SB Position Preview: Outfielders

Photo by: Cassie Kelley

1/26/2022 2:51:00 PM | Softball

ABILENE - The Wildcats clinched a postseason berth in their final game of the regular season in 2021 and the team is looking to make that next step as they make the transition to the WAC. ACU has an abundance of youth and a new-look roster as they step into 2022 primed for success.

The outfield will get a complete makeover this spring with the addition of a JUCO transfer as well as a few key freshman looking to make an immediate impact. The Wildcats are young, fast, and ready to prove themselves. This group can provide weekly web gems in the field in addition to some excitement at the plate and on the base paths.

Offensively, our outfield boasts a lot of speed and versatility. Swinging predominantly from the left side of the plate, we're looking for this group to set the table and wreak havoc on the basepaths.

Hitting coach Jessica Twaddle

#3 Alivia Benavidez

Alivia Benavidez | Fr. | OF | R/R | 5-9 | Salem, Ore. / South Salem HS

Named first team all-league outfielder as a sophomore and senior
Earned second team and third team all-state selections
Member of a team that made first round playoff appearances in her freshman and sophomore seasons

#8 Mercedes Eichelberger

Mercedes Eichelberger | Jr. | 5-6 | L/R| OF | Tremonton, Utah / Salt Lake CC

Second team All-American (2021)
First team All-Conference
Second team Academic All-American
Team made nationals appearances in 2019 and 2021
Started all 56 games in 2021, hit .484 with 88 total hits

#9 Isabel Martinez

Isabel Martinez | Fr. | 5-5 | L/L | OF | Dale, Texas / Cedar Creek HS

Hit .513 as a senior with a .612 OBP and a 1.103 SLG
Team Captain - 2019, 2020, 2021
Diamond Thief Award - 2018, 2021
Academic All-District - 2018, 2019, 2021
Golden Glove Award - 2019
All-District Honorable Mention - 2019
Batting Champ Award - 2021
First Team All-District - 2021
Austin Area All-Star South Team - 2021

Mckenley Clark playing left field against Odessa College

#18 Mckenley Clark

Mckenley Clark | Fr. | 5-7 | L/R | OF | Waco, Texas / Midway HS

Lettered in softball and volleyball
Earned a first team all-district honor
All-State Academic

#25 Randi Davila

Miranda Davila | So. | 5-2 | L/R | OF | Belton, Texas / Belton HS

Career Highs

Hits: 1 (five times; last at McNeese, 4/17/21)
Runs: 1 (six times; last vs. UIW, 5/2/21)
Runs Batted In: 2 (at Houston Baptist, 3/12/21)
Walks: 1 (six times, last vs. SFA, 4/2/21)
Stolen Bases: 1 (three times, last vs. UIW, 5/2/21)

As a Freshman (2021)

Appeared in 31 games making 18 starts
Tallied five hits and six walks in minimal plate appearances
Had a season-high 2 RBI at HBU

You will see almost all new faces in the outfield yet each one is eager to go out and make an impact immediately. They will be aggressive, attacking each ball that comes their way while making accurate throws to give our infielders plenty of chances to make outs at the bases.

Defensive coach Caty Reeves