IU captures Florida State Invitational title

After three weeks of what-ifs, the IU women's softball team had a breakthrough weekend by capturing the Florida State Invitational March 12. The Hoosiers defeated two ranked opponents in one weekend after posting a 0-2-1 record against ranked teams prior to the tournament.\nOvercoming mental barriers helped push the Hoosiers to finally defeat a ranked opponent for the first time since 1998.\n"I think what got us done earlier in the season was more of the mental approach," IU head coach Stacey Phillips said. "That was something we were lacking in. Last weekend we were much better with our mental approach."\nThe cream and crimson posted a 6-0 record en route to the championship.\n"It was a great feeling," Phillips said. "The never-die attitude was huge and the team showed a lot of heart, which can take us even further than our talent. We are a talented ball club, but the heart we've showed on the field is only going to help us."\nThe Hoosiers upset No. 15 University of Nebraska 2-1 in the fourth game of the weekend. The cream and crimson used the momentum from the victory against the Cornhuskers to rally past the University of Connecticut and into the championship game. In the finals, the Hoosiers shut-out No. 25 University of North Carolina 1-0 to capture their first tournament title since 2004.\n"I think we had a good taste of what it takes to be successful," Phillips said. "For six games and winning a tournament -- they got a big mouthful of success."\nSenior pitcher Mariangee Bogado led the Hoosiers with seven strikeouts in the championship game to earn her first career Big Ten Pitcher of the Week award.\n"It feels great," Bogado said. "I need to thank the coaches for the extra work they've put in and my teammates for their help."\nThe way Bogado played throughout the weekend and the season merited the award, Phillips said.\n"It's a great accomplishment for her and our program," Phillips said. "She's got the competitive edge you wish everyone on your team had."\nThe team had a bit of a letdown after the tournament, finishing the Florida road trip with two losses to Liberty University and Stetson University.\n"I think it was a big learning experience," Phillips said. "When you go out and win a big tournament and then turn around and lose to teams you are straight up better than, I think you get a sense of having to play your game every time."\nThe Hoosiers cannot play down to the level of their opponents, junior infielder Rachel Terry said.\n"We have to learn that when we play teams with a lower caliber we can't play at their level, and we need to play IU softball," Terry said.\nDespite the two disappointing losses, the first championship since 2004 is a big stepping stone for the Hoosiers this season, Phillips said.\n"To have that great of a weekend against that type of competition is really a great feat"