TERRE HAUTE, IN ? This week is the final opportunity to see the Sycamore softball team in action at Price Field as they wrap-up their last home games of the 2008 season. Beginning tomorrow, the Sycamores will take on two non-conference opponents in Eastern Illinois and Butler and then round out the weekend against MVC member Northern Iowa.
On Tuesday, the Panthers of Eastern Illinois University will bring a 13-16 overall record and an Ohio Valley Conference record of 7-4 to Price Field for a single game slated for 4:00 p.m. The Panthers were scheduled to play a three-game series against Tennessee Tech this past weekend but the entire series was cancelled due to cold weather conditions. The last opponent for the Panthers was the Bulldogs of Butler University. EIU played a two-hour rain delayed single game against the Bulldogs in which they won 7-0. The Panthers have four players who have more walks than strikeouts including Ally Nolte who, because of her 11 walks, has accomplished the rare feat of registering more runs scored (9) than hits (7). Sarah Coppert not only leads the team in two-out hits (10) and RBI (7) but has been nearly automatic when leading off an inning. The junior has reached base safely 11 of the 13 times when she leads off the inning for the Panthers.
The Bulldogs (15-18, 3-5 Horizon) will visit Terre Haute for a doubleheader makeup game on Wednesday with the first game scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Butler was supposed to play Detroit this past weekend but like many other games, cold weather forced the cancellation of the doubleheader. The Bulldogs are led offensively by Amy Hyerczyk, Alex Boros, Bridget Paine, and Lindsay Schluge who have a combined total of 56 RBI.
The final home games of the season will be against the Panthers (16-20, 3-9 MVC) of Northern Iowa who sit one spot below the Sycamores in the conference standings. Due to cold weather once again, the Panthers were only able to get in one game this weekend against the Missouri State Bears. UNI connected for eight hits and defeated the Bears 7-0. Jen Larsen earned the win for the Panthers, allowing just three hits in seven innings of work. UNI will face Bradley for a single game on Thursday before heading to Price Field this weekend. The doubleheader with the Panthers will kick off at noon on Saturday with the series finale also slated for noon on Sunday.
Saturday at Price Field will be “Paint It Pink Day.” Help the ISU softball team raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer. The first 200 fans will receive a FREE “Paint It Pink” t-shirt and the ISU softball team will sign autographs after the game.
Sunday will be Senior Day as we say thank you to Kelsey Anderson, Katie Iocoangeli, and Lindsey Starwalt for their commitment to Indiana State softball.
