The 2019 Women’s College World Series is shaping up to be one of the most parity-filled tournaments in recent memory. Expert “picks” have named most of the field as potential championship-winners, while no single team stands head-and-heels over the rest. We’ve picked one player from each of the eight participating teams who should have an undeniable impact on her team this week.
Montana Fouts, Alabama — The SEC Freshman of the Year, Fouts has had moments of greatness, but also moments of mediocrity during the postseason, the latter being particularly out of character for the young star. In her first time participating in the WCWS, it’ll be the freshman star who anchors the Tide’s pitching staff as they look for their second championship in program history.
Natalie DenHartog, Minnesota — One of Fouts’ fellow finalists for National Freshman of the Year, DenHartog’s breakout campaign in her rookie year has played a major role in the Gophers’ impressive run to Oklahoma City. One of a few consistently reliable bats in the middle of the Gophers’ batting order, if DenHartog gets on a roll, opposing pitchers should watch out.
Hannah Adams, Florida — Swinging one of the hottest bats in the postseason, Adams protects Amanda Lorenz and Kendyl Lindaman in the Gators’ batting order, often slotting in the 3-hole behind the two bonafide stars. The sophomore star has gotten hot at the right time, as has her team, and signs point to that only continuing in OKC.
Bubba Nickles, UCLA — Whether it be for stellar catches or clutch hits, Nickles is often seen on highlight reels, but remains one of the nation’s most underrated talents. Her hard-nosed, never-quit style of play not only provides great softball, but also guides her team, who are looking for their first national championship in a decade.
Alyssa Denham, Arizona — A quality outing against Ole Miss in game two of the Tucson Super Regional gave Denham the win in the game that clinched as WCWS berth for the Wildcats. The trip to OKC will be Denham’s first, and she needs to duplicate her success from the Ole Miss game to give the Wildcats a legitimate 1-2 pitching punch as they vie for a title.
Sis Bates, Washington — “The Human Highlight Reel” would not be an understatement for Bates’ quality and contributions on the defensive side of the ball and how much of an effect she has on her team in the field. She also leads the team with a .386 batting average – more than twenty points above her nearest teammate – and owns fourteen extra base hits on the year, including a pair of triples.
Chyenne Factor, Oklahoma State — In the Super Regional against Florida State, Factor went hitless in the first two games of the series before breaking out with a 2-3 performance in game three that included a solo home run. Just a freshman, despite rarely playing like one, Factor’s clutch bat and coolness under pressure will be a valuable commodity for Kenny Gajewski’s club.
Giselle Juarez, Oklahoma — Appearing in her second World Series in two years – albeit with two different teams – Juarez has the luxury of being the ace of a full staff in her first appearance in OKC as a Sooner. Arguably of career-best quality during her inaugural season in Norman, Juarez could anchor the Sooners straight through the winner’s bracket.
