Softball set for Hoosier Invitational

Heading into the home opener with a three-game winning streak, the IU softball team is set to open the season at Andy Mohr Field from March 14-16 in the Hoosier Classic.

IU will play University of Illinois at Chicago and Toledo on March 14, Wright State and UIC March 15, and will wrap up the weekend March 16 with a rematch against Wright State.

The Hoosiers look to extend their winning streak, which includes victories against Boise State, Valparaiso and Weber State at the Spring Hill Suites Invitational last weekend.

IU Coach Michelle Gardner said the team’s energy last weekend has been a big part of the turnaround.

“We took ownership,” Gardner said. “The team came out with energy and enthusiasm that I haven’t seen yet this year. It has really made a difference.”

IU senior infielder Shelby Gogreve said team unity has been a big factor in the improvement of the team.

“We are feeling really good right now,” Gogreve said. “Coming off of some wins, we have good chemistry right now. Our cohesion as a team has been a big factor.”

The UIC Flames started the season with a 2-11 record and haven’t played a game since Feb. 23. The team’s last nine games have been cancelled or delayed.

Pitching has been an issue in the games the Flames have played.

The pitching staff has an earned run average of 5.23 and allows an opposing batting average of .307.

Although UIC offense has struggled to get hits with a team batting average of .234, senior infielder Jacki Fletcher has been a bright spot in the batting order.

Fletcher leads the team in batting average (.514), hits (19), total bases (21) and slugging percentage (.568).

Wright State has also struggled early in the year, starting with a record of 2-13, including 0-5 in road games.

The Raiders also lost six of the last seven games.

Its pitching staff has a 5.80 ERA while allowing an opposing batting average of .356.
The batting lineup hasn’t provided much support, with only 1.52 earned runs per game while maintaining a .189 batting average.

Toledo has a 7-13 record, which is the best out of the three teams IU is set to face this weekend. Freshman starting pitcher Emily Anderson leads the team with a 2.33 ERA and 88 strikeouts. The rest of the pitching staff has combined for just 11 strikeouts.

Unlike the other two opponents, the Rockets are consistent hitters. The team has a batting average of .279.

Freshman utility player Chandler Rice leads Toledo’s offense with a batting average of .369 and an on-base percentage of .444.

In order for IU to continue its winning streak, Gardner said the team needs to play similar to the way it did last weekend.

“We need to take things one game at a time,” Gardner said. “We also need to bring the same energy that we did last week in Boise.”

Gogreve said winning is the one thing the team has in mind.

“We are ready to continue to win games,” Gogreve said.