Long Beach State 49ers
Overall Rank: #32
Conference Rank: #1 Big West
Long Beach State struggled to a 25-25 overall record last season, missing out on the NCAA Tournament. But with experience in the circle and some newcomers joining the lineup, this is a 49ers team that has the tools to win the Big West and possibly do some damage in the NCAA Tournament as well. Seniors Ashley Coleman and Kellie White split time in the circle last season, leading the way to a solid 3.05 team ERA. If those two can be consistent and steady seniors, LBSU will be in a great position to win a Big West title.
2019: 25-25, 12-9
2019 Postseason: None
Coach: Kim Sowder
Key Departed Players:
Jamie Wren, UTL, .381 BA, 6 HR, 39 RBI
Nichole Fry, IF, .336 BA, 8 HR, 25 RBI
Key Returning Players:
Alyssa Gonzalez, UTL, .340 BA, 5 HR, 38 RBI
Naomi Hernandez, OF, .317 BA, 1 HR, 16 RBI
Sydney McCollum, IF, .311, 1 HR, 15 RBI
Ashley Coleman, P, 3.08 ERA, 13-11 W/L, 134.0 IP, 78 SO
Kellie White, P, 2.83 ERA, 11-11 W/L, 131.0 IP, 97 SO
Projection:
Long Beach State led the Big West in batting average, on-base percentage and scoring last season. Despite the loss of key hitters Jamie Wren and Nichole Fry, they should be able to keep that going. Alyssa Gonzalez hit .340 last year and is the only returning player to hit more than three homeruns in 2019. Naomi Hernandez and Sydney McCollum are also proven hitters who both batted over .300 last season. Gonzalez will drive in plenty of runs, but Long Beach State needs some other power hitters on the roster; and they went out and got them. Abby Lockman, a graduate transfer from Tennessee, accounted for eight homeruns and 33 RBIs with the Lady Vols in 2018 and missed last season with an injury. Kyra Snyder spent two seasons at Louisville and hit .282 with three homeruns and 24 RBIs during that span. Snyder can also provide another pitching option should the 49ers need it. There is not a lot of proven depth so staying healthy will be very important. If that happens, Long Beach State should be back in the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Softball Tournament
