Think of Thelma and Louise, Wayne and Garth, even Mario and Luigi… sometimes iconic duos are more memorable together than they would be as individuals.
Successful offenses require a team effort, but often, the best offensive attacks are led by a couple of players who are maybe just a bit above their competion and maybe even members of their own team when they’re at the plate. Those are who we’re celebrating today – some of the best 1-2 offensive punches in college softball.
Tiare Jennings & Grace Lyons, Oklahoma
Last year, Oklahoma may not have made this list of offensive duos because it would have been impossible to eliminate one of Jennings, Lyons, or Jocelyn Alo. The three helmed the OU offense, a duty that now falls to Jennings and Lyons to evenly split. Both are do-it-all, top-of-the-lineup hitters who can park bombs over the fence at a regular pace.
Sydney McKinney & Addison Barnard, Wichita State
The Shockers’ pair of All-Americans will shock no one this season, as both have quickly become household names in the sport. McKinney is a stellar defender and led the nation in batting average last season, while Barnard has garnered acclaim for her tremendous home run power. The pair played a hefty role in Wichita State finishing second in the nation in home runs per game and third nationally in team batting average.
Kayla Kowalik & Erin Coffel, Kentucky
Kowalik led the nation in batting average a couple of years ago, vaulting her own status from very good to great in the span of a few months. Coffel is on a similar plane and, together, the duo are the cornerstones of the UK offense. Any success that the Wildcats have at the plate and on the offensive side of the ball this season will likely involve one or both of their stars.
Allie Skaggs & Carlie Scupin, Arizona
When the loss of some key offensive players is mitigated by the talent level of players who remain on the roster, you know the returners must be something. Skaggs and Scupin are the leaders of the Wildcats’ offensive attack; Skaggs, an All-American and last season’s PAC-12 home run champion, is the headliner on the lineup card, but Scupin both protects her in the lineup and is a player that opposing pitchers like to work around whenever possible.
Skylar Wallace & Charla Echols, Florida
The multi-faceted threat that Wallace presents is complimented well by Echols’ steady, laid-back approach at the plate. Wallace emerged to greater heights last year, while Echols put up solid numbers in what could still be seen as a “down” year for her – the duo together are lethal, though, and deadly in the top part of the Gators’ batting order.
McKenzie Clark & Valerie Cagle, Clemson
Either Clark or Cagle held the top spot in nearly every offensive category for the Tigers last year; Clark took the top spot in batting average, doubles, runs scored, and hits, while Cagle led in RBIs and at-bats. Neither took the team lead in home runs, but both were, are, and will continue to be offensive stalwarts at the helm of a Clemson offense that could move to new heights this season.
Violet Zavodnik & Huntyr Ava, BYU
A pair of offensive standouts out in Provo, neither player may have received the attention she deserves for her individual efforts but as a pair, the Cougars’ own stars have not gotten their due. Zavodnik should have been an All-American last season, but it was actually Ava who led the BYU roster in batting average (by nine points) a year ago. Both are also tremendous run producers.
