BGSU softball (18-26, 6-17) remains at Meserve Field this week for a doubleheader against Oakland University (24-18, 8-7). Both teams enter the matchup looking to gain ground and bounce back from recent weekend losses.
Oakland
The Golden Grizzlies enter the week with a 24-18 overall record and an 8-7 mark in conference play under head coach Chris Stelma. Oakland is looking to rebound after dropping two of three games on the road against Green Bay last weekend. The Golden Grizzlies lost the first two games, 6-5 and 9-7, but earned a 10-7 victory in the series finale.
Offensively, Oakland is led by graduate student designated hitter Maggie Murphy, who is hitting .438 with 39 hits, nine doubles, six home runs and 28 RBIs. Freshman outfielder Addison Caldwell has also been a key contributor, batting .414 with 36 hits, 15 RBIs and a team-high 13 stolen bases.
Freshman shortstop Autumn Liebhauser has added consistency and power as well, hitting .374 with 40 hits, 14 doubles, six home runs and 28 RBIs. As a team, the Golden Grizzlies are hitting an impressive .315.
In the circle, Oakland relies heavily on sophomore pitcher Kenna Bommarito, who leads the staff with an 11-8 record, a 2.89 ERA and 123 strikeouts over 123 1/3 innings pitched. Freshman pitcher Kama Skrek has also seen significant time, posting a 5-1 record with a 3.57 ERA across 49 innings.
Junior pitcher Alyssa Balcom has contributed a 3-5 record and a 2.76 ERA in 25 1/3 innings of work. As a pitching staff, the Golden Grizzlies hold a 3.63 ERA and are allowing opponents to hit .278 this season.
Bowling Green
The Falcons currently sit at 18-26 overall with a 6-17 record in conference play. Head coach Michelle Gardner leads a BGSU squad that is also trying to bounce back following a tough weekend. The Falcons dropped two of three games in a home series against Massachusetts, winning the opener 5-1 before falling 6-5 and 2-1.
Offensively, junior third baseman Taylor Behrendt leads Bowling Green with a .313 batting average and 42 hits. Redshirt sophomore shortstop Addie Martin serves as the primary power threat, batting .300 while leading the team with nine home runs, 10 doubles and 32 RBIs.
Junior first baseman Cameron Kaufman closely follows with a .294 average, 35 hits and a team-high 15 stolen bases. As a team, Bowling Green is hitting .261 for the season.
In the circle, senior pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik anchors the Falcons’ staff. She holds a 9-9 record and a 2.97 ERA, logging 51 strikeouts over 113 innings pitched. Sophomore pitcher Morgan Beckham supports the rotation with a 3.66 ERA and a 5-7 record across 65 innings.
The Falcons pitching staff holds a collective 4.16 ERA and limits opponents to a .297 batting average.
Series Schedule
Bowling Green will host Oakland for a doubleheader at Meserve Field on Tuesday, April 28. The first game will begin at 2 p.m., with the second game starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first.
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.
