2008 Woodie Awards
Homestand continues Tuesday as softball hosts Detroit Mercy
By: D.J. Palomares
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Sports
Tracy Kaatz's 26 stolen bases last season tied her for fourth all-time in CMU softball single-season history.
She was only thrown out three times. This season, Kaatz has continued to impress.
"It is important for the team to have anyone in scoring position," Kaatz said. "My role on the team is to get on base any way possible and get into scoring position for our hitters."
The junior centerfielder looks to continue her current streak of 19 consecutive steals starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday against the University of Detroit Mercy at the CMU Softball Complex. Central also hosts the Titans at 4 p.m.
The junior centerfielder has yet to be thrown out and will try to reach 20 stolen bases against the Titans.
"Kaatz is a player that is really important for us to get on base," said coach Margo Jonker. "Because if she can hit a single, most of the time she can get to second."
The Chippewas (11-11 overall, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) control the all-time series 25-2, and have not lost to the Titans since 1987.
Detroit Mercy (5-13 overall, 0-3 Horizon League) has struggled with its run production thus far. Only five players with more than 30 at-bats possess a batting average of more than .200.
Get the Titans down early, and it's hard for them to come back. The team has yet to win a game in which it is trailing after the first inning.
UDM lost 10-0 and 3-2 to Valparaiso on Saturday in a home doubleheader, but responded Sunday with a 7-4 win.
"They are in-state competition who we try to play as much as we can," Jonker said. "We need to play some games in order to keep the rhythm going, and that's what we are trying to do against Detroit."
CMU, a winner in three of its four weekend games, used its pitcing and defense to its advantage. Central held its opponents - Western Michigan and Northern Illinois - to two runs in that three-game span.
"The defense has been big lately," said sophomore pitcher Kari Seddon. "That brings a lot of confidence in myself. Knowing that they are there, behind me to bail me out if I need them."
With a series sweep, the Chippewas can improve to a winning record for the first time since Feb. 29, when they were 3-2.
sports@cm-life.com
She was only thrown out three times. This season, Kaatz has continued to impress.
"It is important for the team to have anyone in scoring position," Kaatz said. "My role on the team is to get on base any way possible and get into scoring position for our hitters."
The junior centerfielder looks to continue her current streak of 19 consecutive steals starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday against the University of Detroit Mercy at the CMU Softball Complex. Central also hosts the Titans at 4 p.m.
The junior centerfielder has yet to be thrown out and will try to reach 20 stolen bases against the Titans.
"Kaatz is a player that is really important for us to get on base," said coach Margo Jonker. "Because if she can hit a single, most of the time she can get to second."
The Chippewas (11-11 overall, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) control the all-time series 25-2, and have not lost to the Titans since 1987.
Detroit Mercy (5-13 overall, 0-3 Horizon League) has struggled with its run production thus far. Only five players with more than 30 at-bats possess a batting average of more than .200.
Get the Titans down early, and it's hard for them to come back. The team has yet to win a game in which it is trailing after the first inning.
UDM lost 10-0 and 3-2 to Valparaiso on Saturday in a home doubleheader, but responded Sunday with a 7-4 win.
"They are in-state competition who we try to play as much as we can," Jonker said. "We need to play some games in order to keep the rhythm going, and that's what we are trying to do against Detroit."
CMU, a winner in three of its four weekend games, used its pitcing and defense to its advantage. Central held its opponents - Western Michigan and Northern Illinois - to two runs in that three-game span.
"The defense has been big lately," said sophomore pitcher Kari Seddon. "That brings a lot of confidence in myself. Knowing that they are there, behind me to bail me out if I need them."
With a series sweep, the Chippewas can improve to a winning record for the first time since Feb. 29, when they were 3-2.
sports@cm-life.com
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