IU strays from Big Ten play against Aces

Coming off of a successful opening weekend of Big Ten play and a day off Monday, the IU softball team is playing with Aces. \nAnd they're not playing cards.\nThe Hoosiers will take on in-state rival Evansville Purple Aces today in Bloomington -- their first matchup with a fellow Indiana team this season.\nIU, off to its best start since 1997, has seen a quick turnaround after playing four games last weekend to open the Big Ten part of its season. The team scored victories against Ohio State and Penn State, whom they had not beaten since the 2004 season.\nEven with the quick turnaround, IU coach Stacy Phillips said she was not worried about the effects it might have on her team.\n"This game will help us stay focused," Phillips said. "We need this game to help us stay on track with what we are trying to do."\nThe players also agreed that the game is necessary, but they said they appreciated the day off Phillips gave them Monday.\n"After playing so hard last weekend, we were physically and emotionally drained," sophomore Jennilee Huddleston said. "The day off will help us get back to full strength."\nWith only three seniors on the roster, Huddleston is among many younger players who are taking advantage of their chance to play. Huddleston -- along with freshmen shortstops Stephanie Pellerito and Sarah Padove, and sophomore catcher Janetta Deaven -- all had big weekends for the Hoosiers.\nWith more Big Ten conference games looming this weekend, the team members realize they can't overlook a team that Phillips says, "we should beat."\n"The Evansville game will be a good day for us," Deaven said. "We're going to go out there and just try to work our offensive and defensive game plan."\nIU received an individual honor this week, as senior pitcher Mariangee Bogado won her second Big Ten Pitcher of the Week award. Bogado went 4-0 in five appearances in the circle, including 36 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings pitched. Bogado, who was injured in the final game of the weekend, pitched 12 scoreless innings Sunday against Penn State.\nAfter the Evansville game, IU will travel to Michigan and Michigan State during the weekend for its second weekend of Big Ten action.