James Madison Dukes
Overall Rank: #17
Conference Rank: #1 CAA
James Madison had another great season in 2018, reaching the NCAA Tournament and winning 43 games; and that was without Megan Good, who missed the campaign with an injury. Two years ago Good was an All-American and went 38-3 in the circle. She boasted an amazing 0.63 ERA with a 38-3 record. In 244.2 innings of work, Good struck out 271 batters. As if that was not enough, Good also led the team at the plate, batting .383 with 12 homeruns and 58 RBIs. With Good back in the mix, this is a Dukes squad that has the talent to reach the Women’s College World Series.
2018: 43-14, 19-2
2018 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Mickey Dean
Key Departed Players:
Morgan Tolle, IF, .403 BA, 18 HR, 55 RBI
Jessica Mrozek, IF, .253 BA, 5 HR, 22 RBI
Key Returning Players:
Kate Gordon, UTL, .400 BA, 14 HR, 50 RBI
Odicci Alexander, IF/P, .374 BA, 16 HR, 56 RBI, 2.27 ERA, 25-8 W/L, 225.1 IP, 216 SO
Natalie Cutright, UTL, .322 BA, 7 HR, 31 RBI
Sara Jubas, IF, .302 BA, 7 HR, 25 RBI
Kierstin Roadcap, IF/C, .272 BA, 5 HR, 25 RBI
Payton Buresch, P, 1.96 ERA, 18-5 W/L, 153.2 IP, 90 SO
Megan Good, P/IF, Did not play last season
Projection:
Payton Buresch and Odicci Alexander did a great job in the circle in Good’s absence. As just a freshman, Buresch pitched 153.2 innings with a 1.96 ERA. Alexander pitched 225.1 innings with 216 strikeouts and a 2.27 ERA. Both Buresch and Alexander will see a decrease in time in the circle with Good back, but now Coach Mickey Dean has a few proven and reliable arms at his disposal. There is also a lot of returning talent at the plate. Alexander made a big impact at the plate as well, batting .374 with 16 homeruns and a team high 56 RBIs. Kate Gordon had a superb sophomore year, batting .400 with 14 homeruns and 50 RBIs. With Natalie Cutright, Sara Jubas and Kierstin Roadcap all providing some consistency and power to the plate, James Madison has more than enough talent at the plate to win the CAA. If Good can pick up where she left off, the hopes for the Dukes will be much more ambitious than just a conference crown.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Softball Tournament
