When reflecting on the season, some surprises/unknowns
When we look back on the season, there are a number of unknowns and surprises (mostly pleasant) going into the season
We basically knew what we would like get from Michelle Chatfield, Zoe Yaeger, Kylie Aldridge, Jordan Lycn, and potentually even Rachel Castine....They were likely get to replicate their previous performances, ehether improving or a slight d
Surprrises/Unknowns:
- Nora Ambromavage - After a freshman year with minimal ABs, she took on a full-time role, playing in every game. She hit over .300 and put up 18 HRs
- Addison Foster - We didn't know what role the Stetson transfer would have or what impact she might have.She led the team in ACC games in batting average. She set a new progtram record in hitting doubles.
- Gaby Mizelle - If as a highly regarded recruit, we didn't know how good she would be or what impact she would have. She started at 2nd and then gave way to Castine but stayed in the lineup, hitting over .300 for the year.
- Bree Carrico - She did not play last year. Coming off of that, she got stronger and finished with only 2 losses as the primary no. 2 pitcher. Won freshman of the year awards.
- Avery Layton - Nice freshman who seemd to give up runs earlier in the season. But she worked and became a reliable reliever as the season closed.
- Annika Rohs - After hitting barely above the Mendzona Line her first two years. Rohs flirting with .290-.300 throughout the latter part of the year.
- Rachel Castine - Should put her here even though I mentioned her above as someone who likely could predict how she would do. But, she was inconsistent last year, so hittng over .300 and knocking in over 14HRs is a nice bonus.
We went into this season not knowing whwo would be the OFs beyond Blackwell or maybe some other internal candidates.
Not so great surprise:
- Sophie Kleiman - We ddn't know going into the season that her impact would be minimal.
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/22/2026, 12:28:55 PM
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/22/2026, 12:54:12 PM
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/22/2026, 12:54:53 PM
6 Replies
G
GBOHokie
2mo
The season before. It was a collective effort with the help of those you mentioned. For context. We only gave up 29. The 108 is the third highest ever I believe.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
2mo
Gaby was a tremendous help as a Freshman. I look for her to take second base next year. Shouldn't be too hard to find someone new to play RF. Nora stepping up as Sophomore was huge. But IMHO Addi was the biggest help. The missing chess piece in a way.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
2mo
. . . 'surprised' this team might have been closer to mid-30's wins than high 40's.
(In response to this post by BEST2VT)
2mo
maybe the best staff in the ACC.
Emma was a proven commodity, but I know everyone had their doubts about her being able to carry a team. She just wasn’t good enough to be the #1 option. Then she goes out and has an All ACC season. Great improvement over last year.
Bre wasn’t just an unknown, but somebody who wasn’t good enough to get any innings last year. I don’t think anybody thought she would be a serious contributor this year. Then she goes out and wins ACC freshman of the year and has an All ACC season. Total shocker.
Avery started out having a typical freshman season, ups and downs but showing solid promise for the future. She finished strong and was an outstanding 3rd option by the end of the season.
There were other surprise players but just as a whole the pitching staff was the biggest surprise of the team. The coaches deserve credit for developing them.
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
2mo
We would have potentially been "average" with Kleiman recovering from off-season stuff. Grizzard would have gotten more opportunities and likely would have beein "fine". But once we got into ACC series, we likely would not have gone 6-0 against the SEC teams, we might have not swept all of UNCm and may not have gotten one from Duke.. The key was when Bree went from being the reliever extraordinaire to being a starter. She would have helped if she had continued to relieve instead of start, but we needed a start games on the mound well. in the event the offense was slow to start.
(In response to this post by vatechcowpatty)