Softball Advances in MAC Tournament behind Knapp shutout
Sophomore pitcher Rachael Knapp throws to a Ball State batter Saturday at Margo Jonker Stadium. The Chippwas fell to the Cardinals, 14-7.
Backed behind a complete game shutout by sophomore pitcher Rachael Knapp, No. 4 Central Michigan University softball will advance to the next round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. CMU defeated in-state rival No. 5 Western Michigan University 2-0 in the opening round of the tournament.
From the start of the game, Knapp was in control. She allowed only four hits, recorded seven strikeouts, allowed no walks and had the Broncos pop up 11 times for fly-ball outs. It was Knapp’s 16th win of the season.
“Defensively we played really well, it was key for this game,” said CMU head coach Margo Jonker.
For Jonker, being able to win with younger players is important for the team to keep moving through the tournament.
“You want to stay in the winners bracket," Jonker said. "With a lot of new players on the playing field, for them to get one win it helps a lot."
CMU recorded both runs in the second inning to send the Broncos to the losers bracket. Sophomore first baseman Kristen Goodall and senior infielder Karly Hansen collected the RBI’s to give the Chippewas the lead. Senior right fielder Kristen Kuhlman recorded two hits in the win.
“It’s huge we came out with that win," Kuhlman said. "We knew what to expect and knew the adjustments we had to make from when we played them before."
The tournament game marked the third time the two teams have met in the 2014-2015 season. CMU has taken all three games against the Broncos, outscoring WMU 15-4 on the season.
CMU will advance to the next round and will play the winner of Wednesday's No. 1 Kent State University and No. 8 Ohio University game tomorrow at 1 p.m.
