Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Florida Gulf Coast
Eagles Continue Florida Swing with Weekday Action
2/23/2009 4:28:56 PM | Softball
EMU takes on FGCU in doubleheader; round robin with UCF and Bethune-Cookman on tap
Complete Release (PDF)
Live Stats vs. UCF
MID-WEEK ACTION FOR EAGLES: After going 3-1 at the USF “The Game” Tournament, the Eastern Michigan University softball team remains in Florida for four weekday games. First up for EMU is a doubleheader at Florida Gulf Coast, set for Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. The double dip marks the first time the Eagles of FGCU and Eagles of EMU have squared off. Eastern will then travel to Orlando, Fla., to take part in a three-team round robin at the University of Central Florida, Feb. 25. The Eagles will take on another first-time opponent in Bethune-Cookman at 2 p.m., before playing the host Knights at 6 p.m. EMU is 0-2 all-time against UCF.
HLETKO THROWS NO-NO: Junior pitcher Michelle Hletko started her junior season off with a bang, throwing the 11th no-hitter in EMU history against Albany, Feb. 20. Hletko struck out two while relying on a stingy defense to record the 8-0, five-inning victory. It was the first no-hitter thrown since Michelle Lloyd accomplished the feat, May 3, 2006, against the University of Michigan.
TAKING DOWN THE BIG GUNS: The Eastern Michigan University softball team picked up a huge win against No. 22 Louisville at the USF “The Game” Tournament, Feb. 22. After scoring the first run of the contest off a Jennie Sherman sacrifice fly in the second inning, the Cardinals responded with a two-run fifth inning. The Eagles were able to regroup in the sixth when Jessica Patterson reached base safely off a throwing error by the U of L shortstop. Sophomore Stacie Skodinski then stepped up, ripping a home run to right field to score two runs and secure the win for EMU. Freshman pitcher Allison Scherer picked up her first win of the season, pitching 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, with Jaclyn Caro notching her first career save. Ironically, the Eagles' last victory over a ranked opponent came March 26, 2006 against No. 21 Louisville.
NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP FOR SKIDDY: Sophomore shortstop Stacie Skodinski, a 2008 MAC All-Freshman team selection, has started 2009 off on a tear. Through four games, the sophomore is hitting .769 with six RBI and at five extra-base hits. Skodinski has recorded multiple hits in all four contests this season, including a perfect 3-for-3 against Albany.
ESCAPING THE NORTH: The Eagles' annual spring trip takes the team to Florida for the beginning of the 2009 campaign. EMU will be in the Sunshine State for a stretch of 13 games in 10 days. The Eagles went 3-1 at the USF “The Game” Tournament, Feb. 20-22. EMU will participate in another tournament, the UCF Inviational, Feb. 27-March 1. In between the two tournaments, EMU will play a doubleheader at Florida Gulf Coast, as well as a three-team round robin at UCF with the Knights and Bethune-Cookman.
CAREER MILESTONE IN SIGHT: Junior outfielder Jenny Scherer is only one home run away from tying the career mark for home runs of 24 set by Lauren Clark. Just a junior, Scherer has belted 11 home runs during each of her first two seasons as an Eagle, giving her 23 after hitting a round tripper in the first game of the 2009 season against Albany, Feb. 20.
