[d4cohn]

If she can do it ahead of schedule, that's great, but I caution against overinflated expectations about the pace of change, followed by excuse making when the unreasonable expectations are not met.

BC

Was this referring to me? :) Here is what I said with regards my second-year expectations: "Coupled with our strong rising junior class, we are still going to be thin in the infield next year (particularly if Whitney Burks does not return for her fifth year). As long as we schedule strategically in the non-conference, I think we should be at least in contention for an NCAA tournament berth." 

7 out 9 Pac-12 teams will likely make the NCAA tournament this year (6 if Oregon State does not win their series at last-place Utah, and as such, finishes with a losing record). In contrast, the Big 10 is likely only going to get 4-5 out 14 teams into the NCAA tournament, because the conference overall is weaker. 

In two out of the three years prior to this year, Stanford was the only Pac-12 team not to make the NCAA tournament, as the other 8 teams all qualified. As such, with the talent added from a Top 20 recruiting class for next year, and our Top 15 junior class, barring injuries that could particularly hamper our infield depth, I don't this is an unreasonable expectation. (yes, I did not expect to lose our top two pitchers, our best offensive and defensive player, and our starting CF all to injury for most/all of Pac-12 play). Very mediocre teams from the Pac-12 and SEC have made the tournament largely on the strength of the conference alone. If you schedule a reasonably difficult non-conference, and pick up 5-7 conference wins, you will get an RPI in the 30-40 range necessary for an at-large berth. The selection committee (at least currently) strongly prioritizes high RPI numbers in selecting at-large berths. As such, there is literally a formula you can follow to qualify. And if that doesn't work, like for Oregon State and Missouri this year, you buy out tougher non-conference opponents and schedule cupcakes at the last second to ensure a .500 record. (Link: http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wic...72709.html)

[d4cohn]

If she can do it ahead of schedule, that's great, but I caution against overinflated expectations about the pace of change, followed by excuse making when the unreasonable expectations are not met.

BC

Was this referring to me? :) Here is what I said with regards my second-year expectations: "Coupled with our strong rising junior class, we are still going to be thin in the infield next year (particularly if Whitney Burks does not return for her fifth year). As long as we schedule strategically in the non-conference, I think we should be at least in contention for an NCAA tournament berth." 

7 out 9 Pac-12 teams will likely make the NCAA tournament this year (6 if Oregon State does not win their series at last-place Utah, and as such, finishes with a losing record). In contrast, the Big 10 is likely only going to get 4-5 out 14 teams into the NCAA tournament, because the conference overall is weaker. 

In two out of the three years prior to this year, Stanford was the only Pac-12 team not to make the NCAA tournament, as the other 8 teams all qualified. As such, with the talent added from a Top 20 recruiting class for next year, and our Top 15 junior class, barring injuries that could particularly hamper our infield depth, I don't this is an unreasonable expectation. (yes, I did not expect to lose our top two pitchers, our best offensive and defensive player, and our starting CF all to injury for most/all of Pac-12 play). Very mediocre teams from the Pac-12 and SEC have made the tournament largely on the strength of the conference alone. If you schedule a reasonably difficult non-conference, and pick up 5-7 conference wins, you will get an RPI in the 30-40 range necessary for an at-large berth. The selection committee (at least currently) strongly prioritizes high RPI numbers in selecting at-large berths. As such, there is literally a formula you can follow to qualify. And if that doesn't work, like for Oregon State and Missouri this year, you buy out tougher non-conference opponents and schedule cupcakes at the last second to ensure a .500 record. (Link: http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wic...72709.html)