The Georgia Bulldog’s 2024 season will be the third under head coach Tony Baldwin. Georgia finished 2023 with a 41 and 15 overall record along with finishing second in the SEC with a 16 and 7 record. They were eliminated from post-season tournament play in the Super Regional round ending their 2023 season.
Returning virtually their entire starting lineup this season Georgia has to have their eyes on winning their first Softball National Championship in 2024 barring any unpredictable happenings like player injuries or bad luck. The Georgia lineup will look a lot like last years with speedster Dallas Goodnight in center field, Jadya Kearney in right field, and Jaiden Fields in left field. Along with Sydney Chambley at first, Sydney Kuma at second, Ellie Armistead at shortstop and Sara Mosley holding down the hot base at third. Transfer Sarah Gordon behind the plate and Lyndi Rae Davis as the designated hitter. Jaydyn Goodwin will also be seeing game time in both the outfield and infield.
The Bulldogs have a solid pitching staff with returners, Shelby Walters and Madison Kerpics. Along with newcomers, left-handed transfer Lilli Backes and right-hander Rachel Gibson.
Gibson, who while not getting much playing time at Clemson, Georgia head coach Baldwin has high hopes for her. He said. “Rachel will strengthen our pitching staff. She is explosive and has a very live arm. We believe her potential is through the roof! We are excited to add her to our group as we believe her best days are ahead of her.” Gibson, a right-handed pitcher, is a Georgia native returning home after two seasons spent playing for Clemson.
Another transfer Lilli Backes is a left-handed pitcher from North Carolina. She made 39 appearances last season leading the Tar Heels with a 2.79 E R A in 180.2 innings of work. She also struck out 156 batters and had a 16 and 14 record, with 15 complete games.
Transfer Sarah Gordon is a catcher/utility player from Louisville with three seasons of eligibility left. Gordon started all 56 games for the Cardinals at catcher, first base, or as the designated player as a freshman. She hit .379, finishing second on the team with 66 hits, 41 runs, and 49 RBI’s. She registered 20 multi-hit games and led the team with 14 multi-RBI performances. On the base paths, she was a perfect 8-for-8.
The Bulldogs have also added three talented freshmen for this season, infielders, Emily Digby and Hannah Davila along with utility player Emma Castorri.
Time will tell but Georgia looks very strong on paper going into this season with all their experienced returners along with strategic transfer additions and a solid pitching staff that makes them a favorite to win their first NCAA Division 1 softball championship this year behind the guidance of head coach Tony Baldwin.