Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

It’s time to break the readers in for some FSU softball action!  The first softball post of 2007 is some very simple, but interesting Quick Facts, thanks to FSU Sports Information.

Stadium: JoAnne Graf Field seats 1,000 fans plus standing room and has the following dimensions, LF: 200′, CF 220′, RF 200′. Don’t be fooled Seminole fans, those young ladies can hit it farther than that, so cars on Connector Rd. beware!

Players: The Noles are returning six starters and all of their starting pitching this season.  Last year’s experience will raise expectations for this young and talented team. In fact, there are still only four seniors on this year’s squad.

Coaching: Dr. JoAnne Graf leads the way for another season. Her first in Tallahassee was in 1975. She continues to search for her first fast-pitch national title and retains her staff from last season.

Keys to the 2007 season: The Seminoles were up and down last season. Blame it on youth and a change in pitching philosophy.  Year two of Coach Megan Matthews Buning’s instruction should help to stabilize the pitching staff. The Seminoles need to find a catcher, last year’s split duties between now-graduated Billie Anne Gay and Mo Wood never really panned out. Catcher needs to be the rock of the defense, let’s hope FSU finds a leader there. And, as always, speed is a key for the Noles.  Whitney Buckmon, Veronica Wootson and Yuruby Alicart were 60 for 75 on stolen base attempts last season. They’ll need to keep that pace this season.