With 2 series left, softball team aims to finish well

This summer provides the Hoosier softball team an opportunity to better its record heading into the NCAA tournaments.

Following the first 1-2 Big Ten series loss against Iowa since mid-April against Penn State, the Hoosiers will seek to bounce back during their last two series against Nebraska and Michigan State.

Both teams provide diverse competition as the Hoosiers end the regular season. Nebraska, 12-5 in Big Ten play, is currently second in the conference standings. Michigan State, which has yet to win a conference game, is currently last in Big Ten standings.

The Hoosiers will attempt to better their record in an effort to reach second in the Big Ten, where they stood last year.

They will also attempt to reach deep into the Big Ten tournament, as they did last year, to finish on the national scene in the tournament.

Both freshman Lora Olson and sophomore Meaghan Murphy have been pitching longer and more effectively all season as they continue their collegiate careers.

Other Hoosiers have picked up leadership positions on the hitting side.

Juniors Amanda Wagner and Kelsey Brannon, senior Samantha Berenter and freshman Brianna Meyer have all started to peak as the season winds down.

With the team’s record close to .500, the young foundation in the circle has been kept
together by the upperclassmen leadership. IU Coach Michelle Gardner is no stranger to the postseason, either.

The four-year Hoosier coach has seen short summers and long summers in her time as a head coach. IU fans will stay tuned as the softball team makes its journey into the postseason.