Team eyes postseason play

The softball team has struggled to a 10-19 pre-conference record, and it won't get any easier with conference play set to begin today. IU embarks on its goal of making it to the Big Ten tournament with a doubleheader against Wisconsin (17-12) at 2 p.m. at the IU Softball Field.\n"I think Wisconsin is definitely going to be a tough opponent," coach Diane Stephenson said. "I talked to the team, and we definitely know we have to step it up a notch to be competitive in the Big Ten."\nLast season, the Hoosiers came close to making the Big Ten's postseason finale. This time around, the team wants to get started immediately on its quest for the tournament.\n"Last year we missed the Big Ten tournament by two games," Stephenson said. "Every game along the way makes a big difference."\nGetting to the postseason will not be a walk in the park, particularly early in conference play. After their doubleheader with the Badgers, who have lost three consecutive games, the Hoosiers welcome Minnesota (21-9-1), a team riding a nine-game winning streak.\nThe Golden Gophers, who are battling Purdue in West Lafayette today, will invade the IU Softball Field at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Gophers and Hoosiers will tangle again at 1 p.m. Sunday.\nJunior catcher Brooke Monroe said she feels having a successful first weekend in conference play will be important if the Hoosiers want to accomplish their goal.\n"It is really important that we get some wins, not only to build our confidence, but also to keep us up there in the standings," Monroe said.\nConsistency has been a problem for the Hoosiers, who have lost 10 of the past 15 games.\nStephenson said the Hoosiers' major problem is their inability to cap off innings and maintain momentum.\n"I think we're doing a good job of getting things happening, and now we have to finish innings, defensively and offensively," Stephenson said. "I think if we can do that, we're going to start to win a lot more games."\nStephenson said the hustle and effort has been there. Now the team hopes to put it all together for its "second season."\nSophomore shortstop Lisa Mattke also has her eyes on the postseason and today's conference opener.\n"Once you get into Big Ten, there is more intensity," Mattke said. "We know we're capable of making the Big Ten tournament, I think all we have to do is keep playing defense and keep getting hits in key situations"