Softball's final preparation for MAC play with Hoosier Classic
The Central Michigan softball team takes a five-game winning streak to Bloomington, Ind. for the Hoosier Classic this weekend.
CMU begins the weekend against North Dakota (8-15) today at 12:15 p.m. The Chippewas play a second game against Indiana (11-13) at 4:45 p.m.
Head coach Margo Jonker said it is most important for the team to continue to improve ahead of what she said looks to be a formidable conference schedule. She said the team's main goal has been and will continue to be weekly improvement.
"If we continue to play that type of team softball, we'll have a fun weekend," Jonker said. "Play the game well physically, as well as mentally; get the lead run when appropriate, get the outs when appropriate ... The conference looks to be pretty strong this year, and we need to take advantage of each opportunity we get to take the field."
Saturday, CMU will play two games beginning at 10 a.m. The opener is against the University of Illinois-Chicago, and then the Chippewas play Michigan State (7-15) is at 12:15 p.m.
The final game of the weekend is Sunday against Wright State (7-9) at 2:30 p.m.
It is the last tune-up before facing Mid-American Conference opponents throughout the rest of the season.
Jonker said a large reason the Chippewas (8-9) have a five-game winning streak is because of improvements in the team's young talent. A majority of the team are underclassmen — four freshmen and eight sophomores.
"Our freshmen have stepped up," Jonker said. "We have quite a young infield, with CarolAnn (Sexauer) and Chelsea (DeLamielleure)."
Jonker said the players' efforts in after-practice workouts have also contributed to better play. She said she noticed the extra work by junior utility-woman Summer Knoop.
"A lot of them have put in a lot of extra time, but Summer has put in a lot more," Jonker said.
