Recent success doesn't necessarily mean the Ball State softball team isn't struggling with inconsistencies.
Going 2-2 in the Miami Tournament over the weekend, Ball State looks to fix its issues with pitching and defense this weekend in Ohio, starting with a doubleheader against Ohio on Friday.
Despite Ball State's struggles with consistency, Coach Craig Nicholson said the girls played well in the Miami Tournament and hit the ball when they needed to.
"I felt like we played pretty well this past weekend," Nicholson said. "We caught some bad breaks, and on Sunday some teams got some key hits against us, and that's going to happen sometimes."
Nicholson said the main problem Ball State continues to face is giving up multiple runs in one inning.
"I feel like we're growing a little bit in terms of being more consistent," Nicholson said. "Our big thing right now is controlling that big inning of the other team. Teams are going to get some momentum going and score a couple of runs, but you've got to nip [the damage]. Four, six, eight runs is too many and it's going to make it hard to win games."
One player that can make it easier to win games is freshman first baseman Taylor Rager. In the last six games, Rager has hit .471 with two home runs and 12 RBIs.
Rager said recent success has helped her confidence and approach at the plate going into MAC play.
"It definitely does a lot for your confidence," Rager said. "It helps remind you that you have to stay on your toes and be ready for every pitch."
As for the start of MAC play this weekend in Ohio, sophomore left fielder Amanda Carpenter said consistency and staying positive are vital to Ball State's success.
"I think the most important thing is being consistent," Carpenter said. "As long as we stay positive and everyone does their part and has a great team effort, we should do pretty well."
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