After amassing a 2-2 record in its first tournament of the season, the Boston University softball team looks to gain more exposure in the Madeira Beach Tournament this weekend.
“The first weekend out is always interesting. You go into it with high expectations, but you also know there are going to be a lot of pieces you come back with and learn from,” said BU head coach Ashley Waters.
The Terriers (2-2) travel to Florida’s West coast, where they will face Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Quinnipiac University and Southern Illinois University.
“I’m excited about this weekend,” Waters said. “UAB and Southern Illinois will be tough teams. But going against the best is helpful for us as we transition back to the Patriot League.”
The Terriers will open on Friday morning at 9 a.m. against Eastern Michigan (0-0). The Swoop, who are kicking off their season, return with their best hitter from last season, as senior Michelle Kriegshauser finished 2016 with a .381 batting average while mashing seven home runs and 15 doubles. Sophomore Nicolle Miranda returns as the top pitcher. The Wilmington, California native posted a 3.81 ERA over 35 appearances, including 25 starts and 11 complete games.
The Terriers will complete the Friday morning double header with an 11:30 a.m. matchup against Oakland (0-0). Corner infielder Brittney Miller led the Golden Grizzlies with a .360 average last season. Pitcher Haley Zemmer is the ace for the Golden Grizzlies, as she amassed a 2.15 ERA across 23 starts last year, including 16 complete games and two shutouts.
First pitch against UAB (0-3) is Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.. With a .571 average, freshman Natalie Erwin leads the Blazers’ offense and Claire Blount pitched nine innings over two appearances.
In the nightcap, the Terriers will face Quinnipiac (0-0) on Saturday. The Bobcats will look to improve on a 28-29 record in 2016. Catcher/third-baseman Taylor Troyan led the Bobcats with a .301 average in her freshman campaign. Pitcher Casey Herzog tossed over 172 innings last year with 15 complete games and a 2.92 ERA.
BU’s lone contest on Sunday will be an 11:30 a.m. game against Southern Illinois (3-2). The Salukis are led by infielder Haley Andrus, who is batting .500, and Savanna Dover, who has tossed 12 scoreless innings over two starts.
The Terriers won their first two contests last weekend, including a 3-1 victory over No. 23 Florida Atlantic University in the season opener. After defeating the University of North Florida 1-0, the Terriers fell in consecutive games, 5-1 to Bethune-Cookman University and 9-6 to North Carolina State University.
“We came out hot which was great,” Waters said. “The one thing that the box score nor the video show is that every team was just starting their season, so it helps going against teams that are kind of in the same boat as you. Toward the end of the weekend we definitely got tired. I feel like we need to get into game shape. It’s funny because you can be in great physical shape but softball shape is so different. There’s such a mental mindset to it.”
Junior infielder/outfielder Jilee Schanda and junior infielder Kaitlin Sahlinger led the Terriers in average at .462 and .455, respectively.
Sophomore infielder Emily Morrow hit her first career home run in the victory over North Florida (2-3).
“The one thing about Emily is that we always joke that she flies under the radar, but Emily is incredibly talented,” Waters said. “She’s definitely one of our best hitters, she just gets it done and she’s very consistent.”
Freshman pitcher Kali Magane was sharp in one of two appearances. The Wrentham native threw a complete game shutout in the same win over North Florida.
“There was no question that she was nervous, but I’ll tell you what, she does a great job of getting out there and being incredibly focused and ready to go,” Waters said. “I was thrilled for her and I know the team was too. They played incredible defense behind her.”
