2008 Woodie Awards
Home schedule begins today
By: D.J. Palomares
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Sports
The softball team will begin its home season at 2 p.m. today with a doubleheader against Valparaiso at the CMU Softball Complex.
CMU has not taken the field since March 9 against Villanova in Clearwater, Fla., in a game it won 5-1.
"We are all really excited to play again," said junior pitcher Ali Pettit. "It seems like a very long time since we last played, and I think we are definitely looking forward to being back on the field."
Central had a doubleheader scheduled for March 19 against the University of Illinois-Chicago in Chicago, but winter weather caused the trip to be canceled.
Wednesday marks the first time Central will host the Crusaders (12-7 overall) in more than 10 years. CMU is looking to win its sixth consecutive home opener. Despite Tuesday's wintry mix, today's forecast calls for sunny skies and a high temperature of 44 degrees.
"Playing at home is always a lot of fun," Pettit said. "There is nothing like running out onto our field and playing in front of our fans."
This season, the Chippewas (7-9) have a mix of power and speed on offense.
"We have a lot of foot speed; we have some power hitters," said coach Margo Jonker. "So we can do a mix of speed and power. That is the greatest aspect we have offensively."
Junior outfielder Tracy Kaatz has established herself as one of the fastest runners on the team. Kaatz is coming off a game against Villanova in which she bunted on her first time at bat then stole second and third base. She went on to score off a wild throw.
"Tracy Kaatz is extremely fast - she is a speedster," Jonker said. "She is so much fun to watch. And surprisingly, Christina Novak also is very fast."
Kaatz and Novak, a sophomore outfielder, have utilized their speed so far this season. Both have yet to be thrown out while stealing.
Valparaiso has lost three of its five extra-inning games. The Crusaders lost 4-3 in nine innings Monday to Ball State at home.
The Chippewas have played only one extra-inning game this season, a 7-5 win in eight innings against Maine in Clearwater.
"Right now it is all about preparing our team for whatever comes about," Jonker said.
sports@cm-life.com
CMU has not taken the field since March 9 against Villanova in Clearwater, Fla., in a game it won 5-1.
"We are all really excited to play again," said junior pitcher Ali Pettit. "It seems like a very long time since we last played, and I think we are definitely looking forward to being back on the field."
Central had a doubleheader scheduled for March 19 against the University of Illinois-Chicago in Chicago, but winter weather caused the trip to be canceled.
Wednesday marks the first time Central will host the Crusaders (12-7 overall) in more than 10 years. CMU is looking to win its sixth consecutive home opener. Despite Tuesday's wintry mix, today's forecast calls for sunny skies and a high temperature of 44 degrees.
"Playing at home is always a lot of fun," Pettit said. "There is nothing like running out onto our field and playing in front of our fans."
This season, the Chippewas (7-9) have a mix of power and speed on offense.
"We have a lot of foot speed; we have some power hitters," said coach Margo Jonker. "So we can do a mix of speed and power. That is the greatest aspect we have offensively."
Junior outfielder Tracy Kaatz has established herself as one of the fastest runners on the team. Kaatz is coming off a game against Villanova in which she bunted on her first time at bat then stole second and third base. She went on to score off a wild throw.
"Tracy Kaatz is extremely fast - she is a speedster," Jonker said. "She is so much fun to watch. And surprisingly, Christina Novak also is very fast."
Kaatz and Novak, a sophomore outfielder, have utilized their speed so far this season. Both have yet to be thrown out while stealing.
Valparaiso has lost three of its five extra-inning games. The Crusaders lost 4-3 in nine innings Monday to Ball State at home.
The Chippewas have played only one extra-inning game this season, a 7-5 win in eight innings against Maine in Clearwater.
"Right now it is all about preparing our team for whatever comes about," Jonker said.
sports@cm-life.com
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