Another year, another Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament appearance.
For the eighth consecutive season, the John Carroll University softball has earned a ticket to the dance. However, a simple postseason berth isn't this team's ultimate goal. The Blue Streaks yearn for something much more difficult to achieve: an OAC Championship.
The Blue Streaks haven't achieved this feat since 2012, but this resilient JCU team is built for playoff success, especially in the double-elimination format of the OAC Tournament.
To add a year to its OAC banner, the Blue Streaks will first have to face off with tournament host Heidelberg (27-7, 16-2 OAC) on Friday at noon. Later in the day, the Blue and Gold will play either Capital (27-12, 14-4 OAC) or Ohio Northern (21-12, 12-6 OAC), depending on the outcomes of the first games.
If JCU wins one of Friday's two games, the squad will survive to play at least one more game on Saturday. For a full schedule,
click here.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the JCU softball team is its ability to rebound. The Blue Streaks have not lost more than two games in a row this season. Every time JCU was dealt an obstacle, the Blue and Gold responded with gritty wins.
The reasons for JCU's resiliency are twofold: a dominant pitching staff and a loaded lineup.
Pitchers
Rachel Byrnes and
Ann Marie Kirchner compose one of the most fearsome duos in the OAC. The senior member of the duo, Byrnes has enjoyed another stellar season, racking up a 12-7 record, 106 strikeouts, and a 3.76 ERA. A first-year JCU softballer, Kirchner has thrived in the circle, recording a 10-7 record and 2.00 ERA in 94.2 innings of work.
On paper, the JCU lineup has few holes in its order. At some point or another, each starter has enjoyed a hot streak, but the team has yet to see every hitter thrive at the same time. If every Blue Streak is locked in this weekend, OAC opponents beware.
Outfielders
Lauren Cianciolo and
Taylor Tercek have become fixtures at the top of the lineup, while
Hannah Mizener,
Alyssa Coleman, and
Carly Simecek have become stalwarts in the middle of the order. Each of these five players is hitting above .300, with Simecek leading the way with a .460 average. The sophomore catcher also leads the team in doubles (12), home runs (8), and RBI (42).
Near the bottom half of the order,
Christie Wade,
Ally Kleinhans, and
Ashlee Unrue have provided critical hits and runs throughout the season. Platoon players
Angie Zappitelli,
Victoria Eder, and
Mikki Vance have also provided production at key points over the course of the year.
The Blue Streaks will need to put forth a team effort to take down Heidelberg in game one on Friday. The last time the teams did battle, the 'Berg defeated JCU on a pair of walkoff hits on April 14. Marissa Smego led the 'Berg offense, hitting 4-of-9 with a walkoff single in the first contest, while pitcher Paige Atterholt held JCU to three runs in nine innings to record both wins
.
JCU split Capital at home on April 18, losing 10-4 before capturing an 11-6 win. The Blue Streaks were swept by Ohio Northern in Ada on April 6, but both losses came by just one run.
Live stats will be available for Friday's contest.
Ticket Info:Friday Ticket Prices
$7 single game
$10 weekend pass
$5 senior rate
$2 Non-OAC student
Saturday Ticket Prices
$7 single game
$5 senior rate
$2 Non-OAC student
Sunday Ticket Prices
$7 single game
$5 senior rate
$2 Non-OAC student
OAC Students free all games with valid ID
OAC Lifetime Passes honored all games, season passes will not be honored
