The University of Maryland softball program is just four days away from the start of its 2016 season. To get ready for opening day, umterps.com will provide a four-part season preview focusing first on the schedule, and then breaking down the infield, outfield, and pitching. Today, we preview the Terrapin outfield.
Three spots, five Terrapins. The Maryland outfield will feature juniors Kylie Datil, Sarah Calta, Hannah Dewey, and sophomores Destiney Henderson and Emma Mires as the Terps get ready to begin their 2016 campaign.
“I have been most pleased with the progression of the outfield this off-season”, said head coach Julie Wright. They have all improved their range, arm strength and jumps on the ball. I am very excited to watch them play this season.”
A pair of juniors, Datil and Calta will play big roles the Maryland outfield in 2016.
Datil started all but one game last year in a mix of center field and shortstop. With Lindsey Schmeiser fully healthy this year, Datil will star primarily in the outfield. The Murrieta, Calif., native came on strong towards the end of 2015, batting .286 with 7 RBI's during conference play. Against Dartmouth, Datil hit three home runs, knocking in six runs. In 2014, Datil also ended the season strong, hitting at a .485 clip through the last ten games of the season.
The outfield captain, as voted on by her teammates, Calta will also be featured in the Terrapin outfield. Calta made 18 starts last year, leading the team with nine stolen bases. The Reistertown, Md., native had a breakout fall, hitting an amazing .647 with five triples. Calta is looking to duplicate that surge in the spring.
Dewey, Maryland's utllity player, will also see time in the outfield. The junior, who hit .364 with a team high .519 on base percentage in 2015, will split time between pitcher, first base, and the outfield.
New faces in the outfield include Henderson and Mires. Henderson, a stellar defensive player, will have an increased role in 2016 after just playing in four games in 2015. Mires moves from the catcher position to the outfield to provide depth. She was a pinch running specialist in 2015, appearing in 20 games and scoring seven runs.
Maryland starts its season on Friday February 12 at the Kajikawa Classic against Boston College.
