Ohio and Ball State softball teams are in a similar position; both teams are looking up from last place in the Mid-American Conference. The two teams will meet today with a chance to move up in the standings.
For the Bobcats (17-31, 3-11 MAC) it will mark the first time in a week the team has played a game, due to a rainout last weekend. Ohio coach Roanna Brazier said the time off can help the team.
We've been playing so much and we've been on the road so much
she said. Losing the games this weekend I don't think hurt us.
The rainout gave Ohio its first weekend off since the end of February, and pitcher Zoe Heim said the rest helps her during the season.
For me taking a break and then going and pitching
I do better then if I was pitching day after day
Heim said. It just works for me and that we had a little break.
Ball State (16-32, 3-11 MAC) has struggled in both hitting and pitching. The Cardinals are 10th in the conference in batting average (.213) and last in ERA (3.84). Amanda Pick leads Ball State in hitting with an average of only .260. Heim said she will look at a scouting report and adjust to the hitters as the game progresses.
Just because nobody's batting .300 doesn't mean they can't hit
she said. In between each inning me and the catcher talk about what mistakes I've made or what I need to throw differently.
Second baseman Jenny Tisevich said the team will approach Ball State the same as they do every game.
There hasn't been much talk about them having as good a record as we do
Tisevich said. We're pretty much going into it the same as any other game
play hard and not stoop to their level. Just play our game and to the best of our ability.
Heim said she looks at every team the same, whether it's LSU or Ball State.
I'm not going to underestimate this team just because they have a losing record
Heim said.
Brazier said the Cardinals are a better team then their record indicates.
Ball State is not going to be the team that lies down and dies
she said. I mean they're wanting to get into the tournament just as bad as we are.
Ohio will face Ball State in a double header with the first pitch scheduled at 2 p.m. today at the Ohio Softball Field.
