FSU softball: 3 major takeaways from Dugout Club Classic
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU Must Improve Defensively
FSU continues to struggle defensively, though they finished the Dugout Club Classic with their first error-free game of the tournament. Lonni Alameda continues to tinker with the lineup defensively, moving players to different positions. That's part of the issue. Kalei Harding has played first base, third base, and right field. Amaya Ross has played first base and in the outfield. Isa Torres has played shortstop and second base. Kaley Mudge has missed some time, which allows others who may not normally be on the field to play.
The angles the ball comes off the bat are different for every position, so playing multiple positions well isn't easy. I expect Coach Alameda to hone in on the best defensive options as the season progresses. However, sometimes, whoever's swinging a hot bat could impact the lineup. Amaya Ross is a prime example, playing first base most of the tournament. She can fly and it would seem putting her at first base wouldn't be the best use of her athletic ability. However, she's swinging a hot bat, and they need to find somewhere to put her in the lineup. Ross is batting .484 and has already swiped 11 stolen bases. FSU has committed 10 errors in 14 games. For comparison, Florida has only committed four errors in 30 more opportunities for a .987 fielding percentage.