After being ranked second in the Mid-American Conference, the Central Michigan softball team was shocked by their early exit from the Mid-American Conference tournament on May 8th.

“I think that we were definitely disappointed about the result of the tournament,” said junior pitcher Ali Pettit. “We went in to the tournament with the expectation to win it all. Sometimes it doesn’t work out the way you plan.”

The Chippewas were eliminated from the MAC tournament after consecutive losses to Ball State and Ohio.

Sophomore Kari Seddon received the loss in both games, but struck out 11 and gave up a total of six hits.

The CMU offense did not compete up to its usual standard and was shutout Thursday for the first time since March 9 against Purdue.

“Our bats went silent. We were not sharp,” said coach Margo Jonker. “I felt we still had more to give, but it did not come through in Akron.”

Being one of the teams to beat in the tournament, Central faced off against opponents who knew to play at their highest level.

“Other teams seemed to have a point to prove,” Jonker said. “Ohio really stepped up in this tournament.”

Ohio lost to Bowling Green in the first round, but beat the Falcons twice in a row to make it to the championship game.

The Bobcats lost 5-0 to Kent State in the MAC Championship game Saturday.

Kent State was dominant in the tournament, never losing a game. It’s closest game was a 3-2 first round victory over Akron that went to the tenth inning.

Kent State senior Jamie Fitzpatrick was named tournament MVP after hitting a grand slam against Ball State that advanced the Golden Flashes to the championship game.

“To win that tournament the team has to step up its level of play,” Jonker said. “When each player steps up a little the team’s performance takes a giant step up. It didn’t happen this year.”

Central finished its season losing its last six games, but still finished with the best record in the MAC West.

“I was proud of how the majority of the MAC season went” Jonker said. “I thought our team competed well. I believe we have a bright future. We have to have everyone buy in totally to win the conference and conference tourney. Hopefully next year that will happen.”

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