Head coach Jordan Clark will take over for legendary coach Joan Joyce who passed away last year. Clark joins FAU after a successful stint at Ohio State. Not only is there a new coaching staff in place, but there are also nine new faces on the roster four incoming freshmen and five transfers.
Despite playing what had to be a very emotional season for the Owls, they still managed a solid 29-26 record. They return staff ace graduate student Lynn Gardner (18-9) and their leading hitter senior Sara Berthiaume (.384). Both have been awarded Preseason All-C-USA Honors. Berthiaume led the team in the majority of offensive categories, including RBI (34), runs (33), doubles (10), triples (7), slugging percentage (.604%), and on-base percentage (.429). As a team, they will need some others to step up if they are to improve and generate more offense.
Gardner was strong in 2022, posting a 2.73 ERA with 123 strikeouts and nine shutouts over 179.1 innings pitched. Gabby Sacco also returns. The sophomore out of Orlando, Florida, threw 100.1 innings in 2022, and sophomore Summer Clark joined the Owls after spending her first year at Syracuse. The 6’2 pitcher posted a 7-2 record with a 3.41 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 2022. Together this group should provide coach Clark with a solid pitching staff heading into the season.
There is reason to have high expectations this year. They have a strong pitching staff and return the best offensive player. Others will look to step in and help the Owls make some noise in Conference USA.
