Central Michigan University
NIU
Chippewas Win, Nail Down MAC Tourney Spot
5/7/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Box Score MAC Tournament Schedule
Andy Sneddon, CMUChipppewas.com
DeKALB, Ill. -- Katelyn Rentschler homered and Rachael Knapp tossed a three-hitter Saturday as the Central Michigan softball team punched its ticket to the Mid-American Conference Tournament with a 4-1 victory over Northern Illinois.
The Chippewas, who are 24-25-1 overall and finished 11-11-1 in the MAC, are seeded eighth in the tournament and will play top-seeded Kent State at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
Kent State is 35-20, 16-7. The Golden Flashes swept the Chippewas in a three-game series in late March.
The Chippewas, who are in the tournament for the seventh consecutive season, closed the regular season strong, going 9-3 in their final 12 MAC games.
NIU is 33-18 and won the MAC West Division at 13-10. The Chippewas took two of the three-game series with the Huskies.
Knapp struck out five and walked two. She took a shutout into the seventh inning, and the Chippewas played error-free defense behind her.
Chelsea DeLamielleure had four hits including a double and Rentschler finished with three hits and three RBI to lead the Chippewas' 10-hit attack.
"We played well today," CMU coach Margo Jonker said. "Knapp had a good game in the circle. Our two seniors (DeLamielleure and Rentschler) in the lineup had banner days today. They hit the way they have the ability to hit.
"That's what you hope, that your seniors are the ones who can lead the way especially when you get to post season. Playing some of the better ball that we've played this year is a very positive note."
NIU starter Keegan Hayes (5-5) took the loss.
