As a freshman, Jocelyn Alo burst on to the scene behind 73 hits and 30 homeruns with the Oklahoma Sooners. Setting the stage for what was to come, the utility player forced opposing hurlers to pitch around her throughout her career. However, Alo is now a senior and ready to smash her career highs set in 2018. On pace to do just that, the Sooner is one of three finalists for the 2021 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year.
Starting in all 47 games this season, Alo finds herself in the middle of a hard-hitting lineup. Without any weak points from top to bottom, pitchers can no longer throw around the well known hitter. This may come as a bit of surprise but only one team has elected to intentionally walk Alo. Instead, teeing off on certain pitches, the senior has accounted for 27 homeruns this season alone. Clearly doing most of her damage at the plate, the slugger has also batted in 75 runs this season on a .479 average.
The one aspect of the game that’s most often overlooked from an outfielder like Alo is the defense. Holding her own, the utility players claimed a 1.000 fielding percentage this year through 47 games. Of course, this number includes 17 putouts which makes the declaration that Alo is anything but a liability in the field. As a well rounded player, it’s easy to see why USA Softball included her as one of the finalists.
Can Alo interrupt the trend of a prize that has been regularly awarded to a pitcher?