THOMPSON: Now's the time for CMU softball to determine its identity


Last year the Detroit Tigers went into the All Star break in first place in the American League Central and in position to head to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

They came back from the break to being swept in Cleveland as apart of completely collapsing over the next month to quickly drop off the playoff radar.

If the Tigers would have picked themselves up after that four-game sweep against the Indians, they could have still been in the hunt. But they collapsed with injuries and players slumping to start the break 5-19.

CMU softball is facing a situation somewhat similar to what the Tigers faced after the Indians sweep. They went 1-3 this weekend in heart-breaking fashion to two teams they should have beaten, just like the Tigers should have beaten the Indians then.

But the Chippewas have an opportunity to not be like the 2010 Tigers. They can pick themselves up and, instead of collapsing, finish the season strong. They still have six more Mid-American Conference games left to play. It’s most likely too late to catch Ball State, but still an opportunity.

They also have an opportunity to give themselves some great momentum heading into the MAC tournament.

This past weekend, although it yielded bad results, should have given many CMU hitters confidence. Seniors Amanda Patrick and Kari Seddon each hit two homers, while junior Molly Coldren hit three just on Saturday.

Sophomore Macy Merchant had a two-hit, three-hit and four-hit games. Freshman Brittney Horan had a three-hit game along with Seddon, Patrick and Coldren.

The bats were clearly warm, scoring 15 runs on Saturday alone. If the pitchers can get back to their non-conference form CMU is still a team to be reckoned with, especially come tournament time.

It’s also vital the Chippewas finish the MAC at home. They are 9-1 at home this season, while just 2-6 on the road in conference play.

The Chippewas are at the boiling point of the season much like the Tigers last year in mid-July. Will they finish strong and continue their home dominance, or collapse facing adversity much like the Tigers did last season?

Only time will tell.

Share: