After playing 23 games this season, the Ohio softball team will finally get to play games on its home field today when it takes on the Dayton Flyers in a doubleheader.
Yesterday was the first time the Bobcats (12-11, 2-2 MAC) were even able to have the outfielders and infielders practice on the field at the same time this year.
We have an awesome venue
coach Jill Matyuch said. The weather really hasn't enabled a lot of activity on this field but it's beautiful right now; the girls are really excited to be on it.
As always, the weather will be a factor in determining if the Bobcats will be able to play, but Matyuch said their situation isn't uncommon.
(The weather) just shortens your season. Every team's dealing with that right now so it's not just us
Matyuch said. You want spring-like conditions as long as possible. We're a little pushed back this year
but you just deal with the hand you're dealt.
The Bobcats had success against the Flyers (15-14, 2-4 Atlantic 10) last season, defeating them by scores of 8-0 and 6-1, but Matyuch said this year's team might be more of a challenge.
They're better on paper this year ' a lot better on paper this year ' so I'd imagine face-to-face they'd be a lot better
Matyuch said. Something is really jelling for them right now
so I wouldn't take them lightly.
The Flyers have vastly improved from last year. Their team batting average is up 62 points to .295, their slugging percentage has jumped 90 points to .385 and their ERA has dropped a whole run from 4.09 to 2.90.
Tomorrow will also be the first time Ohio's seven freshmen will get to play at home, and Jordan Paden said they are eager to play their home opener.
It's definitely exciting
said Paden, a native of Walla Walla, Wash. It's nice to not be traveling for once because we've been traveling a lot. It will be nice to get some of the friends and family out to the field and represent for the hometown.
Paden won't be satisfied with just being able to play at home ' she expects to beat Dayton as well.
They put out a good team
but I definitely think we're better and we should definitely take two wins tomorrow
Paden said.
Paden has come in and made an immediate impact for Ohio. She leads the team in batting average (.367), slugging percentage (.469) and on-base percentage (.456), while playing catcher for the Bobcats.
I've just really tried to stay relaxed and go back to the basics and remember how easy hitting really is
keep everything really simple and have fun with it
