The Western Michigan softball team is headed to South Bend, Indiana, to face off against Notre Dame this Wednesday at 4 p.m. The matchup will take place at Melissa Cook Softball Stadium.
Currently, the Broncos hold a record of 8-18 with a promising start in the Mid-American Conference, where they are 2-1. Last weekend, they secured two wins against Toledo, triumphing 3-2 and 8-6 in the doubleheader. Notably, they tied their program record by hitting four home runs in a single game, thanks to standout performances from Riley Dittmar, Analeez Niles, and Jordan Smith, who hit two home runs.
On the other side, Notre Dame is struggling, with a record of 12-16 and only 2-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Fighting Irish have faced challenges, losing their last three games, including a narrow 3-2 defeat against Indiana. In their recent matches, they have not scored more than three runs.
Among the Fighting Irish’s players, Addison Amaral shines with a .367 batting average and leads the team in hits with 29 and RBIs with 23. She’s one of four players tied for the team lead in home runs, boasting three. Micaela Kastor is the ace on the mound, having pitched 62.2 innings with a solid 6-3 record and a team-high 64 strikeouts. She has also recorded three complete games and contributed to two shutouts with a 3.80 ERA.
After the game against Notre Dame, Western Michigan will take a respite over the weekend before traveling to Michigan on Tuesday and hosting Miami (Ohio) next Friday and Saturday.
Statistically, this season’s batting performances highlight the growing competitiveness of college softball. For instance, according to recent reports from the NCAA, home run rates across collegiate softball have surged by 12% this season. This showcases not only the prowess of players like Smith and Amaral but also an overall trend toward more explosive offensive play.
As the Broncos look to build momentum, they will aim to capitalize on their recent successes while Notre Dame hopes to turn their season around. This matchup could be pivotal for both teams as they navigate through their conference schedules.
For more information about the current state of college softball and player statistics, you can visit NCAA.com.
Check out this related article: East Carolina Pirates Fall 9-4 to Seahawks: Key Highlights and Recap
Source link