Softball Preview: Infielders

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville softball team will open the 2020 season in two weeks when the Cardinals head to Clearwater, Florida for the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic. In anticipation of opening weekend, GoCards.com will continue to provide a weekly positional preview with this week's edition featuring the infielders.

The Cardinals' infield will feature a balanced mix of veterans and newcomers with three returners and five newcomers who are capable of playing multiple positions.

First Base
Louisville will have a solid platoon of athletes contending for playing time at first base with junior Madison Ciaccio bringing two years of experience to the mix.

"Madison has shown a lot of improvement both mentally and physically through the fall and spring," said UofL head coach Holly Aprile. "She has good leadership qualities and has really helped our freshmen in the infield. We have seen some very positive growth in Madison offensively as well."

Redshirt freshman Eden Mayo (Grayson, Ky.) was impressive in the fall after being sidelined due to injury last season. The Grayson, Ky., native was named an All-NFCA second All-South Region and was a two-time all-state selection.

"Eden had difficult time with injuries a year ago, but she has battled back and she is ready to go," said
Aprile. "Eden has great energy in addition to being a versatile athlete with the ability to play several infield positions. I know she's excited to get out there and show what she can do."

When she isn't pitching, freshman Taja Felder could also see time at first base. The Fresno, Calif. native adds versatility and depth to the Cardinals having earned the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year for the all-Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) and a three-time all-TRAC selection.

"Taj is a strong athlete with a lot of raw physical power," said Aprile. "She swings a big bat from the left-hand side and we expect her to help us a lot both on the mound and at the plate; with some potential to see innings at first base as well."

Fellow freshman pitcher/utility player Payton Hudson also brings an impressive resume and talent to the 2020 Louisville squad. The McMinnville, Oregon native was named the 2019 News- Register Willamette Valley Player of the Year and a four-time Greater Valley All-League selection.

"We really value versatility and Payton is another one of our athletes that brings several skill sets to the table," said Aprile. "We are really looking forward to seeing what she can do both on the mound and at the plate where she swings a powerful bat."

Second Base
Junior Maddy Newman looks to resume her role at second base. Last season she finished the season with a .271 batting average and fifth on the team with 27 runs and six stolen bases. The two-year starter boasts a career .289 batting average with 14 stolen bases.

"Maddy is our infield general," said Aprile. "She's tough, she has a fiery attitude, and she has really shown a lot of great improvement over the past year and a half. Her speed has always been an asset, but I love her heart and enthusiasm. Together with Caitlin Ferguson, she sets the tone on the infield."

Shortstop
After turning in a solid season at shortstop in 2019, senior Caitlin Ferguson is primed to hold down the position this year. The three-year starter and 2018 NFCA All-Region selection led the team with nine doubles last season while adding three triples and four home runs.

"We have been really impressed with Ferg's development both mentally and physically at short," said Aprile. "Together with Maddy, she is doing a great job of commanding the infield and setting the standard for how we are going to play team defense. Ferg is swinging a strong bat as well and we expect nothing but great things from her in her senior season."

Third Base
The Cardinals will turn to a new third baseman following the graduation of two-time All-ACC selection Sidney Melton.

Freshman Jenna Servi brings speed and versatility to the infield and will contend for a starting role at third base after an impressive fall season. The Monterey, California, native was listed among Extra Inning Softball's Top 200 Players, earning all-league and all-county honors for Monterey High School and helping the Corona Gold 18U travel team to a third place at the PGF Premier Nationals.

"Jenna will likely spend most of her time at third base, but she is very capable at short and second as well," said Aprile. "She's a very coachable and has adapted well to third - which is a bit of a new position for her. She has solid speed and she plays the game hard."

Fellow rookie Elana Ornelas hails from nearby LaGrange, Ky., where she had an completed a solid career at Oldham County High School and earned all-state, all-region and district MVP honors.

"Elana has a very solid skill set," said Aprile. "She is probably the closest player that we have to being a five-tool athlete with solid speed, power, fielding, and arm strength. She has shown tremendous improvement through the fall and spring and is capable of playing several infield positions well."

University of Louisville Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Madison Ciaccio

Taja Felder

Caitlin Ferguson

Payton Hudson

Eden Mayo

Sidney Melton

Maddy Newman

Elana Ornelas

Jenna Servi

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