MIAMI SOFTBALL

New talent adds to depth, speed, defense and offense

Miami Softball Preview -- Part 2 of 2 ​

INFIELD
There is a mixture of returnees and new talent around the RedHawks infield. Moreover, the exact lineup on a given day will likely depend on a number of defensive and offensive considerations. 

•  Junior Erin Pinter played in 41 games and started 45 last year, finishing with a .256 batting average, 4 homers and 20 RBIs. Typically part of a rotation at third base, she is batting 356 with a .533 slugging percentage so far this season. Freshman Leila Mathis is also part of the rotation. "We've been kind of toying with who's hot hitting and who's doing well fielding bunts" -- what ever is needed for a particular opponent, Gardner-Colegate said.
•  Danitza Hernandez returns at . . .

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. . . shortstop after holding down the spot all of last year. "She's kind of a vacuum" over there, said the coach, noting some of her defensive gems are "ESPN-type" plays. 
The senior from Phoenix, Arizona  is also producing on offense, hitting 413 with a .794 slugging percentage this year. 
•  There's youth at second base where freshman Mia Estrello has been impressive early. "She has made plays that have saved games. She's constantly diving around the field," Gardner-Colegate said. She noted Estrello's fielding skills have already paid off in helping Miami's double play numbers. After turning just two DPs all of last year, MU already has 18 double plays so far this season. 
Offensively, Estrello is hitting at a .377 clip. 
•  As with the other corner, MU will likely employ a rotation at first base. Ella Carter and Mathis are options, depending on infield defense and offensive considerations. 

OUTFIELD
•  MU has used several players in left field during non-conference play. Among the options is Evey Dieudonne. The freshman has also served as a DP in the lineup and leads Miami with a .417 batting average (..688 sluging).. 
"She has good discipline at the plate. She sees good pitches and hits good pitches," Gardner-Colegate said. "She's a tough out."
Erin Pinter and Kai Kreuger have also seen time in the outfield.
•  Bailey Manos, a senior from Harrison, Ohio who previously played at Purdue Fort Wayne, has shined on both offense and defense while holding down center field. 
"She reads the ball better than anybody (and has) very good speed," Gardner-Colegate said. 
Offensively, Manos is among MU leaders in several categories. She is bating .416 with a team-high seven homers, six double and two triples. He has an .919 slugging percentage.  
•  Likely the fastest AND strongest of RedHawk players is Katie Olive, who is usually in right field. The senior is batting .394 with six home runs, six doubles and a .761 slugging percentage. 

DEPTH
The RedHawks head coach is particularly pleased to have more depth and flexibility among positional players this year. 
Among those available is senior and local product (Talawanda HS).Madie Patton, who was "in and out" of the lineup (38 games, 21 starts) last year and also served as a "pinch hit specialist." Molly Herman, Dauba Nybiz and Mia Fleming are also available. 

NON-CONFERENCE LESSONS
Gardner-Colegate said the non-conference schedule has been extremely valuable. Using a variety of lineups and substitutions, she was able to evaluate returning and new talent. 
Eventually, she noted, the players have developed -- and accepted -- their roles in a team-first, championship-driven program. 
As for results, she noted wins over mid-majors San Diego State and Witchita State, along with several Power Four victories (e.g. sweeping Mizzou), were signs of what should be a strong 2026 Miami team. 
"We're got three good arms on the mound and other good arms behind them. Our offense is really strong,"  Gardner-Colegate said. "We know when we are playing well, we can beat anybody."
As for the upcoming MAC competition, she declared, "I think the team is ready for MAC play. Every single game in the MAC matters for us. ... We're just a very driven group."