Looking to defend their conference title, the Miami women’s softball team will begin Mid-American Conference (MAC) play this weekend against Kent State University.
The RedHawks had a bit of a rough start to the season, but they seem to be making a comeback, as they knocked off No. 8 Kentucky last week to extend their winning streak to three games.
Last year, they won the MAC championship, and they are hoping to come back and do it again.
The ’Hawks have a number of returning players from their championship team that earned all-conference honors. Sophomore Holly Blaska and junior Allie Cummins received first-team honors last season. Juniors Adriana Barlow, Brianna Pratt and Riley Coyne were all on second-team.
Senior Courtney Vierstra was selected as last year’s MAC pitcher of the year, while infielder Karli Spaid was the freshman player of the year. Coach Kirin Kumar was awarded coach of the year and is back for her second season at Miami.
In addition, the team has added a few first-years that have proven to be great assets. Chloe Parks has a .474 batting average so far this season, and Maggie Murphy has already clocked two home runs.
The two teams have had very comparable seasons; Miami with a record of 7-10, and Kent State with a record of 6-9. The Flashes return only two members of the team who earned all-MAC honors last season, one of them being pitcher Jessica LeBeau.
SCOUTING REPORT
The Game
Game time: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m Saturday and 12:00 pm Sunday at Miami Softball Stadium
MIAMI REDHAWKS
Record: 7-10
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PROJECTED LINEUP
Player (position, key stat)
Karlee Juarez (left fielder, 24 put-outs)
Karli Spaid (third baseman, .423 BA)
Allie Cummins (infielder, 5 home runs)
Adriana Barlow (shortstop, 23 put-outs)
Kate Kobayashi (center fielder, 11 RBIs)
Maggie Murphy (designated hitter, .294 BA)
Chloe Parks (second baseman, .474 BA)
Lily Wilmot (right fielder, 8 RBIs)
Holly Blaska (first baseman, 64 put-outs)
KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES
Record: 6-9
PROJECTED LINEUP
Player (position, key stat)
Sabrina Kerschner (infielder, 12 put-outs)
Brooklyn Whitt (outfielder, .300 BA)
Savannah Wing (utility, .355 BA )
Alexandria Whitmore (infielder, 24 put-outs)
Delaney Robeson (utility, 5 RBIs)
Brenna Brownfield (utility, .261 BA)
Madison Hershberger (outfielder, 1.000 fielding percentage)
Jalynn Young (catcher, 3 RBIs)
Jessica LeBeau (pitcher, 4 RBIs)
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