Halfway through its nonconference schedule, IU sports a 6-8 record and has had a mixed bag of results in three tournaments.
After lackluster showings at the Kajikawa Classic and the Texas Invitational, IU came to life last weekend and went 4-1 at the Samford/UAB Tournament. The Hoosiers hope the good spell of pitching and hitting will travel with them this weekend to Fullerton, California, for the Judi Garman Classic.
“I was really impressed with our fight and battle this past weekend,” IU Coach Michelle Gardner said. “If we are prepared and we come out and compete, we have an opportunity to win any game.”
IU’s performance last weekend included a no-hitter from freshman pitcher Emily Goodin against UAB and a four-run 7th inning to secure a comeback win against Murray State. However, the competition is stronger this weekend.
Cal State Fullerton will play host to the Judi Garman Classic, which began in 1980, and is known as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. All five of IU’s opponents this weekend qualified for the 2016 NCAA Tournament and finished in the top 40 RPI last year.
IU will face two ranked opponents in No. 8 Washington and No. 23 California.
“I’m excited about the weekend,” Gardner said. “We have to take it one game at a time.”
Additionally, IU will play against Fresno State and South Carolina, which both defeated IU earlier this season, prior to IU’s recent offensive revival.
After scoring just 12 runs in its first seven games, IU has scored 33 runs in the seven games since. The Hoosiers have shown their power lately, with all five of their home runs this season coming in the last six games.
The recent hitting resurgence is encouraging for senior utility player Erin Lehman.
“It was frustrating because we knew how good of a hitting team we are, but nothing was showing in the games,” Lehman said. “The Murray State game was a momentum-changer. Once we get a rally going, it sets the tone for the rest of the game.”
Lehman started the comeback against the Racers with a solo home run, her first of the season. With only nine hits in 39 plate appearances this season, Lehman is looking to use that performance to jump-start her season.
“I still feel confident at the plate,” Lehman said. “Hopefully, we’ve started a good trend of balls dropping.”
Gardner said while she’s disappointed in the team’s hitting so far she remains confident runs will come.
As IU’s hitting has improved, its pitching has remained a strength. The Hoosiers have recorded two shutouts in their last four games.
Limiting runs allowed will be key for IU this weekend. Of IU’s opponents, only Long Beach State hits below .290.
Travel will also be more of a factor than usual for the Hoosiers. Moving from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time means the Hoosiers will have to adjust their body clocks for Friday’s second game at 8 p.m. local time.
“We can’t change our schedule here to accommodate for the weekend,” Gardner said. “It’s tough, but we can make it happen.”
If the Hoosiers win games in California, they will create history in the process. IU has never defeated Fresno State, Long Beach State or California, and it has been more than 20 years since it has beaten South Carolina or Washington.
“We’ve all played travel ball against players from other teams,” Lehman said. “They’re just in a Washington uniform and we’re in an Indiana uniform. We can come out and beat them if every part of our game shows up.”
