Although 2010 is being billed as a year of change for the Florida softball team, the Gators have the luxury of returning all three outfielders that started the final game of the 2009 season.
With Francesca Enea and Kelsey Bruder back to man the corners and the speedy Michelle Moultrie stepping into a starting role in center field, UF’s outfield is certainly of the caliber that is expected from the No. 3 team in the nation.
Even though it comes as no surprise that all three players are back on the roster, there was reason to believe things might be looking a little different defensively.
At the end of the 2009 season, there was speculation that Bruder would be moving from right field back to first base, where she played during the early part of her career. However, a lack of depth in the outfield and a few adjustments in the infield have allowed the All-Southeastern Conference first team and All-SEC defensive team member to stay out in right.
“Kelsey was too valuable in the outfield and Megan (Bush) made a great transition to first,” coach Tim Walton said.
For as valuable as Bruder is in the outfield, she might be even more valuable at the plate.
Last season she hit .369 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI, while setting a UF single season record in total bases and tying the record for slugging percentage.
Still, the junior sees plenty of ways she can make her game even better.
“There’s definitely always room for improvement, and I’ve been working really hard with coach before practice just getting my timing right and getting my swing back,” Bruder said.
Enea, who is tied with Bruder for the slugging percentage mark, also owns single season records in home runs and RBIs after hitting 18 and 70 a season ago.
Still, her biggest contribution to the team might come in the form of her leadership ability.
“Francesca is the one person if I had to put my hat on somebody as being a leader,” Walton said.
Walton feels that he has a team full of leaders, but Enea is clearly the most vocal of the bunch.
“I just think that with two seniors and a large junior class the best thing we offer is the experience we all have playing in high pressure situations,” Enea said. “We can really help younger players and tell them what to do in those situations and make sure they’re doing the right stuff.”
If experience under pressure is the key to success, then Moultrie should be well on her way.
Coming into last season, the plan was for Moultrie to split time in center with senior Kim Waleszonia. But Waleszonia fractured her knee early in the year, giving Moultrie a chance to prove herself full time, and she didn’t disappoint. From that point on she found her way into the starting lineup on numerous occasions, and that experience should make stepping into her role this year that much easier.
“She’s not taking on more than she’s had before, but the expectations are a little higher than last season,” Walton said.
Moultrie’s transition should also be eased by the presence of Enea, who was recently one of the fifty players named to the USA Softball Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.
“I just try to make her feel as comfortable as possible,” Enea said. “The outfielders are a relaxed group, but we take the position seriously. It’s about being able to relax, being comfortable, and having confidence in yourself. We want to help you learn from your mistakes and make sure you don’t repeat them.”
