Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Sports

Senior leftfielder Suzie Giroux makes contact with a pitch Friday during CMU's 2-1 win against Western Michigan at the CMU Softball Complex. [Click to enlarge]

Sophomore pitcher Kari Seddon winds up to pitch Friday in the second game of CMU's doubleheader with Western Michigan. CMU won the game 2-1 as Seddon only allowed one hit. [Click to enlarge]

Ali Pettit found herself in a familiar jam with two runners in scoring position with one out and the tying run up to the plate on Saturday against Northern Illinois.

But the junior pitcher was able to rely on her defense as she had all day to retire the final two NIU batters, and the Chippewas finished the weekend 3-1 in the Mid-American Conference.

"If we can do that every weekend we will be in good shape," said coach Margo Jonker. "Its important to get off to a good start. Especially since some of our opponents weren't able to get games in due to the weather."



The defense set the tone early as senior catcher Ellen Venker threw out the first two NIU runners attempting to steal second base in the first game. The Huskies were only able to steal three bases against Venker for the series.

"Beating Northern Illinois in both games was big for us because we lost to them last year," Jonker said. "It may be the best pitching performance, on the day, that we've had all year."

The two teams were originally scheduled to play single games on Saturday and Sunday, but the threat of inclement weather forced a doubleheader on Saturday.

Pettit and sophomore pitcher Kari Seddon were able to keep senior third baseman Michelle Nendza, NIU's leader in RBI and batting average, hitless in the series.

Sophomore Katie Greenman gave Central an early lead in the second game with a home run in the bottom of the second inning. The Chippewas would not give up the lead.

Greenman recorded four RBIs during the weekend.

"Katie Greenman hit the heck out of the ball," Jonker said. "She did a great job hitting this weekend."



Friday split

Seddon gave up only one hit to Western Michigan in CMU's 2-1 win on Friday.

Western's lone run came on a passed ball after Seddon walked two in the first inning.

"It was a little rough at first - I gave up a few too many walks," Seddon said. "But as I got comfortable on the mound, I started to hit my spots and play my game."

Central's only runs came in the third inning, when senior leftfielder Suzie Giroux doubled home Tracy Kaatz and Kim Cozat. Giroux went 3-for-6 at the plate and had two RBIs in the series.

"I thought Suzie looked relaxed at the plate. She looked like she was in control," Jonker said. "She is one of our senior leaders so that's very helpful."

CMU opened the weekend with a 3-1 loss to the Broncos. The Chippewas had seven hits in the game, but left seven runners on base.

"I didn't feel as we were as offensively strong as we should have been," Jonker said. "We had opportunities and we left runners on. We need to start taking advantage of those opportunities."

Despite the winning record, Jonker said there is still room for improvement. The team committed at least one error in every game and had nine total.

"We had too many defensive miscues," Jonker said. "Part of it is youth, part of it is lack of being outside, and part of it is lack of concentration. It's also the cold - it is not as easy as it looks when its this cold outside."



sports@cm-life.com

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