The Lineup: Conference play starts around the nation
Conference play starts in the SEC, Big 12, Pac-12 and AAC. Will storylines continue down their current path or will more chaos ensure? These are the series we have eyes on this week.
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1. FAU @ Wichita State
Where: Wichita, Kan.
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: ESPN+
What do we want to see: FAU welcomed a large transfer class to improve the offense. It’s worked thus far. But if the Owls want to challenge in the AAC, they have to go right at the champs. This isn’t the same high-powered Wichita State team as in past years, however, Chloe Barber is showing they can pick. That should be a fun battle.
2. No. 20 South Carolina @ No. 19 Texas A&M
Where: College Station, Texas
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: Fri-Sat: SEC Network+, Sun: SEC Network
What do we want to see: Both these teams have shown highs and lows. It feels that South Carolina is set up well for series matchups with Alana Vawter and Sage Mardjetko. Can they be good enough against the A&M lineup? The Aggies are talented but shown the bats can go cold. Each program has a chance to get off to a good start in SEC play.
3. No. 16 Florida @ No. 9 Alabama
Where: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
When: March 9-11
What’s it on: Sat: SEC Network+, Sun-Mon: SEC Network
What do we want to see: How many runs will there be in the series? Probably not many. Alabama’s pitching staff led by Kayla Beaver has shown it is very good. While Florida ranks highly is most offensive categories, the Gators’ numbers against Power Five pitching are quite different. It’s a storyline to keep watching this weekend and can tell a lot of each team’s potential.
4. No. 7 Oklahoma State @ No. 13 Baylor
Where: Waco, Texas
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: ESPN+
What do we want to see: Each team is coming off a good midweek win. The Bears have a real chance to make a statement that they belong among the Top 10 teams in the nation and the trio in the Big 12. Oklahoma State has pitched well, while Baylor works hard to manufacture offense. Which will come out on top?
5. No. 4 LSU @ No. 25 Kentucky
Where: Lexington, Ky.
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: Fri: SEC Network+, Sat-Sun: SEC Network
What do we want to see: LSU’s offense didn’t have its best weekend despite staying undefeated. Can the Tigers start to heat up against a Wildcat staff that has its faults outside of Stephanie Schoonover? It’ll be the first time we see LSU with a plan that doesn’t include Danieca Coffey, who is out the rest of the season due to an injury.
6. No. 24 Auburn @ No. 14 Missouri
Where: Columbia, Mo.
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: SEC Network+
What do we want to see: Missouri has a great resume that is reflected by the initial RPI of the season having the Tigers in the Top 10. They can add to the metrics and the eye test if the offense can score against Maddie Penta, which has felt impossible over the past month.
7. Utah @ No. 22 UCLA
Where: Los Angeles, Calif.
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: UCLA Live Stream
What do we want to see: The inaugural Pac-12 Tournament Championship rematch comes to Westwood. The Utes have shown signs of being back on track after a sweep of Wisconsin and a road win at San Diego State. Meanwhile, Taylor Tinsley and Kaitlyn Terry appear to be two different pitchers than we saw in February. What team keeps its good streak going?
8. South Dakota State @ No. 3 Duke
Where: Durham, N.C
When: March 8-9
What’s it on: ACC Network Extra
What do we want to see: Much has been made of Duke’s schedule. The Blue Devils welcome a feisty South Dakota State squad that just beat Arkansas in Fayetteville. Will Duke be challenged or will the Blue Devil bats stay hot against the Jackrabbits?
9. Kansas @ UCF
Where: Orlando, Fla.
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: ESPN+
What do we want to see: These are two teams that have surprised in different ways this season. The Jayhawks have won 10 in a row and open Big 12 play by flying 1,300ish miles to Orlando. Oh the joys of college athletics. Regardless, the Knights have their own chance to get on track and start fresh in Big 12 play. Although they’re going to pitch well against Olivia Bruno and Lyric Moore as Kansas appears ready to try and make the postseason.
10. Virginia @ North Carolina
Where: Raleigh, N.C.
When: March 8-10
What’s it on: ACC Network Extra
What do we want to see: Virginia is in a similar spot as Kansas—a good RPI and a team hungry to make the postseason for the first time in a while. The Cavaliers have to win series against the teams in the ACC outside of the top four – though that’d help too. Virginia will need Eden Bigham’s strikeouts against a North Carolina team with a revamped offense that steals a ton of bases. This series could make the difference for both teams come May.
