IU to keep attention on top-ranked Georgia in Bulldog Invitational

The IU softball team will play in the Bulldog Invitational starting Friday in Athens, Ga. The Hoosiers will look to build on their 8-7 start to the season as they face No. 1 Georgia on two consecutive days, as well as Chattanooga, Campbell  and James Madison.

IU coach Michelle Gardner said it is important for the team to stay focused and not overlook any teams with Georgia on the horizon.

“At this point in our schedule we can’t overlook anyone,” Gardner said. “So we put a big emphasis on Georgia, obviously, because they are the number one team in the country, but it’s real important that we come out against Chattanooga, Campbell and James Madison as if they were Georgia.

“At this point in the game that needs to be our main focus.”

A sore spot for the Hoosiers thus far has been a difficulty in winning the close games. Junior Samantha Berenter said the team needs to focus on what is ahead of them and not worry about the close defeats.

“I think there is still a little hesitance because of the past seasons we haven’t done so well, and so now it’s just really pushing and believing and seeing what we are capable of putting it through,” Berenter said.