Softball Back in Action at University of Louisville

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EMU BACK IN ACTION AFTER TWO-WEEK BREAK: After taking some time off following the annual spring trip, the Eastern Michigan University softball team is back in action this weekend, traveling to the Bluegrass State to participate in the Courtyard by Marriott Cardinal Tournament. The University of Louisville is hosting the three-day event, featuring the host Cardinals, the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, Illinois-Chicago, Loyola and EMU. The Eagles, with a 5-8 overall record, kick off action in the tournament against No. 17 Louisville.

FACING SOME STIFF COMPETITION: When the Eagles head south to the state of Kentucky for the Cardinal Tournament, they will be facing some great competition. Louisville is currently ranked No. 17 in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 poll and No. 18 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25 poll. The Cards are 18-2 on the year, with one of their losses coming to Eastern Michigan at the USF “The Game” Tournament. Ohio State comes in at No. 17 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll and No. 22 in the USA Today/NFCA poll. The Buckeyes are 15-3 on the season with four wins against ranked opponents. Minnesota carries a 10-13 record on the year while the Flames of Illinois-Chicago are 4-14.

ALONE AT THE TOP: With a home run against Stony Brook (March 1), junior Jenny Scherer became Eastern Michigan's all-time leader in career home runs. She hit the 25th of her career, passing former EMU great and two-time MAC Player of the Year Lauren Clark, who previously held the mark at 24. Scherer was also named MAC West Player of the Week following this accomplishment, marking the second time in her career that she has received the honor.

NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP FOR SKIDDY: Sophomore shortstop Stacie Skodinski, a 2008 MAC All-Freshman team selection, has started 2009 off on a tear. Through 13 games, the sophomore is hitting .472 with 10 RBI, seven extra-base hits and a .778 slugging percentage. Skodinski has recorded multiple hits in six contests this season, including a perfect 3-for-3 against Albany.

GETTING SOME NATIONAL ATTENTION: After knocking off No. 22 Louisville (Feb. 22), 3-2, to start the year 3-1, the Eagles received two votes in the USA Today/NFCA poll. The Eagles have never been ranked in the history of the poll, which dates back to the 1995 season.

EAGLES SWEEP MAC AWARDS: After going 3-1 at the USF “The Game” Tournament, the Eagles swept the Mid-American Conference West Division weekly awards. Michelle Hletko was selected the Pitcher of the Week after throwing a no-hitter against Albany, Feb. 20. She pitched13.0 innings in three appearances, compiling a 1.08 ERA and 1-0 record over the weekend. Sophomore Stacie Skodinski was selected the Player of the Week, hitting .769 with one home run. The shortstop had multiple hits in all four games, including five extra-base hits. It was the first weekly award for both players.

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 3-2 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.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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