OK. I know we won and I know how we love these players but... Zoe is
killing us behind the plate. I am not sure if it is 1) injury 2) unwillingness 3) inability or 4) lack of situational awareness or some combination thereof. I have seen many times on a pitch with no movement and within the frame of the plate simply drop to the ground. I have never seen her drop to her knees to block a ball. I Have seen her labor to get up from her crouch to retrieve a ball that has gotten past her because of poor technique. Tonight on the play at home, I saw her take at least 2 seconds to respond to the ball getting past her and going to the backstop allowing both runners to advance. To be honest I'm shocked that teams do not have more stolen bases against us. I do know their win % on SB is high.
Don't get me wrong. Love Zoe. She does very well. But she HAS to get better. If she's hurt, let her sit the 'Cuse series. I know we are reluctant to use Kylie to catch much because of her injury history (Concussion) but maybe give Bishop a shot. Hell, I bet Mighty Mite can do a heck of a job back there.
I don't know what the answer is but if we want to make any kind of run we are going to need better play behind the plate.
Awaiting the slings and arrows. I'm sorry guys but somebody had to say it.
** Edited by HokieAllMyLife at 4/24/2026, 9:36:52 PM
8 Replies
3mo
concentration.
And, she's been this way since arriving. So clearly Pete is trading her offense for her defense. Not many coaches would, though.
** Edited by King of Hokies at 4/24/2026, 10:10:43 PM
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
3mo
and the batter swung creating more distracting "chaos" in front of her. There were several pitches that were going down into the ground. I know those types of pitches that are hitting the dirt in front of a catcher are not easy. I get that people will feel it is a play that should be made. That was not about injury. We don't want Bishop in. Why would we want her in the lineup when Zoey is also a better, veteran hitter?
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 4/24/2026, 9:55:50 PM
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
3mo
with a runner on 3rd you have to be willing to sell your soul to the devil to block anything you can't pick clean. If it means just throwing your body in front of that ball you have to do it. that ball absolutely cannot get past you.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
3mo
play. You see people below saying she "can't play defense." that is just wrong.
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
3mo
conditioning issues right now. I do see her laboring to get up from her crouch. I do, however, have a problem with her not dropping to block a dirt ball. Midlo will tell you a heavy down pitcher's best friend is a catcher who has no concern for her body.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
3mo
fails to get her body in position to smother the ball. In fairness Mazz does throw some nasty wild pitches but I agree her technique is not proper.
(In response to this post by HokieAllMyLife)
3mo
the "L" word. I know it is a thankless position. But when I se her let a ball go by, put her hands on her knees to push herself up like "crap, here we go again." something's up, man....
(In response to this post by Italian Stallion)