Austin Regional Breakdown
It was the Texas pitching that was supposed to lead Texas back into the NCAA Tournament. While the pitching has not been bad, big things were expected from Blaire Luna. In the end the Longhorns have had some trouble on the mound, but Luna and sophomore Rachel Fox are more than capable of getting on track for the tournament. Even if they occasionally struggle, the Longhorns will win games with their bats. Texas led the Big 12 in batting average, scoring offense, doubles per game and triples per game. They even ranked 16th nationally in home runs per game. The scary thing is that Luna is capable of some great games and when she is pitching well, Texas will be impossible to beat.
Auburn, Houston and Northwestern will look to take advantage of any mistakes made by the Texas pitching staff. Auburn does not have a great lineup from top to bottom, but Lauren Guzman, Brooke Lathan and Elizabeth Eisterhold can certainly make any opposing pitcher pay. Yet, it is the Tigers extensive and experienced pitching staff that could make a huge difference in a tournament setting. Angel Bunner, Jenee Loree and Lauren Schmalz are all seniors and have all pitched at least 111 innings during the season. That is rare in college softball these days and look for Coach Tina Deese to ride the hot hand in the circle. Houston and Northwestern have deeper lineups and will look to win games at the plate. The Cougars boast the nation’s 16th best batting average, thanks in large part to Holly Anderson, Haley Outon, Melissa Gregson and Reina Gaber. The Wildcats are less consistent at the plate, but have a ton power. Northwestern was the last at-large team in the field and they will look to prove that they belong when they travel to Austin. To be successful they will have to find some consistency in the circle because sooner or later they will run into a pitcher from Texas, Auburn or Houston that will shut them down offensively.
See all 2012 Softball World Series Regional Breakdowns
