The Ohio softball team continues to prepare for its upcoming Mid-American Conference schedule by participating in its third tournament in as many weeks - this time in Kentucky for the Frostbite Classic.
After facing a Big East school last week, which resulted in a 6-0 loss to Villanova, Ohio (5-5) will take on another major-conference team Friday when it faces off against Southeastern Conference foe, Kentucky.
Kentucky is obviously a very strong team
coach Jill Matyuch said. It will just help us get better and will make us more competitive.
Outfielder Debbie Szalejko said if the Bobcats are on their game, it does not really matter what conference their opponent is from.
We definitely have the talent the energy the leadership and the coaching; all we have to do is put it together
she said. If we just stay focused and play together as a team
there is no team that can beat us.
After winning four of six games in their first tournament of the season, the Bobcats faltered at the Elon Invitational, dropping three out of four games.
Matyuch attributed the Bobcats' stumble to a lack of timely hitting.
We did a really good job of putting people on base
but we didn't close the door
she said. Once we get them on base
we've got to find a way to bring them in.
One Bobcat that has done a good job of getting on base so far has been Szalejko. Filling in at the leadoff spot for injured outfielder Courtney Waters, Szalejko leads the team with a .610 on-base percentage, 14 hits and 12 runs.
I knew that she was a competitor
but I didn't realize that she was this competitive
Matyuch said. She's doing a good job of finding ways to get on base
whether it's with singles
