The Ospreys of North Florida are looking to improve upon an impressive 42 wins season in 2022. One big reason they succeeded was strong pitching and a staff with a combined 1.75 ERA.
ASUN Preseason Pitcher of the Year Halle Arends. Arends was outstanding last season with a 20-6 record, 1.74 ERA, 170 strikeouts, and a 1.08 WHIP. Izzy Kelly (1-0) returns for another year; she threw just 30.1 innings in 2022. They add three transfers in junior Jolie Gustave (Syracuse), senior Skyler Stockie (UTEP), and sophomore Ashley Connor (Nova Southeastern). Only time will tell us who will step into that number two role long-term for the Ospreys.
At the plate, they will be led by another ASUN preseason All-Conference senior, Shannon Glover. In 2022 Glover hit .337 with 38 RBI. She also led the team in hits (68) and nine home runs on the season. Another senior is speedster Kayla Harper who swiped 30 bases in 2022. The team has high hopes for redshirt junior transfer Chloe Culp (Florida State). Culp should help the OF immediately, and she also brings in a solid bat. In 2022 the Ospreys outscored their opponents 274-148. They will need to repeat that to get back to the top of the ASUN. They found that success through consistency more than they did power.
Last season the Ospreys were a bit of a surprise. The expectations will be higher this year, and they won’t sneak up on any teams. They have a schedule that should challenge them but also set up nicely for them to make some noise. UNF will kick off the season at home on February 10 at 2:30 pm vs. IUPUI.
