By LARRY VAUGHT
“I have never only wanted one (catcher) but it worked out that way because the other catches were better in other spots,” the Kentucky coach said.
“I have always tried to recruit two every day starters (at catcher),” Lawson said. “It really affects their legs when it comes to offensive performance (when they catch too much). It would be my preference to have two.
“Because Kentucky is not dealing with the same (NIL) money and depth, what you see on the field is what you get. It’s hard to develop players when you put all your money into one spot. I am looking forward to when we have a couple (of catchers) and can save their legs, not get them beat up and help their offensive production.”
Junior Karissa Hamilton was ranked as the No. 27 catcher nationally in her recruiting class and has played in 97 games the last two years. She has driven in 32 runs and hit .217 but last year dit hit .250 in 52 games and drove in 23 runs.
Ella Emmert, a redshirt junior, has played in only 13 games at UK with only two hits.
Senior Hallie Mitchell has the most experience as she has played in 109 games the last three years but hit only .194 with 35 runs scored and 10 RBI’s.
“Hallie Mitchell is completely different physically,” Lawson said. “She has done a good job buying into nutrition. She was awesome offensively (in the fall) and did a really good job behind the dish. She can also play in the outfield.
“Ellas will get more time behind the dish. Karissa is a lot calmer behind the dish. She has really improved her receiving skills. She can really pick balls because she’s doing a better job anticipating the pitch.”
In the first round games, Mitchell and Hamilton both started two games and Emmert played in two games.
