CMU softball scores 31 runs in three games, beating Buffalo twice in three game series
Chippewas move to fifth in the Mid-American Conference
Central Michigan University sophomore utility player Ashley Bila stands at first base at the softball game at Margo Jonker Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
With two players on base and the game tied at two apiece, senior Angela Petrovitch had a chance to take the lead at the top of the fifth for the Central Michigan softball team. On a 2-1 count, Petrovitch swung and hit the ball right between the centerfielder and rightfielder, scoring both sophomore London Williams and junior Grace Koenig.
The lead not only cemented their 5-2 win for the day, but also for the series.
The Chippewas faced the University of Buffalo in a Mid-American Conference series in Buffalo from April 17 through 18. The first day was a doubleheader, with the second being a stand-alone game.
CMU started off its doubleheader against the Bulls with a mercy-rule win, 16-7.
In the sixth of the shortened game's seven innings, the Chippewas scored ten runs.
Central Michigan head coach McCall Salmon said that the offensive outburst was to be expected.
“I think, obviously, hitters had prepared really well by our assistant coach, Faith Hensley, and going into the weekend, we knew from their pitching staff, they were going to give up a lot of runs,” Salmon said. “But also on the flip side, they're an extremely good hitting team.”
Even with Central Michigan dominating throughout the first part of the day, they had to switch pitchers while up 8-4 in the latter part of their two games, as the Bulls had three players on base.
CMU senior Cierra Laska, who is third in the nation in saves, was subbed in to close out another game.
However, in her first pitching at-bat of the day, the Bulls hit a grand slam to tie the game.
Although all hope was not lost, the Chippewas could not stop Buffalo's momentum, giving up two more runs in the next inning and losing 10-8.
Central Michigan University freshman pitcher Aubrey Strelow prepares to pitch at Margo Jonker Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Throughout the series, Salmon cited freshman pitcher Aubrey Strelow as a key contributor to CMU’s success.
“In our two games yesterday, she was our only pitcher that didn't give up an earned run against them,” Salmon said. “She had nine strikeouts in the previous two games, so we really wanted to attack them with a lefty approach, and I thought her change-up was gonna keep them off balance. She proved that to be the case today.”
On the hitting side, Salmon tipped her hat to three of her batters.
“Jenna Kuzara and London Williams both had great weekends at the plate. Big time at bats and big time situations, same with Angela Petrovitch,” she said.
The sophomore, Kuzara, hit at seven of her twelve at-bats over the weekend, batting in five runs. Williams played with power, hitting a home run in both games of the doubleheader.
With just two weekend series left in the Chippewas’ regular season, Salmon talked about what the team will be focusing on while training.
“We're going to focus on getting 1% better and just having a lot of fun while doing it,” she said. “Enjoying being around each other and as the final stages of this team continue, just really embracing every moment.”
The Chippewas head to South Bend, Indiana, next, to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Tuesday, April 21.
