FSU softball: Biggest differences between 2022 and 2023 teams

Defense

Defense is an area where the 2022 team has the edge. The departure of third baseman Sydney Sherill was a huge loss at the plate and in the field.

The 2022 team had a .982 field percentage, compared to .968 in 2023. The two biggest factors would be Josie Muffley(who’s a human highlight reel) and Devyn Flaherty having a few more errors than last year and Kalei Harding playing different positions but mainly moving to third base.

Harding seemed to have some issues early in the year but has played a stellar third base lately. She has made some spectacular plays in the last few games, showing off the cannon of an arm she has on some tough plays.

Another area that needs to improve compared to last year is the number of passed balls. FSU only had five last year and has 16 this year, with 15 credited to Michaela Edenfield(she only had four last year).

Overall Thoughts

As long as the pitching staff doesn’t issue walks and makes teams earn what they get, I think they’ll have a shot to compete for a national title. At this point, it comes down to who executes in the key situations. Which team makes fewer mistakes, and which can capitalize when opposing teams make mistakes?

FSU has been playing good softball aside from the loss against South Carolina in the regionals. Actually, that’s their only loss in the last 22 games. We’ll preview the Oklahoma State game in the next day or so, so stay tuned to Chopchat.