[d4cohn]

Stanford wins again. 4-3.  First ever winning series in Tucson

Stanford finished in 4th place 11-13 record one game ahead of Oregon and 36-19 overall

What a fantastic result to win this series, more than make up for the home series loss to the Ducks,
and finish the regular season through the last game to secure the 4th place finish. Hopefully,
when the committee analyzes our resume, they see a resume better than #32 in the field (i.e. assignment
to Oklahoma's regional). When we play our best softball, with series wins against ASU, UCLA etc., we can contend
with just about anyone.

I don't follow the game outside of Stanford and a little viewing of other Pac XII games.  It seems like the difference between 4 and say the top 3 isn't a big leap, but I have no idea what it might take for Stanford to move up next year.  Is it better pitching, more hitting or what?  Vaughter didn't seem she had her best stuff but we left her in when bases were loaded and AZ only 3 behind.  I think she gave up something like 13 hits, maybe when considering the weather, that is what you are going to get. Thoughts from people who really understand the sport would be appreciated.

Great question GK. I think we need two main things: 1) we need bats, or for our lineup to keep developing and take the next step offensively. 2) We need another starter, particularly a pitcher that can complement Reagan Krause (and I think we will get this next year with a highly touted pitcher coming in from I think Kansas).

However, according to Massey, our defensive ranking (which combines all of our pitching and defense, basically run prevention) is #5 in the nation (i.e. national championship level). IMO, Alana Vawter is a national championship level pitcher (see her stats, awards etc.), and the defense behind her is national championship level.

The biggest thing is we have to take major steps forward on offense (mostly batting average but also improve our power hitting too). Our Massey rating on offense (run scoring essentially) is #65 (i.e. not even NCAA tourney level). 

Perhaps Massey overrates our pitching and defense slightly, and underrates our offense slightly. However, improving on the clear gap between our hitting and our pitching/defense is imperative to catch ASU and UCLA (I think UW will take a step back because they are losing their ace Gabbie Plain to graduation). 

Finally, this doesn't have to do with roster development, but I think we will need to schedule well and strategically next year in the non-conference, so our RPI can be closer to the top 16 so we have a chance to host a regional or maybe even a super. Home field advantage is really important in postseason with the growth of the game (i.e. the regionals attract big crowds that provide a brobdingnagian advantage to the host).

[d4cohn]

Stanford wins again. 4-3.  First ever winning series in Tucson

Stanford finished in 4th place 11-13 record one game ahead of Oregon and 36-19 overall

What a fantastic result to win this series, more than make up for the home series loss to the Ducks,
and finish the regular season through the last game to secure the 4th place finish. Hopefully,
when the committee analyzes our resume, they see a resume better than #32 in the field (i.e. assignment
to Oklahoma's regional). When we play our best softball, with series wins against ASU, UCLA etc., we can contend
with just about anyone.

I don't follow the game outside of Stanford and a little viewing of other Pac XII games.  It seems like the difference between 4 and say the top 3 isn't a big leap, but I have no idea what it might take for Stanford to move up next year.  Is it better pitching, more hitting or what?  Vaughter didn't seem she had her best stuff but we left her in when bases were loaded and AZ only 3 behind.  I think she gave up something like 13 hits, maybe when considering the weather, that is what you are going to get. Thoughts from people who really understand the sport would be appreciated.

Great question GK. I think we need two main things: 1) we need bats, or for our lineup to keep developing and take the next step offensively. 2) We need another starter, particularly a pitcher that can complement Reagan Krause (and I think we will get this next year with a highly touted pitcher coming in from I think Kansas).

However, according to Massey, our defensive ranking (which combines all of our pitching and defense, basically run prevention) is #5 in the nation (i.e. national championship level). IMO, Alana Vawter is a national championship level pitcher (see her stats, awards etc.), and the defense behind her is national championship level.

The biggest thing is we have to take major steps forward on offense (mostly batting average but also improve our power hitting too). Our Massey rating on offense (run scoring essentially) is #65 (i.e. not even NCAA tourney level). 

Perhaps Massey overrates our pitching and defense slightly, and underrates our offense slightly. However, improving on the clear gap between our hitting and our pitching/defense is imperative to catch ASU and UCLA (I think UW will take a step back because they are losing their ace Gabbie Plain to graduation). 

Finally, this doesn't have to do with roster development, but I think we will need to schedule well and strategically next year in the non-conference, so our RPI can be closer to the top 16 so we have a chance to host a regional or maybe even a super. Home field advantage is really important in postseason with the growth of the game (i.e. the regionals attract big crowds that provide a brobdingnagian advantage to the host).