SEC softball weekend wrap-up (3/7/17)

As No. 1 Florida took Sunday off, the other teams brought their bats as they continue to fight for the top spot.

Ranked fourth in the SEC and No. 3 in the nation, Auburn tore through their opponents, outscoring them 30-1 sweep. Kasey Cooper led the team over the weekend with a homer, a double, and five RBI combined against Texas State and College of Charleston. Other players who helped offensively with the sweep were Kendall Veach, Alyssa Rivera and Jenna Abbott.

No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (tied fourth with Auburn and Tennessee) continued their 12-game win streak as they shut out Jacksonville, Drake and Stanford. The pitching, might I add, is on fire!

In Saturday’s game against Stanford, Alexis Osorio struck out 18 to shut down the Cardinal and only allowed one hit to boot. Merris Schroder had a big day against Stanford with three RBIs, triple and double to lead the team in the victory. On Sunday, Sydney Littlejohn struck 11 while giving up only three hits against Jacksonville to get the win. Gabrielle Callaway carried the stick with a home run and four RBI. Reagan Dykes also homered in the game.

Arkansas continued their winning ways as they swept IUPUI in a doubleheader and then defeated Lamar. Nicole Schroeder, the SEC Player of the Week, lived up to the title as she homered and doubled twice with four RBI (37 already this season) this past weekend.

As Florida leads the pack, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee are not far behind at all. One slip up and either team could possibly take over the conference. There are teams that I think deserves a little attention, Ole Miss and Mississippi State, who both have a 14-game win streak. Could they possibly rise slowly to the top? Only time and wins will tell.

Week 4 Player of the Week:

Nicole Schroeder, OF, Arkansas

Co-Pitchers of the Week:

Alexis Osorio, Alabama

Delanie Gourley, Florida

Freshman of the Week:

Mackenzie Boesel, 2B, South Carolina