The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
In the Field: A Deeper Look at UAB's Infield
1/20/2023 12:15:00 PM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM – Rounding out the bases for the infield, we turn to our final infielders in the Green and Gold.
The Blazers, who finished the 2022 season with a fielding percentage of .984, look to build on that number as they enter the 2023 season. But not without relying on the crucial points to build on.
"Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals," said AJ Daugherty. "We have pounded fundamentals all fall and, so far, this spring. We take pride in keeping it simple and being great at the seemingly boring, redundant mechanics of defensive softball."
For Daugherty, the work is starting to come to fruition, but not without learning their system and positioning. In a fast-paced sport like Softball, knowing where you are is integral to make the defensive plays, big or small.
In partnership with learning positioning, terminology, and more, learning the systems put in place with a new coaching staff is just as vital. "Our infielders take pride in their personal development along with the development of our defense, as a whole," said Daugherty. "I am especially appreciative of their willingness to learn a new system, new terminology, and new techniques. Big things are ahead for this group!"
A DEEPER LOOK INFIELD
Rounding out the infield are three young ladies at second and third base, followed by shortstop. Makenna Cortez, Lindsey Smith, and Olivia Valbak, all sophomores, enter a new era under new leadership, building upon the strides made in their first year.
MAKENNA CORTEZ - 2B
Cortez, who hails from the Pelican State, enters year two in the Green and Gold. In her high school and travel ball days, she gained numerous accolades. Playing under Gerad Nugent at Hahnville High School, Cortez was a first-time all-district selection, along with an appearance in the 2020-21 Louisiana High School All-Star Game.
As a Blazer, she appeared in 15 games, recording two putouts and three assists at second base. She looks forward to making memories with her teammates as she enters the 2023 season.
LINDSEY SMITH - 3B
Smith, also entering her second year as a Blazer, had a solid first year. Making the C-USA All-Freshman Team, she started all 49 games. At third base, she totaled 41 putouts. On the offensive, she had 38 hits, 11 doubles, and four homers, including a grand slam.
Entering this season, she looks forward to adding more wins to the Green and Gold's record and possibly playing sudoku while on the road.
OLIVIA VALBAK - SS
An Ashburn, Va. native, Valbak was a C-USA All-Tournament team in 2021, where she appeared in all 50 games and started 47 at shortstop. A playmaker in high school and college, Valbak helped her high school to a 5A State Championship. As a Blazer, she tallied the third-most saves in a single season for UAB with four.
She's excited to enter the new season with the Blazers, traveling with her teammates and kicking off the 2023 campaign on a high note.
KEEP UP WITH UAB SOFTBALL
To learn more about Olivia, Lindsey, and more of our UAB Softball players, follow @UAB_SB on Instagram and Twitter. For game previews, stories, and more, check our UAB Softball home page.
2022-23 GOLD CARD
Softball season tickets are currently available by purchasing the 2022-23 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card will allow you to gain access to all home events for Women's Basketball, as well as Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball, and Softball. Fans can purchase a Gold Card by clicking here or calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1. For questions, email tickets@uab.edu.
