Though poor field conditions and bad weather have delayed the recent start of the softball team's home stand, Ball State (4-9) will have to get down to business this weekend.
The Cardinals will be opening up Mid-American Conference play against Northern Illinois (10-7) with a three-game series. The conference rivals will compete in a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Ball State softball complex. The rubber match is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.
Northern Illinois has already beaten the likes of Bradley, East Carolina and St. Bonaventure earlier this spring.
Meanwhile, Ball State's season has gotten off to a rocky start, as injuries to key players and inexperience in the field of play have been two major contributing factors in the team's 4-9 showing so far.
The Cardinals began knowing they would have to play without ace starting pitcher Randi Freese (she had 22 starts and pitched in 30 of the team's 45 games last season) and designated hitter Lyndsay Buckley (33 hits and 10 RBI in 2002). The team has also dealt with other players' absences such as freshman third baseman Kerrie Campbell.
Following losses in Florida, head coach Terri Laux said her team needs to be able to "play seven full innings of consistent softball" in order to start winning more games and meeting goals the team had set during the off-season.
Those issues aside, the Cardinals did manage to win four of their last six games at the Midweek Tourney, including a 1-0 shutout over Penn State.
The reigning conference player of the year, Katie Shea, currently leads Ball State in slugging percentage and has compiled a .389 batting average during the first 13 games.
Senior Cortney Winger has helped Ball State to three of its four victories with her work on the mound. She posted a 1.78 ERA in five appearances over Spring Break.
If history holds true, limiting the Huskies' run production will be crucial, since Northern Illinois has won nine of 10 games this season when registering eight hits or more in a game.
The Huskies hold a 21-11 advantage in the all-time series; however, the Cardinals have won three of the last four meetings between the two teams.
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