Kajikawa Classic 2018

What To Watch For At Kajikawa Classic

What To Watch For At Kajikawa Classic

From February 8-11, find your favorite SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 matchups at the season-opening Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, AZ.

Feb 6, 2018 by Chez Sievers
What To Watch For At Kajikawa Classic

College softball is about to explode on FloSoftball, and the best way to kick off the season is with the Kajikawa Classic. From February 8-11, find your favorite SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 matchups at the season-opening tournament in Tempe, AZ.

Watch the 2018 Kajikawa Classic LIVE on FloSoftball

Tennessee (2017 record: 48-12)

The Vols are primed for a strong 2018 season with a potent mix of veterans and young talent. In the circle, expect Matty Moss and Caylan Arnold to share the brunt of innings with freshman southpaw Gabby Sprang chomping at the bit. Riding the high of a marvelous junior season, Meghan Gregg is projected to have a stellar senior year. Last season, she raked in 79 RBIs and has improved in nearly every offensive category every year. Expect Gregg to lead the charge on offense with Aubrey Leach, Brooke Vines, and Jenna Holcomb as backup.


Most Likely To Hit A Dinger: Meghan Gregg


Georgia (35-23)

The Bulldogs' 2017 season was not the one they envisioned, but expect Georgia to have a much better showing this year. Adding much-needed pitching depth to the bullpen, look for Hot 100 pitchers Keara Napoli and Lauren Mathis to share innings with ace Brittany Gray. With a total of six pitchers in the bullpen, the Bulldogs will find ways to put more W's on the board. The offense will need to take the lead from Cortni Emanuel and Alyssa DiCarlo. Emanuel stole 43 bases last season while DiCarlo batted in over 60 runs. 


Most Likely To Steal Bases: Cortni Emanuel 


Mizzou (29-28)

After the unfortunate timing of the dismissal of head coach Ehren Earleywine, will the Tigers be ready on opening day? When you look at Mizzou's roster, there’s plenty to be excited about. Junior Danielle Baumgartner should inherit the ace role with freshman Lauren Rice contributing crucial innings. Last season, the Tigers' offense underachieved but this year the team should have more pop and consistency between Braxton Burnside, Amanda Sanchez, Regan Nash, and Cayla Kessinger. Newcomers to watch are Kendall Bailey and Trenity Edwards.


Most Likely To Be Clutch: Braxton Burnside


BYU (46-13)

One thing we know about the Cougars is they can certainly swing the bat. Last season, BYU recorded a team batting average of .324 with 354 runs scored. The heart of the Cougars' offense returns: Libby Sugg was ruthless last season with 13 jacks and 56 RBIs. Pitching will be the deciding factor when it comes to winning for BYU. After losing their ace McKenna Bull, the Cougars will need their bullpen to pull together this season. Freshman Autumn Moffat showed lots of promise over the summer — will her success transfer over to Kajikawa? 

Most Likely To Hit A Dinger: Libby Sugg


Oklahoma State (38-25)

The Cowgirls have improved every year under the guidance of Kenny Gajewski and this season should be no different. Vanessa Shippy is a stud and will look to Taylor Lynch and Rylee Bayless for support on offense. Hoping to improve numbers in the circle, Gajewski went hard after pitching, picking up transfers Emmie Robertson, Samantha Clakley, and Kendal Judge. The added pitching should help move the needle for the Cowgirls.

Most Likely To Be Intentionally Walked: Vanessa Shippy


Thursday, February 8 (All times are MT)

Time
Field
Matchup
11:30 AM
TSC Field 4
Georgia  vs  SDSU
3:00 PM
TSC Field 4
Boise State  vs  Tennessee
4:45 PM
TSC Field 3
SJSU  vs  South Dakota
7:15 PM
TSC Field 2
Mizzou  vs  SJSU
7:15 PM
TSC Field 4
Western Michigan  vs  BYU


Friday, February 9 (All times are MT)

Time
Field
Matchup
9:00 AM
TSC Field 3
Notre Dame  vs  Seattle
9:15 AM
TSC Field 4
Indiana  vs  Boise State
11:30 AM
TSC Field 3
Mizzou  vs  UTEP
11:45 AM
TSC Field 2
Western Michigan  vs  Tennessee
11:45 AM
TSC Field 4
New Mexico  vs  St. Mary's
2:15 PM
TSC Field 2
BYU  vs  Nebraska
2:15 PM
TSC Field 4
Tennessee  vs  SJSU
5:00 PM
TSC Field 3
UC Davis  vs  South Dakota
5:15 PM
TSC Field 2
Western Michigan  vs  SDSU
5:15 PM
TSC Field 4
Notre Dame  vs  St. Mary's
7:30 PM
TSC Field 1
SJSU  vs  Purdue
7:30 PM
TSC Field 3
Northwestern  vs  SDSU
7:45 PM
TSC Field 2
CSUN  vs  Mizzou
7:45 PM
TSC Field 4
BYU  vs  Georgia


Saturday, February 10 (All times are MT)

Time
Field
Matchup
9:00 AM
TSC Field 4
St. Mary's  vs  Boise State
9:15 AM
TSC Field 3
Tennessee  vs  UC Davis
11:30 AM
TSC Field 2
UTEP  vs  St. Mary's
11:30 AM
TSC Field 4
Notre Dame  vs  South Dakota
11:45 AM
TSC Field 3
Boise State  vs  Northwestern
2:00 PM
TSC Field 2
Nebraska  vs  SDSU
2:00 PM
TSC Field 4
Northwestern  vs  Indiana
2:15 PM
TSC Field 1
Western Michigan  vs  Purdue
5:00 PM
TSC Field 2
Oklahoma St.  vs  Mizzou
5:15 PM
TSC Field 1
CSUN  vs  Seattle
5:15 PM
TSC Field 3
South Dakota  vs  Purdue
7:30 PM
TSC Field 2
Oklahoma St.  vs  New Mexico
7:30 PM
TSC Field 4
Seattle  vs  Western Michigan
7:45 PM
TSC Field 3
SJSU  vs  Indiana


Sunday, February 11 (All times are MT)

Time
Field
Matchup
9:00 AM
TSC Field 1
Western Michigan  vs  Oklahoma St.
9:00 AM
TSC Field 2
CSUN  vs  Nebraska
9:00 AM
TSC Field 3
Purdue  vs  Fresno
9:00 AM
TSC Field 4
Northwestern  vs  South Dakota
11:30 AM
TSC Field 1
Notre Dame  vs  Fresno
11:30 AM
TSC Field 2
Seattle  vs  Nebraska
11:30 AM
TSC Field 4
UC Davis  vs  UTEP
2:00 PM
TSC Field 1
SDSU  vs  UC Davis
2:00 PM
TSC Field 4
SJSU  vs  UTEP