(LEBANON, Ill., Apr. 12) – McKendree softball (24-17, 10-8 GLVC) heads east this weekend to the Hoosier State for a pair of key Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) matchups. Friday, April 14 the Bearcats will take on University of Indianapolis (29-13, 10-8 GLVC) in a double header beginning and noon eastern time, followed by twinbill Saturday, April 15 at Saint Joseph's College (13-24, 6-13 GLVC). First pitch on Saturday is set for noon central time.
McKendree Quick Hits
-With a 10-8 record in the GLVC, McKendree currently sits in a tie for sixth place with UINDY.
-The Bearcats are 4-14 all-time against this weekend's opponents. McKendree has yet to beat the Greyhounds of UINDY, who in six of the eight matchups have been ranked in the top 10 nationally. Saint Joe's holds the edge 6-4 in the all-time series with the Bearcats.
-Following the completion of games Saturday against UINDY, McKendree will reach the half-way point of the 12-game road trip.
-Sweeping Wisconsin-Parkside Sunday, followed by a game one win against Lindenwood, McKendree notched their longest winning streak of the season at four.
-Touch 'em all! McKendree has recorded 30 long balls this season, ranking fourth in the conference.
-These boots were made for walking! McKendree's 113 walks ranks the second most drawn in the GLVC.
-Senior Rachel Hastings (Forsyth, Ill./Maroa-Forsyth ) has recorded 37 RBI, ranking seventh in the GLVC, and 11 doubles to rank 11th. Hastings also currently rides a five-game hitting streak.
-Senior right-hander Holly Magre (Festus, Mo./St. Pius X) has 109 strikeouts ranking her 53rd nationally and fifth in the GLVC. Magre in her 20 appearances on the rubber has recorded a strikeout in every game except one. At 7.2 strikeouts per seven innings, Magre ranks 44th nationally.
-Freshman Kylee Silliman (Fremont, IA/Oskaloosa ), inside the circle, has allowed 10 walks ranking 3rd in the GLVC. At 0.91 walks allowed per seven innings, Silliman ranks 33rd in the nation. She has also not allowed a walk in her last five starts.
-Senior Jamie Doggendorf (Dittmer, Mo./Northwest) continues to be on record watch. After setting a single-season record 27 stolen bases and becoming the all-time stolen bases leader with now 77 swiped bags. Following two stolen bases against Lindenwood, Doggendorf has recorded eight multi-stolen base games this season.
Scouting the Greyhounds
University of Indianapolis enters the weekend on a current four-game skid, having lost five of their last six to conference opponents. The Greyhounds rank among the best defensive teams in the nation, with a fielding percentage of .970 (21st) and .50 double players per game (14th). Behind the arm of Lauren Honkomp, the pitching staff boats a team ERA of 1.86 to rank 16th nationally. Honkomp also ranks 18th nationally in strikeouts with 136 and ranks fourth with 20 victories. Natalie Lalich holds a team-high batting average of .376 with 41 RBI, to rank 40th in the nation.
Scouting the Pumas
Saint Joseph's College enters the weekend following a pair of weekday losses to Grand Valley State University. The Pumas hold a 6-13 record in the GLVC. Defensively, the Pumas turn .49 double plays per game to rank 21st nationally while their .290 team batting average ranks sixth in the conference. The SJC pitching staff holds a 3.79 ERA while their opponents hit .324. Ashley Whitaker with a .333 batting average has recorded 13 doubles to rank 40th nationally.
