2008 Woodie Awards
Home runs not enough to sweep Valpo
Underclassmen hit three in two-game split Wednesday
By: D.J. Palomares
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: Sports
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Sophomore first baseman Jill Schulz, sophomore second baseman Katie Greenman and freshman shortstop Brittini Merchant all hit their first career home runs in the 8-6 loss to the Crusaders at the CMU Softball Complex. The Chippewas won the first game 4-3.
"There was definitely a good energy about the game," Merchant said. "I think our offense finally came together, which wasn't the case over spring break. Now, it just comes down to putting it all together."
Valparaiso took an early lead in the first inning, when sophomore Whitney Warner capitalized with a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded. CMU sophomore pitcher Kari Seddon had loaded the bases with a walk and hit batsman. Central would never lead.
"Our defense let us down. The whole defense, pitching and defense," said CMU coach Margo Jonker. "Too many walks, too many getting behind the batters, too many errors."
The Chippewas won the first game of the series after losing a three-run lead in the top of the seventh inning.
"Communication I didn't think was good enough, and therefore we made some not so good plays on defense," Jonker said. "Even if they weren't errors, there were hits when there shouldn't have been hits. So when we needed to help out the pitching, we didn't make the play."
Central was able to hold the Crusaders scoreless until a three-run rally in the top of the seventh inning tied the game and sent it to the bottom half of the inning with the score tied.
"Christina Novak hit the ball really well for us," Jonker said. "We had a lot of power, so that was a bonus."
Sophomore right fielder Christina Novak drove in the winning RBI with a line-drive shot to right field. Junior center fielder Tracy Kaatz stole two bases in the first game, which extended her streak to 16 steals without being thrown out.
"We are going to start the Mid-American conference season playing much stronger than we did today," Jonker said. "We are going to turn things around on Friday."
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