The next couple of weekends (and a couple of midweek games) should provide more opportunities for some of the freshmen to get playing time. The first weekend was a good chance to put them in the lineup, but Clearwater was a pressure cooker so opportunities were somewhat limited. You don't want to throw someone into the deep water and potentially destroy their confidence unless you know they can swim (strictly my opinion).

Based on the first 10 games, here’s some general observations on the freshmen.

Ashley Whitley: Has played in 9 games, starting 2 of them at catcher. I think there’s a pretty good chance that she will get the start at catcher on those days where the Hokies play two games so that Mackenzie Lawter gets a break. At the plate, she gone 2 for 9 with a homerun and 4 RBIs versus Campbell. She’s also been used as a pinch runner and she’s 2-2 in stolen bases.

Ansley Whitley: Has played 4 games, starting 3 of them at third base. She has played both third and shortstop and has been used as a pinch runner. Like her sister, she’s 2-2 in stolen bases.

Grayson Cruce: Has played in 7 games, starting 5 of them (2 at 1B, 2 at RF, and 1 at C) so it looks like Pete likes having her bat in the lineup.

Maddie Roundtree: Got three starts at Designated Player the first weekend, but didn’t see action this weekend. During those starts she was 3 for 10 so she may get a deeper look.

Kate Kobayashi: Has played in 7 games, but only batted twice (and got hits both times). She is one of the first pinch runners that Coach D’Amour uses.

Rebecca Ludowig: Has appeared in 6 games, primarily as a pinch runner and has scored 3 runs. She is also one of our primary pinch runners.

These thoughts were thrown down at the spur of the moment after driving several hours tonight so they may or may not be logical. I'm anxious to see what the rest of the season holds as I'm more convinced than ever that this team has a lot of potential.

Let's Go Hokies!