FSU softball: Major takeaways from first five games in Mexico

FSU softball got its season underway last week at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge in Mexico. It was an unusual opening week since the Noles usually open on their home field with the JoAnne Graf Classic.

That tournament will come later, but the first five games told us quite a bit about this team early in the season.

Here are some major (offensive) takeaways:

• The ability to overcome a bad performance in the season opener against Oklahoma State and shut them out in a run-rule victory was huge.
• Coach Lonni Alameda is playing many players to get experience for later in the year and to help figure out the best potential offensive and defensive lineups. She has already used six pitchers, consisting of returning players, freshmen, and players from the transfer portal.
• Kennedy Harp flashed last year, and it's early, but looks to have taken that next step. She had 21 starts last year and batted .309 in 68 at-bats (21 hits). She already had 10 hits in her first 15 at-bats.
• Isa Torres continues to rake, and Jahni Kerr has started strong, batting .357 with a .438 on-base percentage.
• Jaysoni Beachum and Michaela Edenfield are both hitting .214 through five games. They will need to pick it up as the season progresses.
• Katie Dack has provided glimpses of the power she showed two years ago. FSU will need that productivity from her. Freshman Addie DeLong looks to have filled Amaya Ross's role as pinch-runner base stealer from two years ago.

Here are some major defensive and pitching takeaways:

• Seven errors in five games isn't ideal. However, three are from redshirt senior Annie Potter. FSU has to clean this area up if they want to beat good teams consistently.
• Pitching has looked improved early on compared to last year. It's clear that FSU has better depth. Annabelle Widra, Jazzy Francik, Makenna Reid, and Julia Apsel have 20K's, allowed two earned runs, and four walks in 24.2 innings.
• FSU needs Ashtyn Danley to settle down. She had a rough outing in the season opener against Oklahoma State. She has allowed nine hits in 4.1 innings, and opposing batters are hitting .391.

FSU will participate in the Clearwater Invitational this week, starting on Thursday. They will play No. 15 Missouri, Ohio State, Witchita State, and UCF. All of the games will air on TV.