University of Southern Indiana Softball looks to put an end to a four-game slide Saturday when it visits William Jewell College for a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader in Liberty, Missouri.
The Screaming Eagles (5-14, 3-9 GLVC) also visit Rockhurst University for a conference twinbill Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri. First pitch for game one of both doubleheaders is slated for noon.
Spectator Policy
-William Jewell is allowing fans at softball, though seating may be restricted. Fans are encouraged to watch from their vehicles behind the outfield fence.
-Rockhurst is allowing spectators at its outdoor venues.
How to follow
Both of USI’s doubleheaders are on the GLVC Sports Network schedule this week, while live stats, if available, can be accessed through USI’s Softball Schedule Page on GoUSIEagles.com. USI Softball’s Twitter account (@USISOFTBALL) will have live updates throughout the contests, while @USIAthletics will provide periodic updates on its Twitter account throughout the games.
Notes
• On the road again. USI is on the road, once again, a place that has haunted the Eagles all season. USI 0-9 on the road this year, compared to 2-2 at neutral venues and 3-3 at the USI Softball Field.
• Snake bit. USI suffered three straight one-run losses last week to two of the top three teams in the GLVC standings in the University of Indianapolis and McKendree University. USI is 1-6 in games decided by one run and 1-7 in games decided by two runs or less. The Eagles also have lost four of those games in the last at-bat.
• Streaks end. Senior outfielder Alicia Webb (Elberfeld, Indiana) and freshman outfielder Mackenzie Bedrick (Brownsburg, Indiana) each saw impressive streaks come to an end during USI’s 5-4 game-two loss to McKendree on Saturday. Webb saw her career-high 22-game hitting streak come to an end as she went 0-of-4 at the plate, while Bedrick was thrown out trying to steal second for the first time this year, snapping a streak of 15 straight successful stolen base attempts. Webb’s hitting streak, which began with the last four games of the 2020 campaign, is believed to be the longest since Amber Huse hit in a program-record 27 straight games in 1994.
• Last week’s leaders. Sophomore second baseman Rachel Martinez paced the Eagles with a .385 batting average, going a combined 5-of-13 at the plate with a double, home run and two RBI. Bedrick hit .364 (4-14) with an RBI and four stolen bases.
• Season leaders. Bedrick leads the Eagles with a .424 batting average to go along with 18 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in 17 attempts. Webb is hitting .406 with eight doubles a home run and 12 RBI, while Martinez is hitting .339 with two doubles, a triple, two home runs and a team-high 13 RBI. Sophomore shortstop Jordan Rager (Fishers, Indiana) and sophomore first baseman Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) are respectively hitting .328 and .319, with a combined 12 doubles and 18 RBI.
• Scouting the opposition (Jewell). The Cardinals are 8-18 overall and 7-7 in GLVC play heading into Saturday’s games. Senior infielder Allison Rawls is hitting .351 with five doubles, a triple, two home runs and 13 RBI to lead Jewell at the plate.
• Scouting the opposition (Rockhurst). The Hawks, who host McKendree Saturday, head into the weekend with a 14-8 overall record and 7-5 mark in GLVC play after a bye last weekend. The Hawks are getting outstanding pitching from senior Lexie Storrer (10-3, 0.93 ERA), as well as strong hitting from junior utility player Shelby Winkelman (.394 BA, 6 doubles, 1 HR, 14 RBI) and senior utility player Emily Clark (.392 BA, 6 doubles, 5 HR, 13 RBI).
• Up next. Looking forward, USI hosts six straight games at the USI Softball Field, beginning April 17 when the Eagles take on Southwest Baptist University.
