Central Michigan University Athletics
Softball Wraps Up Fall Ball
10/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Central Michigan softball team wrapped up Fall Ball late last week with a rain-shortened exhibition against Northwood at Margo Jonker Stadium.
The Chippewas' fall slate included a trip to Traverse City, where CMU played Saginaw Valley State, Western Michigan and Michigan. They beat the Broncos in extra innings, topped Saginaw Valley, and lost two two-run games to the Wolverines.
"We were competitive with all the teams there," veteran CMU coach Margo Jonker said. "It was a good weekend because of the competitive nature of the games, and it was an opportunity for the team to spend some time in a unique setting with bonfires and getting to know each other.
"With women's teams especially it is crucial that you have good team chemistry and good leadership for a team to be successful."
The Chippewas also played exhibition games this fall against Michigan State and Wayne State. They are scheduled to open the 2017 season with five games in a three-day span at Texas A&M. CMU will play the host Aggies, Ohio State and Lamar.
That marks the first of three late-winter trips to warmer climes on the Chippewas' schedule. CMU is also slated to play two events in Florida, one in Madeira Beach, the other in Clearwater.
Among the teams CMU will play during its two trips to Florida are North Dakota, UMass, Syracuse, Georgia State, Army, South Florida and Purdue.
In all, CMU is scheduled to play 22 games against 20 schools from Feb. 10-March 12 in Texas and in Florida.
The Chippewas are scheduled to play Oakland in a non-conference doubleheader in their home opener on Wednesday, March 22. CMU's Mid-American Conference-opening weekend is set for March 24-25 against Bowling Green.
The Chippewas' other MAC home series are Kent State, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois and Ball State. CMU is also slated to host Michigan and Michigan State in non-league games.
The MAC Tournament is scheduled for May 10-13 in Akron, Ohio.
Jonker said she was relatively pleased with her team's overall play in Fall Ball. The Chippewas have just three newcomers, though they are looking to replace several starters around the infield. The Chippewas finished 24-27-1 including 11-11-1 in the Mid-American Conference in 2016.
"Most everybody's returning so they understand the expectations better than if you have a larger crop of newcomers," she said.
The Chippewa outfield - Lacy Tolfree in left, Sara Hansen in center and Allison Curtis in right - returns in tact. The entire pitching staff and the top two catchers, Maison Kalina and Danielle Marlink, are also back.
Rachel Vieira and Erika Underwood impressed during Fall Ball on the right side of the infield, Vieira at second base, Underwood at first, Jonker said.
"I think defensively we have it covered," she said. "It's a matter of who's going to swing the bat. At first base, Underwood has really stepped up her game from last year. She has power, which we knew when we recruited her, and she hit pretty well for average and she's certainly maturing defensively with confidence."
Two others who could find their way into the lineup after playing well in the fall are sophomore Kayla Noch and freshman Morgan Gardner.
The Chippewas' entire pitching staff also returns, led by ace Rachael Knapp. Laura Vaccaro and Hanna Warren also threw during Fall Ball.
"I saw some good leadership within the team and some really honest communication between members of the program," Jonker said, reflecting on the fall. "We started at a little more advanced point than we do in some years and my staff is working extremely hard to be successful on the field."
