Sophomore Emmy Blane expects to split time beteen third base and shortstop for Kentucky this season. She is one of several players from western Kentucky expected to make an impact for the Wildcats this year. (UK ATHLETICS PHOTO)
University of Kentucky softball coach Rachel Lawson says several players from western Kentucky should have important roles for the team this spring.
Kentucky was 20-4 when the Southeastern Conference suspended play for the season on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite some key departures, Kentucky is ranked No. 13 in the NCAA Preseason Softball Poll. The Wildcats open their season Friday in Homewood, Alabama in the first of a three-game series at Samford spanning two days.
Senior Mallory Peyton was among the NCAA leaders in several offensive categories through 24 games last year. The Madisonville-North Hopkins alum hit .379 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs with 16 of her 25 hits going for extra bases.
Lawson appeared recently on BBN Radio and said Peyton will be an important part of the middle of the Kentucky lineup.
Lawson said there has been competition at the middle infield spots. Senior Lauren Johnson of Owensboro is expected to get the nod at second base after hitting .323 last year with three home runs and 17 runs knocked in.
Christian County alum Emmy Blane will see time at both shortstop and third base, Lawson said. Blane struggled at the plate in her freshman season, hitting .111 in 27 at-bats. However, she is expected to improve that as long as she gets the at-bats.
Lawson said Kentucky has several good options in the infield.
Lawson said there could be a logjam in the outfield with a couple of newcomers expected to challenge the returning players that include junior Jaci Babbs from Union County, who batted .348 in 18 games last year.
Kentucky’s early-season schedule includes events in Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana. Their first home game is March 16 against Eastern Kentucky.
The anticipated attendance for this season at John Cropp Stadium will be limited to 20 percent of the overall stadium capacity.
Mallory Peyton, below, discussed her preparations for the 2021 season as she looks to build on a huge year at the plate last season.
