Indiana University Athletics
IPFW Comes to Bloomington for Showdown with IU Softball
4/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 17, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana opens a two-game non-conference set with IPFW on April 18, at the IU Softball Field, before traveling to Athens, Ohio to take on Ohio University on April 19. The two games will serve as a Big Ten breather, as the Hoosiers then welcome Wisconsin for a two-game series on April 21-22, before IU closes the week with a doubleheader against Iowa on April 23.
Indiana is currently 20-20-1 going into this week's games. IU's doubleheader against the Hawkeyes also will serve as Alumni Day at the IU Softball Field, as the Hoosiers invite all of their past student-athletes to come out and root on IU.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
The Indiana softball team would like to make this season's home games a family affair, with each contest at the IU Softball Field catering to a family atmosphere. Along with competitive action on the diamond, giveaways will take place during the second through sixth innings at every IU home game. Prizes include gift cards to Moe's Southwest Grill, Buccetos and the T.I.S. Bookstore.
So come out and experience the action and excitement that is Hoosier softball, and make sure to bring the family.
IPFW PREVIEW
IPFW owns a 8-26 record going into its meeting with Indiana on April 18.
Kevin Fisher is in his sixth year as the head coach of the Mastodons, accumulating a 70-182 record.
Senior Heather Devore, with a .600 batting average, and junior Kacie Stone, with a .337 clip, pace the IPFW batting effort. Freshman Katie Aspegren (3.47 ERA) and sophomore Jenna Connelly (4.30 ERA) handle the pitching duties, while owning a 4-10 and 3-13 record, respectively.
Indiana has won every meeting between the two teams, currently owning a 2-0 edge. The last time these two met on the diamond, the Hoosiers claimed an 8-0 victory in 2005.
OHIO PREVIEW
Ohio comes into the matchup with a 22-24 overall record and a 6-6 mark in the Mid-American Conference.
Sophomore Alicia Catlette tops the Bobcats' hitting charts with a .319 average and 37 hits on the season, while Marian Davis is not far behind with a .289 average and 22 hits. In the circle, Michelle Sauter shoulders the pitching duties with an 11-9 record and a 1.44 ERA (141 innings) on the season.
Bobcats head coach Jill Matyuch is in her first season at the helm of the program.
This is the fourth meeting between Indiana and Ohio. IU won the first three meeting of the series, while Ohio won the 2005 matchup, 2-1.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Indiana snapped a five-game losing streak when it swept Kentucky, 2-0, 6-5, on April 12 at the IU Softball Field. Senior pitcher Mariangee Bogado registered a no-hitter and the winning two-run homer to lead Indiana to a victory in game one, while the Hoosiers needed extra innings to dispatch the Wildcats in game two.
Over the weekend, the Hoosiers were unable to end their Big Ten road troubles, as Northwestern recorded a sweep in the two team's series on April 14-15, while Illinois snatched a game-one victory, 6-5, over Indiana on April 16. The second game of the doubleheader was cancelled after three innings due to inclement weather.
WHAT'S COMING UP
After mid-week contests against IPFW on April 18 and Ohio University on April 19, the Hoosiers remain at home to host Big Ten foe Wisconsin on April 21-22. Indiana concludes the weekend with a doubleheader against Iowa on April 23 at the IU Softball Field.
This weekend also serves as Alumni Day for the Hoosiers, as Hall of Famer and former IU head coach Gale Blevins will throw out the first pitch in the Indiana-Iowa series on April 23.
