For the Ball State softball team, March 24 seems like years ago. That was the last time they played a game.
Due to rain and snow, the Cardinals had three dates canceled last week. But this week is a different story, as the team looks to get back to action with a pair of doubleheaders against the top two teams in the Mid-American Conference Eastern Division.
The Cardinals (9-10, 2-1 MAC) will travel to Akron, Ohio today for a 2 p.m. doubleheader against the division-leading Zips (14-7, 5-1 MAC) before returning home for a 1 p.m. doubleheader against the Kent State Golden Flashes (10-10, 4-1 MAC) on Sunday at the Ball State Softball Complex.
"I think with any sport, you get into the groove of playing and trying to get better each time out," head coach Terri Laux said. "The uncooperative weather has made that difficult, so we've really focused on the little things in the hopes that we can be strong there, despite probably being a little rusty from having not played for two weeks."
In Akron, the Cardinals will face the MAC's best pitching staff. The Zips lead the league in team ERA (2.15) and have the best individual pitcher in the conference as well.
Junior Lisa Keenan was the MAC East Division Pitcher of the Week, after posting three complete-game wins last week. In 22 innings pitched, Keenan (8-4) struck out 24 batters and gave up 17 hits. She leads the MAC in individual ERA (1.30) and opponent's batting average allowed (.183).
Despite Akron's strong pitching, however, Laux said the goal for the Cardinals will be shutting down the Zips' offense.
Akron's doing really well right now," she said. "They're a pretty experienced team and a really good hitting team. Our goal will be to keep their hitters off balance. Our focus on offense is to be really aggressive but, we're really going to have to watch ourselves and not give their hitters much to hit."
On Sunday, the Cardinals will face the preseason favorite to win the MAC East Division as well as the MAC tournament in Kent State. The Golden Flashes currently are second in their division, trailing Akron, and have some talented pitching in their own right.
Kate Leary shared East Division Pitcher of the Week honors with Keenan, after recording two wins last week, striking out 31 batters and walking five.
The Flashes also have a powerful offense. Megan McGauhey and Grete Hornstrom led the team with a .321 batting average, and have driven in 14 and 10 RBI respectively.
Laux said the team has looked good in practice the past week. Despite having been on the shelf for the past two weeks, she thinks they will be ready to play.
"We want the players to go in with an aggressive mindset and be excited to play," Laux said. "At the same time, they can't be too excited and lose focus. We just need to get out there and let it all loose."
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