Seems like the pitching will be just fine after losing Groff. Happy to see some Illinois kids on the team. Such a great program.
GO LADY DAWGS!!!
We'll be just fine, but Groff leaving after the freshman year when our excellent senior pitcher Eberle is graduating really left us in the lurch. She should have just stayed home in the first place - maybe has a boyfriend, maybe homesick - who knows!
If you read Sewell's statement, she's definitely putting an emphasis on more pitchers aboard. That's smart and something I don't think the previous coach did enough, but Blaylock also didn't have to deal with free agency and paying amateurs. I personally think if we're going to pay players, they should have to sign a contract with penalties for leaving early.
Maybe we can get back to a staff like Amy Harre and Cassidy Scroggins with this group. Those were a couple of great no-hit throwing pitchers. Also, two years ago Stinson was very promising as a freshman until she got injured. Didn't play last year - think she must have still been recovering from surgery. Hopefully she'll be back in form.
We'll essentially be starting all over with pitching without a single pitcher having much college pitching experience. I expect some of these freshmen to do a lot of pitching their first year.
We also have a 1st team All-State shortstop from Murph. coming in - big-time hitter. Her Mom played for SIU under Brechtelsbauer. Other really good recruits also of course.
