Softball faces MSU in home opener
Today is the first time the Central Michigan softball team will not have to pack and ride a bus to a game this season.
The Chippewas 28th game will be the first home game Michigan State at 4 p.m. at Margo Jonker Stadium.
CMU (14-13) played in a one-pitch scrimmage in preparation for its first home game. Assistant coach Joanna Lane said it's the first time the team has played a one-pitch scrimmage.
"We talked about being aggressive at the plate. This will help us with that," Lane said. "We want to be more aggressive with pitching. This will help us with that also."
CMU beat MSU (10-23) 8-4 March 17 at Bloomington, Ind. in the Hoosier Classic. The Chippewas had nine hits. A six-run sixth inning propelled the CMU making the score 7-4.
Sophomore pitcher Chelsea Sundberg earned the win and sophomore pitcher Morgan Yuncker earned a save with a one-two-three ninth inning.
Lane said the game may have slightly more emotion, considering 19-year MSU coach Jacquie Joseph played for CMU head coach Margo Jonker in the mid-1980's.
"I think there's always one of those games that has a little bit more emotion than others," Lane said.
Lane said the starting pitcher is unknown and is typically a game-time decision. Starting pitchers are decided based on the condition of the pitchers and game plans finalized hours before the game.
MSU is ranked No. 116 in the NCAA Division I softball rankings. CMU is No. 118.
WHO TO WATCH
Senior infielder Molly Coldren said she's been a lot more confident this year than in years past.
"I think it's more of it being my fourth year and facing the pitchers before," Coldren said. "Confidence is huge at the collegiate level. We're confident, but I don't think we can take (MSU) for granted."
"I think we're excited," Coldren said about the first home game. "There's a different feeling about home games. It's more positive."
She's hitting .370 with 25 RBIs and six home runs. She is also just one of two players on the team — the other is junior outfielder Macy Merchant — that have hit a triple.
KEY STAT
CMU has 37 stolen bases in 47 attempts. Opponents have 19 stolen bases in 24 attempts.
MSU has 35 stolen bases in 45 attempts. Opponents have 38 stolen bases in 45 attempts.
Lane said the team's stolen bases numbers may be skewed because the team does a lot of hit-and-run plays.
