Eagles Hit the Road For Mid-Week Doubleheader

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EMU HITS THE ROAD FOR MIDWEEK DOUBLEHEADER: After opening Mid-American Conference play at home this past weekend, the Eastern Michigan University softball team hits the road for a mid-week doubleheader at IPFW, April 1. The Eagles are coming off a 1-4 weekend in conference action to move their record to 11-18 (1-3 MAC), while the Mastodons host Dayton, March 31, prior to welcoming the Eagles. The two teams have met only four previous times, with the series tied at two contests apiece. EMU won the last meeting, 10-3, March 28, 2005.

A LOOK AT THE DONS: Before hosting the Eagles in a non-conference affair, IPFW will take on Dayton in a doubleheader, March 31. The Mastodons are 10-10 (5-3 Summit) after sweeping IUPUI in a three-game series this past weekend, March 27 and 28. With consecutive shutout wins against the Jaguars, it marked only the third time since IPFW joined Division I softball that the Mastodons were able to blank opponents in consecutive contests. IPFW boasts a team ERA of just 1.78 while Courtney Cronin leads the way with a 0.92 average. Cassie Wolfe leads the offense with a .356 average to go along with three home runs and 11 RBI through 20 games.

OPENING MAC WEEKEND RECAP: The Eagles went 1-4 to start MAC play this past weekend, winning the opening contest against Miami, 4-1, before falling to the RedHawks by the same score in the nightcap. Due to the threat of rain and snow on Sunday, EMU and Ball State squared off in a Saturday doubleheader with the Cards coming away with 6-0 and 3-2 wins. The Eagles struggled offensively all weekend, totaling only 19 hits while their opponents racked up 39. Errors were the theme of the weekend, as EMU took advantage of a key Miami error in the first game to win 4-1. Ball State was then able to key in on five total errors in two games by the Green and White to sweep the two-game series.

PLAYING ALL OVER THE PLACE: The Eagles have used a variety of lineups this season, with all but three players earning a starting nod at more than one position. Stacie Skodinski (shortstop), Kaylee Tolliver (first base) and Jennie Sherman (designated player) are the only players to start at a single position. Freshman Jessica Richards has been a starter at six different positions, playing second base, third base, shortstop, left field, centerfield and designated player.

EAGLES SWEEP MAC AWARDS AGAIN: The Eagles have done it once again, sweeping the Mid-American Conference weekly awards for the second time this season. After going 3-2 at the Highlander Classic, freshman Sarah Gerber was named the Player of the Week, while sophomore Jaclyn Caro was named Pitcher of the Week. Gerber went 10-for-16 (.625) from the plate over the five game stretch, while Caro was a perfect 3-0 with a 0.33 ERA. The Eagles have had a player named Player or Pitcher of the Week by the MAC five times this season.

FRESHMEN STEP UP AT HIGHLANDER CLASSIC: Freshmen Sarah Gerber and Kelsey Greene delivered like veterans for EMU at the Highlander Classic, March 20-22. Gerber was named to the All-Tournament team after hitting .625 (10-for-16) at the plate. After going hitless in the Eagles' first game against Harvard, the freshman responded with 10 hits in four games en route to the honors. Greene hit the first home run of her career in style, knocking one out of the park for a grand slam against Toledo (March 22), helping EMU to a 5-1 win.

SPEED ON THE BASES: Through 29 games, the Eagles have already stolen 21 bases. Last season, EMU totaled only 31 swipes. If the current pace keeps up, the Eagles will end up with 45 stolen bases, the most in a single season since the 2001 team racked up 46 stolen bases.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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