The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
2017 Season Preview: Pitchers and Catchers
2/3/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB softball team returns this season with a veteran pitching staff who combined for 27 wins and 229 strikeouts during 2016.
“Our pitching staff had a good fall and has been working hard to start the season off right,” head coach Marla Townsend said. “We are five deep and they each bring something unique to the staff. Not only will they be successful in the circle, but they will also assist the team in scouting opponents’ pitchers and communicating what they see to all hitters.”
SENIORS
Cara Goodwin finished the 2016 season with a 3.15 ERA and a 17-12 record. She tossed 17 complete games last season with two of them being shutouts.
The Cullman, Ala., native posted 137 strikeouts in 188.2 innings of work and recorded one save on the season.
Madison Hir got 16 starts in the circle and made 23 appearances in 2016. She finished the season with a 6-10 record and a 5.74 ERA.
Hir pitched 75.2 innings and two complete games in her junior campaign, racking up 35 strikeouts and only allowing 62 earned runs.
JUNIORS
Megan Smith closed out the 2016 season with a 5.25 ERA and a 3-8 record. She saw action in 28 games and made 15 starts with 43 strikeouts and one save.
Smith gained her first victory of the season by tossing a complete game against Southern Miss while holding them to only one run and seven hits.
SOPHOMORES
Tori Perkins started in two games as a freshman and made 18 appearances. She boasts a 3.78 ERA and posted a 1-2 record while she racked up 14 strikeouts and one save in 29.2 innings of work.
FRESHMEN
Claire Blount joins the Blazers from Pembroke Pines Charter High School where she played under Tom Fadul. She was named to the All-State Second Team her freshman and sophomore seasons and the All-State First Team her junior and senior seasons, as well as being named to the All-District Team all four years.
Blount averaged a 0.5 ERA over four years as a four-year starting pitcher and she set the Pembroke Pines Charter High School record with 167 career hits.
The key component to an outstanding pitching staff is the second half of the battery – the catcher. The Blazers lost Ashley Johnson behind the dish who made herself known in the UAB record books, but return senior Olivia Black.
“Our catching staff is three deep and works well with each pitcher,” Townsend said. “I look forward to seeing them in action and being in charge of our defense.”
SENIORS
Olivia Black appeared in six games last season and posted a .250 batting average in four at-bats before redshirting.
JUNIORS
Molli Garcia joins the Blazers as a junior transfer from Wallace State Community College-Hanceville. She was named First Team All-Region and First Team All-North her sophomore season at Wallace State and Second Team All-Region her freshman year.
Garcia finished her junior college career with an impressive .344 batting average, 124 hits, 78 RBI and 23 home runs.
FRESHMEN
Elli Dixon joins the Blazers from Cullman High School where she played under Stephanie Conner. She was named All-Area Honorable Mention in 2015 and 2016.
For more information on UAB Athletics, visit UABsports.com. Fans can follow @UAB_SB on Twitter and Instagram for updates.
