Central Michigan University Athletics
Second-Ranked Michigan Next For CMU Softball
4/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — When the Central Michigan softball team travels to Ann Arbor on Wednesday (6 p.m.) for its non-conference matchup with No. 2-ranked Michigan, it signifies more than just another game on the schedule for both teams.
It showcases a matchup between two of the most decorated Division I softball programs in the state of Michigan, both schools having an established tradition of excellence as well as two hall of fame coaches. The game will be carried live on the Big Ten Network.
Carol Hutchins, who is in her 32nd season at Michigan, is the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. The Wolverines' April 8-0 victory over Indiana pushed her career total to 1,458.
In her tenure with the team, Hutchins has led the Wolverines to nine Big Ten tournament championships, 23 NCAA Tournament appearances and 11 Women's College World Series appearances, highlighted by the national crown in 2005.
"She's done a great job with that program, (Hutchins) is great coach," said CMU coach Margo Jonker. "She has a great staff as well with Bonnie (Tholl) and Jennifer (Brundage), who were both great players too.
"They've got the block M, they have a great tradition and great facilities, and so it will be a great contest to go out there."
The Wolverines (37-4) enter Wednesday's game on a 10-game win streak. Michigan's Sierra Romero ranks second nationally with a .487 batting average. The Wolverines' top pitchers, Megan Betsa and Sara Driesenga, are 18-3 and 17-0, respectively. Betsa checks in with a 2.13 earned run average, Driesenga a 2.51.
Jonker, who is in her 37th season with the Chippewas, has compiled a pretty impressive coaching resume herself. She ranks No. 11 all-time and No. 5 among active Division I coaches with 1,182 career wins.
She has led the Chippewas to 10 Mid-American Conference Tournament championships, 13 NCAA Tournament appearances and lead CMU to its first-ever Women's College World Series appearance in 1982.
This season Jonker and the Chippewas own a 20-22-1 record overall with a 7-9-1 mark in the MAC.
CMU ranks second in the MAC in team batting average (.289), third in slugging percentage (.429).
Senior CarolAnn Sexauer paces the Chippewas with 31 RBI to go along with six home runs and a .333 average. Katelyn Rentschler is the team leader in long balls with eight and is second on the team with 27 RBI.
Freshman Allison Curtis leads CMU and is 11th in the MAC with a .345 batting average. Sydney Heath is second and 13th in the MAC at .337.
Junior Rachael Knapp leads CMU in the circle with an 11-11 record and a 2.87 ERA. Hanna Warren is 7-8 with a 3.38 ERA.
CMU returns to conference play this weekend at Margo Jonker Stadium against Eastern Michigan (18-26, 8-9). The three-game series begins Friday at 3 p.m.
