You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Return toD1Baseball
D1Softball Weekly Chat: April 11
powered byJotCast
Steven
2:29
How come Florida is still ahead of Arizona State?  UF is just .500 in conference while ASU is unbeaten.  ASU's best win (Duke) is better than Florida's (Tennessee) by these rankings and Florida lost to Southern Miss who is 3-9 in Conference USA.  None of ASU's losses are worse than that one.
Brady Vernon
2:30
Our opinion on whether ASU/Florida should be in the top 10 was split. In the end, Florida has played a harder schedule, the Gators do actually have a win over Duke as well and Arizona State’s second best win is Texas(?) when they were playing poorly still. It’s very close between the two but the reality is the Pac-12 is down this year. The Sun Devils beat Oregon State without Mariah Mazon, the worst Arizona team in years, and an Oregon team trying to figure itself out. The two teams are in the same tier, but ASU has a loss to Missouri State, which by RPI is worse than Southern Miss. As well as losses to Texas State and LMU which are lower in RPI than any other loss Florida has. It’s very close but Florida is ahead for now.
Allison
2:31
What does Ole Miss need to do to get in the Top 25?
Brady Vernon
2:31
Ole Miss needs to win SEC games after the series opener to get in. The Rebels were on the verge before getting swept by Mississippi State which held them back. The sweep over Missouri was nice but clearly the Tigers aren’t who we thought they were. The wins over Arkansas and Kentucky are nice, but it’s hard to put a new team into the Top 25 that comes off a series loss.
Kevin
2:33
The Big 10 has struggled to get teams to OKC...any thoughts as to how they can get more teams into the World Series and if this year they can get a team like Northwestern into OKC.
Brady Vernon
2:33
For the Big Ten to get more teams to OKC it needs to follow what Northwestern has done this year. The Wildcats currently have seventh strongest non-conference strength of schedule and challenged themselves before Big Ten play. The easiest route to the WCWS is getting a Top 8 seed, the easiest way to get a Top 8 seed is to win and win against tough non-conference opponents. And it needs to be a group effort because the Big Ten has a conference RPI of five which is the lowest of the Power Five. When that goes up it makes it easier on the conference as a whole to make it OKC. I believe Northwestern has a good shot at making it to OKC, but they probably need a Top 8 seed and the pitching behind Danielle Williams is a bit of a question mark. If they do make it, it’ll probably be an old-school workhorse effort from her.
Noah Coffman
2:33
How many more losses do you think Northwestern can afford if they want a real chance at a top-eight seed?
Brady Vernon
2:33
Northwestern can probably afford one or two more losses this season due to its non-conference schedule as mentioned above, but it’ll be tight especially because of the conference RPI. It’ll be very big for the Wildcats to also win the Big Ten conference tournament as a boost.
Millie
2:38
Any pathway available for Boston University to enter the top 25? BU is currently on 15-game win streak and previously won at Georgia and San Diego State.
Brady Vernon
2:39
Boston probably does have a pathway to being ranked in the Top 25, but I don’t know if you want that because every team that enters seems to leave the next week haha. In all honesty, if they keep winning they’ll be considered because the 23-25 range always seems to be the toughest to rank and we like giving teams chances to prove themselves if deemed worthy.
Connerrobinson22
2:39
Is Strength of schedule rankings something fans can look at? I've tried looking for those numbers online but haven't found anything.
Brady Vernon
2:40
Our RPI database shows SOS in the nitty gritty report which is found under the "Rankings" tab
riseball22
2:40
What does Kentucky need to do to get a National need? Coach Lawson has been vocal about getting her squad out of the 13-16 range in seeding. What needs to happen for them to do so? They sit at #3 in the SEC but a #17 RPI..
Brady Vernon
2:40
To potentially host a Super Regional, Kentucky has to win this upcoming series at Arkansas. With it being on the road it’s an extra boost to its RPI and resume. The Wildcats will need to win all their SEC series going forward which is doable against the Hogs, Missouri, Mississippi State and South Carolina. Kentucky probably needs to make at least the finals of the SEC Tournament as well and finish in the top three of the regular season standings to have a chance. Even then I fear the low non-conference strength of schedule will hold them back, but that’s probably the route to it.
Connerrobinson22
2:40
A big series looming for the SEC next weekend with Arkansas and Kentucky. This could be potentially #1 and #2 in the league with an Alabama loss tonight. What are you watching for in that series? Who needs the series win more?
Brady Vernon
2:41
Kentucky probably NEEDS it more due to what I just mentioned. The biggest question is if Kentucky can pitch against that Arkansas lineup, especially on the road. It'll be tough but interesting to see.
Brandon
2:46
UCLA stumbled this week, but I still have them winning the PAC. Who is your pick to win the PAC after this weekend?

