Softball World Series Berkeley Regional Breakdown

Berkeley Regional Breakdown

Coach Diane Ninemire’s Cal team comes into the tournament with the top seed and look to prove they deserve it by winning their regional.  Valerie Arioto (20-2) and Jolene Henderson (30-2) are the dynamic duo that have lead the Bears to their 50-4 record.  Cal is also a powerhouse at the plate averaging over seven runs per game which makes them 4th in team scoring in the country. The potent offense delivers a team batting average of .322 that is ranked 9th overall and is gifted with speed from Jaimia Reid hitting .391 with 45 stolen bases.  Henderson continues to dominate the circle with a 1.22 ERA in 211.2 innings pitched and racking up 249 strike outs.  Cal has conquered the always tough Pac-12 so they look like they are positioned to move through the regional.

Looking to stop the Bears are Arkansas, Boston U and Iona.  Arkansas finished 7-21 in the very tough Southeastern Conference but in the process were able to beat Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.  So they can beat top teams if the pitching and offense all come together.  Pitching is split between freshman Kimmy Beasley (10-9, 3.32 ERA) and junior Chelsea Cohen (14-15, 3.44 ERA) but to win games they need their offense to shine.  Freshman Devon Wallace (.345 BA, 14 HR, 36 RBI) leads an offense that doesn’t go very deep, so the key players must perform well.

Boston U won the America East tournament to advance to the tournament.  They are led by pitcher Holli Floetker (16-3,1.39 ERA) and a fairly potent offense from a group of sophomores.  Iona are the champions of the MAAC compiling an overall record of 35-24.  Their pitching was strong in the MAAC, will they be able to do as well on the big stage?

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