Freshman Jordan McElroy's top spot in the lineup has proved to be a recipe for success for the RedHawks. (Michael Griggs)
The Miami University softball team will travel to Athens to take on Ohio University for a two-game series beginning at 1 p.m. Friday. This will be the first meeting against the Bobcats this season to see who will earn bragging rights in the Battle of the Bricks rivalry.
The Red and White have been stepping it up in a big way as of late. They have a record of 9-1 in their last 10 games while currently riding a four-game winning streak. Miami has driven in 17 runs the past two weekends, which led to the sweep of both Western Michigan and then Northern Illinois. Prior to beating Western Michigan two weekends ago to start the current winning streak, the 'Hawks fell short at Marshall in the second game of the double header, 10-1.
Before their loss in game two at Marshall April 14, Miami ripped off five straight road games that included three consecutive shutouts, sweeping Toledo and Bowling Green. Their previous road win streak demonstrates the team knows what it takes to perform at high level. The fact they have swept four of the last five teams also attests to how they are performing at a steady level.
"We have been consistent on the mound, which has given us a chance to stay in games, along with our solid defensive play," Head Coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly said. "Our timely hitting and RBIs in the key moments of the game has contributed as well."
Miami's pitching and defense has remained strong on a consistent level behind the play of junior All-Mac shortstop Sarah Billstrom and pitchers Jessica Simpson and Meredith Linch. The RedHawks pitching corps have thrown 11 shutouts, while the defense has helped keep the opponent's run total low all year.
Out of 43 games played, the 'Hawks have held their opponents to three runs or less 28 times. In other words, Miami holds its opponents to three runs or less 65 percent of the time out on the diamond, showing their strong play on the mound and with their gloves.
Another important aspect of Miami's game that they look to keep strong heading into the OU weekend is the play of senior Kelly Cabana. Cabana is hitting .545 at the plate over the current winning streak of four games.
The California product out of Irvine has been taking her turn when it comes to playing time and has now seized the opportunity to play first base down the stretch as the MAC tournament inches closer. To capitalize against the Bobcats Friday and to keep the momentum with the help of Cabana's play would only help the team's cause.
Another California player that is stepping up is Miami's sophomore catcher, Jenna McGivney, out of Canyon Country, Calif. She has been playing with a new swagger while improving not just on offense, but on defense as well.
"Week by week I have been trying to keep my arm strong, to not allow as many stolen bases as I started off with," McGivney said. "To keep me on my toes as to not allow any base runners to catch me off guard."
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
Although her game has improved defensively, she has taken the role of clean-up hitter at the No. 4 spot, as she seemed to find the deep ball recently. After hitting a home run against Buffalo earlier this month, she continues to have deep shots that bounce off the outfield wall on the fly to help the team in the extra base hits department.
"I am really confident with my batting and my approach and have been more selective with what pitches I swing at during key moments of the game," McGivney said.
This weekend's series against OU is another double header with the second game to begin at 3 p.m. McGivney also made it a point to comment on what the team needs to do during a weekend double header.
"We need to stay focused on days with double headers; we often lose focus on days with double headers so we need to stay in it until the very last out," McGivney said.
The RedHawks' Schoenly also went on to add that OU has a new coaching staff, which will add a new dynamic aspect to the rivalry. She continued to comment on what her team needs to focus on when playing OU in order to be successful Friday.
"OU has been hitting well, so we want to keep them off balance to minimize the chance for the big inning, and they have strong pitching as well," Schoenly said.
Look for Simpson to take the mound first Friday, as the Red and White look to extend their winning streak to five.
Read More
How one professor and her classes are preserving Oxford’s Black history
By Sean Scott | March 20, 2024Jazma Sutton, an assistant professor of history, teaches The Black Midwest (HST 350Q) and Black Women in America (HST 450D) classes. In both courses, she has students working with the Smith Library of Regional History and Miami’s archives to document and preserve Black history in Oxford.
Miami faculty members recount Freedom Summer in new documentary
By Luke Macy | February 25, 2022After seven years of work, “Training for Freedom,” a documentary highlighting Oxford’s involvement in the Freedom Summer of 1964, premiered on PBS Western Reserve on Valentine’s Day.
“Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic”: History in the making
By Alice Momany | August 29, 2021In March 2020, Miami University’s archives launched “Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a collection focused on life during the COVID-19 pandemic.