still, on top of the returning talent, Louisville is one of those teams that always seems to find a way to reload.
Notre Dame: Lost 8 seniors from last year's team, but always seem to find a way to reload. Despite the losses they return four Big East honorees in Maldonado (Sr, OF), Miller (Sr, IF), O'Donnell (Jr, P) and Winter (So, P).
Some other thoughts...
Pitt: I left Pitt out of the top tier because pitching is a huge question for them, as well as losing a lot of bodies in general. On the bright side for Pitt, if you don't know incoming freshman Maggie Sevilla, she's a solid addition to the middle infield. I suspect she will be a regular conference (if not beyond) honoree before her career is over for the Panthers.
Rutgers: If there is a bench-clearing brawl, stay away from Sisco (Sr. P). She's a black belt.
Intrigue: Sadly, DePaul doesn't play USF in the regular season. The end to their series at DePaul last season was, well, interesting. We will have to hope for a matchup in the conference tournament.
Overall, I'd say the trend of steady overall Big East improvement will continue, which is sad since one of the relative cornerstones, Syracuse, and a promising program at Pitt, are on the way out.