The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Beyond the Diamond: Previewing UAB Softball's Outfield
1/24/2023 4:04:00 PM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM – The outfield is more than a patch of grass on the field, but a necessary position for the defensive efforts and plays. The outfield is the extension of the infield. Where the infield focuses on the line drives, pop-ups, and ground balls in the diamond, the outfield is ready for anything that may seep past the diamond.
In coach Daugherty's words, "The outfield is the last line of defense, but an extremely important one. They have a lot of space to cover and communication is key."
With a lot of ground to cover, the outfield relies greatly on communication. With over 200 feet of space and three people covering those grounds, the second greatest tool behind your arm is being your sister's keeper.
"Communication is a must-have on defense; nowhere is it more important than in the outfield," said Daugherty. " Each player has to know their positioning and their role."
THE OUTFIELDERS
On the Blazers' roster, four ladies hold the regarded position of the outfield. Spanning from freshman to junior, the experiences learned between the four contribute to an athletic and ever-growing mindset that formulates a bond that transcends the green space.
"This is an athletic group. They are versatile and explosive. They are unique due to their growth mindset. They seem eager to learn and grow in our system." said Daugherty.
CHLOE BAHRUTH
The vet of the outfield, Bahruth is a junior hailing from California. She enters her final year as a Blazer with a well-established track record contributing as a pinch runner throughout her career. Since her first season in 2020, Bahruth has appeared in 54 games. In 2022, she totaled six runs.
Entering 2023, Bahruth enters her final curtain call with excitement to take her final season in the Green and Gold. She looks forward to closing out her career with her teammates, particularly playing Arkansas to take on the Razorbacks.
LILLY CROWE
Entering year three, Crowe is another vet who has been on the up and up from her last two seasons as a Blazer. As a sophomore, she appeared in 49 games, starting 42 in the outfield. In year two, she totaled 27 hits, six doubles, two triples, and four homers with a grand slam for good measures. As an outfielder, she totaled 55 putouts with a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000.
The Moody, Ala. native enters her junior year excited to take the field with her teammates and build off what the team created in the previous seasons.
REESE LOWERY
Entering year two of her career as a Blazer, Reese played 14 games in her college debut as a Blazer. In her high school career, she helped the McAdory Yellow Jackets to the AHSAA Class 6A Area 8 Championship. She was honored as the best all-around student-athlete, which leans into her off-the-field endeavors.
Reese contributes to the community not only through sport, but religiously through mission trips and contributing to a kid's ministry in Birmingham. Receiving an academic scholarship, she graduated from McAdory with honors.
BELLA WIGGINS
Wiggins, a sophomore, is excited about the travel schedule, especially flying to the locations for the 2023 season. A force in the outfield, she looks to contribute again in year two.
She comes off a solid first year in a Blazer Uniform. Totaling 42 games and starting 47, Wiggins totaled 42 hits, with 24 runs scored, 16 RBIs, and a homer for good measure. The Fairhope native contributed 24 putouts and four assists as a freshman. While in high school, she was a two-time 7A first-team all-state selection and a 2018 7A state champ.
HANNAH MILES
One of the youngest of the outfielders, Miles enters her first year in the Green and Gold. A two-time Tuscaloosa Super 9 All-Area team honoree, Miles is a force. In her high school career, she averaged a .487 career batting average. As a senior, she upped the ante with a batting average of .566.
Her contributions at bad not only contributed to an all-area team honor but an all-county first-team honor as a senior.
KAILY COLLETT
Another young face in the outfield, Collett hails from the Peach State, where she played for Parkview High School in Lilburn. The All-State Senior received a two-time All-County honor and three-time All-Region First Team nod.
Collett additionally was her team's scholar-athlete award winner from the Gwinett Diamond Club. As she transitions into her first year at the collegiate level, she's looking forward to the new experience of entering year one as a Blazer.
KEEP UP WITH UAB SOFTBALL
To learn more about Hannah, Chloe, 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.
