In The Circle D1Softball

Today's episode of In The Circle will be a unique show as we'll introduce you to the DSR (Diamond Sports Ranking). DSR Creator Forrest Allen and former Troy Head Coach Beth Mullins talk with Eric Lopez about what DSR is, what makes it different from the RPI, and why it's a more accurate rating system. Plus, Victor has questions about the latest Bracketology and he has an apology to make about Monday's episode.

Some shows need very little explanation on what's going on. THIS is one of those shows. Today, In The Circle is honored to have Monica Abbott back on the podcast for her first extensive conversation. She shares with Eric Lopez how she got interested in broadcasting, her book "Rise and Shine: The Monica Abbott Story", and her perspective since retiring from the game.



Abbott Interview Timeline

2:45-What got Monica interested in broadcasting

9:28-Staying in the loop at her alma mater

16:45-Would more data make Monica even better?

20:13-Life after retirement and the steps that led to her farewell to softball

28:36-Her book "Rise and Shine: The Monica Abbott Story"

39:10-Monica's advice on the Olympics and the famous story of her starting during the 2008 Olympics

Thursday means a new In The Circle on D1 Softball. Today, you'll hear from reigning D1 Softball Freshman of the Week Penn State Bridget Nemeth about her Nittany Lions' season so far.



You'll also hear from Marist Head Coach Joe Ausanio on his team leading the MAAC. He also looks back at his path into softball which includes pitching for the New York Yankees along with his time in pro wrestling.



Plus. Victor shares thoughts on the Wednesday night stunners and the series that will impact Eric's Bracketology the most.

While you prepare for Monday's Solar Eclipse, we're still in recovery mode from two titanic series. On today's In The Circle, Eric Lopez recaps OU/Texas with Justin McLeod from Austin and Rhiannon Potkey from Knoxville. Plus, Bronze Medal Olympian Joey Lye hops on to share how she is helping players with the mental aspect of the sport.

On a weekend where the landscape of both softball and sports entertainment will change, In The Circle has their biggest and longest episode to date on D1 Softball. Victor takes over hosting reigns this week and looks at some of the marquee series outside of the Power 5 he's looking forward to.



Afterwards, we head to Oxford, OH for a look at Miami Softball which has been blasting the ball out of the park at a record pace. Eric chats with the nation's home run leaders Jenna Golembiewski and Karli Spaid about their teams' success as well as their respective journeys to Miami. You'll also hear from Miami Head Coach Kirin Kumar about their trip to Norman, a small request for Patty Gasso, and her love for WWE including the return of The Rock plus her & E-Lo make picks for this weekend's Wrestlemania.



The show wraps up with Eric sharing his latest Bracketology and the matchups with the biggest impact. Plus, Victor shares his Wrestlemania picks as well.



SHOW BREAKDOWN

18:31-Interview with Miami OF Jenna Golembiewski

45:23-Interview with Miami INF Karli Spaid

1:16:52-Interview with Miami Head Coach Kirin Kumar

1:59:48-Thoughts on Bracketology

2:11:17-Victor's Wrestlemania Picks

It's the first of the month. It's April Fools Day. So, that means Eric and Victor are getting serious on today's episode of In The Circle. Don't worry, the jokes and sarcasm will be in abundance later in the show. The guys recap Oklahoma State's series win over Texas and Eric makes a bold declaration. Also, they make their weekly look around college softball which includes Houston & BYU having the game of the year and Duke making a loud statement in the ACC.



Then, Eric chats with Boston University Head Coach Ashley Waters. The 25th ranked Terriers are off to their best 30-game start in program history and have won eight straight. Coach Waters recaps her season so far and what has made this year's team so strong.



Also, our own Rhiannon Potkey joins the pod to give a first look at next weekend's mega-series between Oklahoma vs Texas and Tennessee vs Georgia. The show wraps up with Eric teasing one of our guests for Thursday's show.