Kentucky catcher Hallie Mitchell has played in 109 career games and has changed physically going into her senior season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Going into this season Kentucky softball coach Rachel Lawson made it sounded like she might use three catches this year or was at least strongly contemplating that scenario.
“I have never only wanted one (catcher) but it worked out that way because the other catches were better in other spots,” the Kentucky coach said.
“I have always tried to recruit two every day starters (at catcher),” Lawson said. “It really affects their legs when it comes to offensive performance (when they catch too much). It would be my preference to have two.
“Because Kentucky is not dealing with the same (NIL) money and depth, what you see on the field is what you get. It’s hard to develop players when you put all your money into one spot. I am looking forward to when we have a couple (of catchers) and can save their legs, not get them beat up and help their offensive production.”
Junior Karissa Hamilton was ranked as the No. 27 catcher nationally in her recruiting class and has played in 97 games the last two years. She has driven in 32 runs and hit .217 but last year dit hit .250 in 52 games and drove in 23 runs.
Ella Emmert, a redshirt junior, has played in only 13 games at UK with only two hits.
Senior Hallie Mitchell has the most experience as she has played in 109 games the last three years but hit only .194 with 35 runs scored and 10 RBI’s.
“Hallie Mitchell is completely different physically,” Lawson said. “She has done a good job buying into nutrition. She was awesome offensively (in the fall) and did a really good job behind the dish. She can also play in the outfield.
“Ella will get more time behind the dish. Karissa is a lot calmer behind the dish. She has really improved her receiving skills. She can really pick balls because she’s doing a better job anticipating the pitch.”
Mitchell started four of the first 10 games and played in seven. She has a double and triple and knocked in one run. Hamilton started the other six games and has played nine. Emmert has played in four games.
Kentucky pitchers have a 2.15 earned run average and five pitchers have picked up a win. They also have 40 combined strikeouts and only eight 18 walks in 62 innings.
Kentucky (6-4) is scheduled to play five games in Atlanta this weekend.
