Softball to host Valparaiso for home opener
The Central Michigan softball team will play its first home game of the season at Margo Jonker Stadium on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in a double-header against Valpariso.
CMU has spent the first month of its season traveling to warmer climates playing in tournaments. The team has traveled to Georgia, California and Florida to play a total of 23 games. It has an 11-12 record.
The Chippewas’ nonconference schedule has featured highly ranked opponents, including No. 25 Texas A&M, No. 11 Washington and No. 9 Arizona, who CMU defeated.
“We’re really excited about being home," said Head Coach Margo Jonker. "It’s always nice to have a little bit of a home crowd and to be playing on our home field.”
Valparaiso comes into the contest with an overall record of 3-15, winning three of its last seven contests.
“Records mean nothing; it’s who plays on a given day," Jonker said. "We certainly won’t be paying attention to that stuff. It’s all about how we do — not about our opponents.”
Jonker has not decided on a starting lineup or pitcher for the game, which has a 2 p.m. start time. She will wait until closer towards game time to let her team know.
Currently leading the team with wins, innings pitched and strikeouts, junior pitcher Rachael Knapp said, “We go out and play our game and don’t really focus on our opponent.”
One of the driving forces in the Chippewas’ offense has been senior first baseman Katelyn Rentschler, who is leading the team in RBIs and home runs.
“I’ve just been trying to stay loose and not do too much, just swing," Rentschler said. "I think this team has potential to be great.”
Tuesday’s double-header will be CMU's final nonconference competition of the season before heading into the Mid-American Conference opener at Kent State on March 25. CMU will also travel to East Lansing to face off against the Spartans on March 30.
