BGSU softball (17-24, 5-15) remains at Meserve Field this week for a conference series against the University of Massachusetts (16-26, 7-14). Both teams enter the matchup looking to gain ground and bounce back from recent weekend losses.
Massachusetts
The Minutewomen enter the week with a 16-26 overall record and a 7-14 mark in conference play under fifth-year head coach Danielle Henderson. Massachusetts is looking to rebound after dropping two of three games at home against Akron last weekend. The Minutewomen lost the first and third games 3-2 and 2-0 but earned a 5-4 victory in the middle contest.
Offensively, Massachusetts is led by junior shortstop Odyssey Torres, who is hitting .421 with 45 hits, 12 doubles, three home runs and 23 RBIs. Sophomore center fielder Brooke Musch has also been a key contributor, batting .315 with 40 hits, 18 RBIs and a team-high 21 stolen bases.
Senior right fielder Riain Keefe has added consistency as well, hitting .296 with 42 hits and 12 RBIs. Junior designated player Lillie Scheivert provides additional depth to the lineup, recording 23 hits, six doubles and 22 RBIs this season. As a team, the Minutewomen are hitting .259.
In the circle, Massachusetts relies heavily on junior pitcher Hannah Streicher, who leads the staff with a 9-12 record, a 3.57 ERA and 75 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings pitched. Freshman pitcher Kelsey Blanchette has also seen significant time, posting a 4-9 record with a 6.57 ERA across 71 1/3 innings.
Sophomore pitcher Olivia Cutuli has contributed a 3-5 record and a 7.30 ERA in 46 innings of work. As a pitching staff, the Minutewomen hold a 5.22 ERA and are allowing opponents to hit .315 this season.
Bowling Green
The Falcons currently sit at 17-24 overall with a 5-15 record in conference play. Now in her second season at the helm, head coach Michelle Gardner leads a BGSU squad that is also trying to bounce back following a tough weekend. The Falcons were swept in a home doubleheader by Northern Illinois, dropping the two games 9-0 and 3-1.
Offensively, junior first baseman Taylor Behrendt leads Bowling Green with a .315 batting average and 39 hits. Redshirt sophomore third baseman Addie Martin serves as the primary power threat, batting .304 while leading the team with nine home runs, 10 doubles and 32 RBIs.
Junior shortstop Cameron Kaufman closely follows with a .303 average, 33 hits and a team-high 14 stolen bases. As a team, Bowling Green is hitting .263 for the season.
In the circle, senior pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik anchors the Falcons pitching staff. She holds an 8-9 record and a 3.28 ERA, logging 49 strikeouts over 102 1/3 innings pitched. Sophomore pitcher Morgan Beckham supports the rotation with a 3.34 ERA and a 5-5 record across 58 2/3 innings.
The Falcons pitching staff holds a collective 4.30 ERA and limits opponents to a .300 batting average.
Series Schedule
Bowling Green will host Massachusetts for a three-game series at Meserve Field, starting with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 24. The series will conclude with a single game beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
Watch live broadcasts of the event on the WBGU YouTube channel and find recaps of each matchup, along with more BGSU softball coverage at bgfalconmedia.com.
