By Paul Suellentrop
 
Wichita State baseball and softball are linked more than usual as the season nears, by more than similar equipment, rules and playing dates.

Expectations are high for both and to get there, both will likely score runs in different ways than in 2024.
 
Shocker softball, picked first in the American Athletic Conference coaches poll, opens the season in the GCU Kickoff Classic in Phoenix with games against Northern Illinois and Grand Canyon.

Shocker baseball, second in the AAC poll, open on Feb. 14 to start a series at McNeese State.
 
For softball, the status of favorite acknowledges the program's recent success – five regional appearances since 2016 – and a healthy number of returners compared to other AAC teams. The Shockers (28-22 last season, 16-11 AAC) lost in the AAC Championship game to Charlotte and didn't quite measure up for an at-large bid last spring. They want to play in an NCAA regional, as they did in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
 
"You learn from your struggles," coach Kristi Bredbenner said Tuesday at the team's media day. "You learn from your experiences. There's a target on our back."
 
Baseball hasn't played in an NCAA regional since 2013, but returns five of its top seven hitters. The Shockers (32-29, 15-12) also advanced to the AAC title game before losing to Tulane.
 
Coach Brian Green is clear about his expectations. The NCAA selection show is May 26 and regionals begin on May 30.
 
"Our vision is to play baseball in June in Wichita," he said.
 
Both teams relied on power last season. The softball team led the AAC with 75 home runs and a .524 slugging percentage. The baseball team hit 74 homers, third in the AAC, and the most for WSU since 2004 (78). Both teams lost their top sluggers (softball's Addison Barnard with 24; Derek Williams with 14 for baseball) and coaches believe they will need to use speed and execution this season.

Running for extra bases, moving runners, making contact, stealing bases are expected.
 
Bredbenner said her goal is to rank in the top 100 for steals nationally. Last season, WSU ranked last in the conference with 23 steals. The return of outfielder Lauren Lucas, out last season with a shoulder injury, and the addition of newcomers such as Ellee Eck and Jodie Epperson gives coaches good runners to work with. Shortstop Taylor Sedlacek hit 14 home runs last season, tops among returners.
 
"Up and down the lineup we've got some really good speed," Bredbenner said. "There are kids who can hit the ball to the gap and they're definitely going to get two if not three bases."

Green sees his lineup as faster and more athletic with returners such as infielders Camden Johnson and Jordan Rogers and the addition of outfielders Kaleb Duncan and Owen Washburn. First baseman Josh Livingston is back after hitting 11 home runs, five in the team's final six games.
 
"There are probably five guys you have to really consider who want to hit in the first inning," Green said. "Our thing is going to be finding balance, combining athleticism and speed."
 
With speed in the outfield and Sedlacek, second baseman Sami Hood and third baseman Krystin Nelson, Bredbenner is confident in her defense. Sophomore pitcher Chloe Barber and junior Alex Aguilar, hampered by an injury in 2024, are back. Freshman Ava Sliger enjoyed a strong fall and those three will likely start over the opening weekend.
 
Green's potential rotation is helped by the return of Grant Adler and Jace Miner, both of whom returned to WSU after playing elsewhere in 2024. Both earned all-conference honors in 2023 – Adler as a weekend starter and Miner as a reliever. Sophomores Brady Hamilton and Tyler Dobbs both started several games last season.
 
Green counts six or more Shockers as possible starters and is pleased with the balance of lefty and right-handed pitchers available in relief.
 
"We have a lot more depth," catcher Mauricio Millan said. "We have multiple options, where we're not relying on one guy. Bringing in Grant and Jace was huge, because they're experienced, older guys who have been here."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.