Who is your pick to win each conference as we dive deeper into the second half of the season?
Brady Vernon
2:46
I still have UCLA winning as well. Until I see ASU beat the Bruins, it’s hard to pick against them especially when the Sun Devils have one win against UCLA since Trisha Ford took over. Arizona State also travels to Washington the last weekend of the regular season. 

In terms of the other conferences I’ll say Oklahoma (not explaining that one), Virginia Tech after beating Florida State in a series, sweeping Clemson earlier this year and the Hokies don’t play Duke this season. I’ll stick with Alabama because it’s hard to pick anyone but a Florida or Alabama team historically, and they’re still winning without Montana Fouts being her best. Northwestern because they just went 5-1 against Michigan and Ohio State, they’re best opposition for the crown. However, watch for Nebraska, which is still undefeated in Big Ten play.
Captain Crunch
2:46
What's your level of concern about UCLA after losing 2 out of 3 to Stanford?
Brady Vernon
2:47
Not a ton. Stanford really needed a win and has good pitching. The Bruins allowed three runs the entire weekend and you'll win most series when you do that. UCLA also never plays that well at Stanford for whatever reason. Megan Faraimo is still pitching better than anyone right now in my opinion.
Zachary Evans
2:50
Does FSU softball still have a good chance to host a super regional with their resume?
Brady Vernon
2:50
I still believe Florida State is a lock for a Top 8 (good chance to host a Super Regional) seed. Right now, I think there’s three spots open with Oklahoma, Alabama, Virginia Tech and UCLA being near locks for Top 8 Seeds.
Brandon
2:51
Do you have a short-list for player of the year candidates at this point?
Brady Vernon
2:53
Right now it's probably between Jocelyn Alo, Danielle Gibson, Baylee Klingler, and if you want to include pitchers Megan Faraimo and Danielle Williams
Brandon
2:53
Do you think Texas, having some extra rest and prep time ahead of their matchup this week, can take a series over the Sooners? Texas has been a bit streaky, but they are not short on talent and coaching. Great Big 12 Matchup!
Tara Henry
2:57
I'm not quite sure extra rest and prep will be sufficient but it can't hurt. A single game win seems much more likely than a series win. Watching the OU offense in-person makes you appreciate just how good they are 1-9. I am interested to see how Texas performs as the current squad is a far cry from the one I watched at the St. Pete Clearwater Elite Invitational.
Steven
2:54
How many Pac-12 teams are making the tournament?
Brady Vernon
2:55
As of today, this very moment, probably seven with Cal and Utah being the ones left out
Joshmanalfrey
2:56
I think right now out of the top teams, it is likely Gibson from Arkansas, Coffel from UK or Shipman from Alabama. Who are your front runners for SEC POY?
Brady Vernon
2:59
This is probably where I'd start. I'd include Gammill as well. Other people I'd consider but probably won't be in the consideration due to the standings are Mia Davidson (Miss State), Lacey Fincher (UGA), Skylar Wallace (UF)
Bill Schiebel
2:58
Do you have any suggestion for fans from Canada on how to watch D1 softball? It is very difficult to find games up here
Tara Henry
2:58
ESPN+ app and a VPN
top1sg
2:59
What are your predictions on 8 teams in College WS.
Tara Henry
3:01
Oklahoma, UCLA, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Northwestern, Alabama, Florida State, Oklahoma State
Jeff
3:03
Anybody know offhand the record for run-rule wins in a season? Asking for no particular reason ….
Tara Henry
3:05
I don't believe NCAA tracks run-rule victories but we will get our resident statistician, Graham Hays, take a look. If anyone can find it, it's him.
18mveilleux@gmail.com
3:07
Who do you take tonight… Florida or Bama? Also, what surprised you the most this weekend?
Tara Henry
3:14
I took Florida to win the series in our staff pick'em. Obviously, Ill lose that series but I still think they can get a game at home. I've been really impressed with Lexi Kilfoyl as of late and her presence in the circle. She's thrown 70.2 innings (compared to Fouts' 106.0) and has proven she can stay cool under pressure. Florida needs to use their speed and have the likes of Hannah Adams and Charla Echols deliver with runners on base. Surprised me the most? VT/FSU series and the amount of runs scored.
Brandon
3:15
I'm a new subscriber, and I just wanted to say thank you to Tara Henry and the entire D1Softball team for your engagement and passion for the sport. I have really enjoyed the website and all the D1Softball insight. This is a must-have subscription for softball fans, and I'm sorry to be so late to the party. I just wanted to take a moment to send some good vibes and energy your way and say thank you for all that you do.

Also, I find myself refreshing Tara's twitter page as I jump from game to game. lol. If you don't follow Tara, you are missing out! As I read this post back to myself I'm basically starting a Tara Henry fanboy club.

Have a great Monday, everyone!
Tara Henry
3:16
Would you like a job selling subscriptions? winkThank you for the kind words. Our staff works incredibly hard. Rhi, Graham, Brady and I thank you for your support.
Load More Messages
Connecting…