Softball aims for consistency entering Mid-American Conference play
Central Michigan University's softball team has spent all of 2015 on the road and has managed an 8-13 record.
Finally the Chippewas head home this weekend hoping to turn their season around and gain momentum heading into its Mid-American Conference slate.
CMU begins MAC competition on Friday with a doubleheader at home against Miami University after a two-game series Tuesday at Valparaiso University.
Head Coach Margo Jonker said she is excited to begin a new campaign against MAC opponents after leading her team to a second-place finish in the MAC West in 2014 with a .500 conference record.
“We’re always looking forward to having a winning year, and to play to our potential,” Jonker said.
The Chippewas’ will play MAC series against Miami, Ball State University, Eastern Michigan University, Kent State University, the University at Buffalo, the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University during the season.
CMU’s road MAC contests include games at Ohio University, University of Akron, Western Michigan University and Northern Illinois University.
Jonker warned that Kent State is the top dog in the conference that the Chippewas and every other team in the league will have their eyes on. Yet, parity exists across the MAC, in Jonker’s opinion.
“You can’t forget anybody,” Jonker said. “Once we get into conference, everybody steps up their play. Anybody can come through and really turn it around.”
The team returns to Margo Jonker Stadium after finishing 6-6 at the University of South Florida Tournament March 6-14.
Despite the .500 performance in Clearwater, Fla., Jonker has seen some improvements in her squad.
“I think we are getting better,” Jonker said. “We are making adjustments that we have to make due to personnel changes that we didn’t anticipate. We are making adjustments and I think we are starting to understand who we are and what we need to do to be successful.”
The Chippewas are led on offense by senior third baseman Trista Cox and freshman outfielder Lacy Tolfree, who lead the team in hitting with a combined .306 batting average.
The duo has combined for 12 runs scored and 19 hits.
Jonker spoke highly of Tolfree’s speed, which has helped her steal 10 bases on 12 attempts.
“You have to be patient,” Jonker said. “It’s going to take some time. I think (the freshman) are getting better in all aspects of the game and realizing what it’s like to play at this level.”
The Chippewas have found a fair amount of power hitting so far this season. Cox and junior infielders Katelyn Rentschler and Chelsea DeLamielleure each have hit two home runs this season for CMU.
Sophomore infielder Kristen Goodall and freshman catcher Maison Kalina each have gone deep as well.
Jonker said CMU’s power hitting needs to be more consistent against MAC competition.
“I think it’s been at times it has been really good and at times not, so it’s the consistency,” Jonker said. “There are a lot of positives. We just need to put it all together on every given day.”
In the circle, the Chippewas are led by sophomore right-hander Rachael Knapp, who has compiled a record of 5-5 with a 2.38 earned-run average and opponents are hitting .215 against her this season.
Freshmen Hanna Warren and Taylor Weaver have combined to win three games for the Chippewas in the early going.
Jonker said her young pitching staff is a work in progress, much like the rest of her team.
“I think every year we need to be more consistent on all ends. We need to put all the pieces together,” Jonker said. “We’re going to need to play with energy and enthusiasm throughout the year.”
