Head Coach: Josh Swenson
Where We Left Off in 2023: The Hurricanes went 10-2 in the SEC, only losing to conference champ Southland. Houston won a playoff game but fell to W-K 15-10 and the Rebels 2-0 to finish at 15-5 overall.
Seniors: None
Juniors: Emily Botcher (P), Caitlin Brand (C), Ellasyn Carrier (OF).
Key Returning Underclassmen: Olivia Yohe (So. SS/C), Julia Swenson (Fr. 2B), Cadence Koehler (So. CF/P), Emmie Melbo (Fr. OF).
Prognosis: Houston wound back the clocks a decade with a very good season last year. They won 12 straight games out of the gate and finished 15-5 one year after going 2-15. The Hurricanes had four All-SEC picks. Two graduated, Class A All-State honoree Olivia Beckman (3B/1B > .516 average, nine 2B, 30 RBI, 21 R) and Lilly Carr (P > 71 IP, 10-3 record, 2.46 ERA, 20 BBs, 84 Ks, .286 average, 13 RBI, 15 R). All-SEC HM pick Nicole Beckman (1B > .306 average 14 RBI, 17 R) also graduated. The Hurricanes return two All-SEC picks in Emily Botcher (P > .509 average 28 RBI, 20 R, 32 2/3 IP, 24 BBs, 40 Ks, 2.08 ERA) and Olivia Yohe (SS/C > .302 average, 11 RBI, 30 R). Julia Swenson (.333 average, 16 RBI, 20 R), Ellasyn Carrier (.327 average, 13 R), Cadence Koehler (.277 average, 13 RBI, 20 R) also were in the batting line-up while Emmie Melbo played defensively. The Hurricanes see only three players move on, but they do not have a senior. But all their key returnees have played varsity multiple years. Finding a way to beat Southland is one key. The Rebels gave Houston three of its five losses last year.
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