University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies wrap-up exciting fall season
10/12/2018 9:39:00 AM | Softball
Depth, versatility, and speed
STORRS, Conn.—The UConn softball team concluded their fall season in an exciting manner on Saturday, Oct. 6 in a doubleheader against the University of Hartford at the Burrill Family Field.
Head coach Jen McIntyre, in her fifth season at the helm, and her 2019 squad swept the competition during the months of September and October. UConn's other opponents included a single game against Boston College on Oct. 5th and Army in a doubleheader on September 30th. However, the Huskies weren't't able to face Central Connecticut State University due to weather.
"When we attack every fall game, we look at it as a growth opportunity for our own team," said McIntyre. "The fall is really for us to figure out who we are as a complete team. I think that it was an opportunity for us to really look and say, 'where is our leadership coming from? What are we going to do with all the versatility that we have?' We have speed and we were able to drive the ball in the gaps, so I was really pleased with the fall."
McIntyre states, "I think our biggest asset has been our versatility. It was definitely something that we were really excited about coming in and I'm looking forward to seeing who is going to fill what spots where. I think it's going to be ever evolving and changing for a little while. We have a lot of competition. There are people out there who are fighting for spots every day. I think that continues to push the standard of the program."
With a 22-person roster, UConn returned key players like All-Rookie team member Briana Marcelino. Senior Jill Stockley, who set the tournament single game record with 11.2 innings pitched and two-time American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll member, returns. Now junior Carli Cutler, who was named previously to the AAC All-Second and All-Rookie Teams in her freshman season, will be a part of the leadership McIntyre mentioned.
"The leadership that we are starting to see within the team is a big asset for us," said McIntyre. "The upperclassmen have been in our system now for their entire careers and they know what the standards are. They're not only holding themselves accountable but they are each other accountable now. That's been a huge bright spot for us and something I think you have to have on championship caliber teams. There's been a lot of communication, especially on the field. People are really starting to push the pace and really elevate not only their game but their teammates around them. When they can be a good teammate, that's the best thing that anyone can say about them."
The Huskies added six newcomers to their program for the 2019 campaign, who all made an impact during the fall season. The second consecutive six-player class includes Morgan Ash (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Ashley Esty (Roseville, Calif.), Kylie Gavitt (Poestenkill, N.Y.), Aziah James (Spring, Texas), Alexis Lemus (Rialto, Calif.) and Emily Piergustavo (Milford, Mass.). This well-balanced group will enhance McIntyre's already deep and versatile roster while bringing a lot of speed.
"Our freshmen acclimated very well. A lot of them got playing time at different positions so we could see where they were and know what to look forward to working on in the upcoming weeks as we enter phase two…Speed is something that we have been really looking forward to having. Our freshman class is quick and that was really fun to see. They were taking extra bases on their own. It really opens up the offensive game and there are a lot of strategies that you want to implement but without speed its tough. So, when you have the speed and the right personnel then you can really start to create moving parts.
When you look at the team on paper, you can only imagine what fun the coaching staff will have as they begin to insert people into various positions in the lineup. For example, the roster page follows as such; two first basemen/outfielders, three catchers (with one listed as a third baseman and the other as infield), five infielders, six outfielders, five pitchers, and junior Carissa Brizzi who is listed as utility alongside Cutler. The mound for UConn is pretty experienced with five upperclassmen to guide freshman Gavitt, who had a productive appearance during the fall season.
"Our pitchers did a good job this fall," said McIntyre. "We have some leadership and experience on the mound, and that was fun to see them take command/control. We moved a lot of people around from starters and reliever roles to get everyone some innings. We had a freshman get her feet wet for the first time too which was really great. So we saw a lot of good things coming off the mound and we're hopeful that is where our leadership is going to come from."
Finishing the fall with such effectiveness, the Huskies hope it will carry over into the Spring. For now, they will rest up and enter the second stage of their preparation for the season, excited.
Thinking ahead to 2019 McIntyre states, "I'm most excited to see this group play together. I'm really encouraged by the leadership, youth, versatility, and how they hold each other accountable. I think there are a lot of great positives and it's a group that has worked really hard when they've had the opportunities to really dig in to work…I think the biggest thing for us that we tell them all the time is, 'Don't be afraid to be great.'
