Tag: Kyleigh Sand

Kyleigh Sand & Morgan Smith earn All-Region honors

Some bog honors have rolled in for Rutgers softball.

For Rutgers softball, the 2023 season ended in disappointing fashion with a loss to Ohio State in the first round of the Big Ten tournament. While their focus has shifted to the 2024 campaign, the past few months have been full of unforgettable moments. Many of those were provided by Kyleigh Sand and Morgan Smith, who were honored for their stellar play on May 18th.

Sand was named First Team All-Great Lakes Region and Smith was named Second Team All-Great Lakes Region. For the Scarlet Knights duo, their achievement comes as no surprise to those in Piscataway.

Last week’s announcement marked the second straight year Sand became a first-team all-region honoree. During the 2023 campaign, she was a force offensively. The California native led Rutgers in stolen bases with 26, triples with three, and runs with 54. Her dominance did not stop there; she ranked ninth in the Big Ten in batting average and second in hits with 71.

While Sand thrived in the infield, Smith a force in the outfield. The LSU transfer led Rutgers with 46 RBIs while posting a .357 batting average. She also gave Rutgers a boost in the field, as she only committed one error and recorded 92 putouts. She made an immediate impact and became a crucial part of Rutgers success.

Due to the contributions from Sand and Smith, Rutgers won 32 games, its highest total since 1994.  They will be looking to build on their success next spring and continue to rewrite the program’s record book.

 

 

Rutgers spring athletics provide mixed results in the third week of April

With the spring season starting to wind down, Rutgers spring athletics are beginning to shift their focus to tournament play.

With the spring season starting to wind down, Rutgers spring athletics are beginning to shift their focus to tournament play. Men’s lacrosse has already had its season finale, with other teams just a little behind. However, with wins at a premium, Rutgers athletics has had mixed results over the last week.

After getting off to a hot start, softball has lost six straight. The Scarlet Knights have struggled, particularly against Ohio State and Penn State. This weekend they have a chance to get back in the win column with a series against Indiana.

While softball has struggled, Rutgers baseball has been hard to stop over the last week. The Scarlet Knights have won three straight, and Christian Coppola recently made national headlines. Heading into play on Saturday, they are eighth in the Big Ten standings.

In a week full of ups and downs, Rutgers had plenty of memorable moments.

Check out what is going on with spring sports around Rutgers!

Kyleigh Sand has been a bright spot for Rutgers softball

Rutgers softball is getting a strong return from Kyleigh Sand.

During the first few weeks of the 2023 softball season, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. With a 17-10 record and ahead of conference play, they are seventh in the conference trailing Penn State, Maryland, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. During their promising start, they have been led by Kyleigh Sand.

In 27 games this season, the California native has posted a .432 batting average and stolen a team-high 22 bases. She has been an on-base machine and recorded 41 total bases, which is second on the team. Although she has shown little power, Sand makes a difference with her legs.

Due to her ability to get on base, Sand is a threat whenever she steps in the box. The talented Junior has only gone hitless in seven games during the 2023 campaign and added two multi-hit games to her resume this month. The Rutgers shortstop has also come through with runners in scoring position as she has ten runs batted in this season.

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As the Scarlet Knights look to move up in the Big Ten standings, Sand will be a crucial piece. The Norco High School product creates opportunities for her teammates with her speed and has been solid defensively. Those qualities will be critical as Rutgers looks to earn a playoff berth later this season.

Although she has struggled recently, Sand has already shown how valuable she can be.

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Morgan Smith is providing a spark in the batter’s box and on the mound

Rutgers softball is getting a major impact from transfer Morgan Smith.

Through the first 20 games of the 2023 campaign, Rutgers softball has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights have gotten off to a 16-4 start and won five of their last six games. During their impressive start, Morgan Smith has been crucial to their success.

A transfer from LSU, Smith has been a revelation for Rutgers.

In 59 at-bats, Smith has 20 runs batted in and a team-leading six doubles. She has added two home runs to her resume and is one of three Scarlet Knights with 20 or more hits. So far, the Phoenix, AX native has proven to be a sparkplug offensively.

Additionally, she has been a threat when she gets on base with four stolen bases. Only Kyleigh Sand has more, with 21. Rutgers ability to steal bases has helped put pressure on their opponents. So far this season, they have stolen 44 bases and have only been caught five times. Smith has been a big part of that.

When the talented Junior is not in the batter’s box, she has also made a difference on the mound. In 26.1 innings of work, she has posted a 2.13 ERA. So far this season, the Pinnacle High School product has struck out 24 batters and allowed one home run.

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While the season is far from over, Smith has been a bright spot. Her value lies in her ability to impact a game, whether she is in the batter’s box or on the mound. She will be an important piece as the Scarlet Knights look to continue their success.

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