Central Michigan University
Buffalo
Chippewas Take Chilly Series Opener From Buffalo
4/7/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Lindsay Gerber, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan exploded for seven runs in the fifth inning on Saturday en route to a 10-2 Mid-American Conference victory over Buffalo at Margo Jonker Stadium on Saturday.
It was the sixth consecutive win for the Chippewas (15-15, 5-3 MAC) as they topped the Bulls (13-18, 5-4 MAC) in five innings due to the run rule. The teams will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Sunday (11 a.m.).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Buffalo took a 2-1 lead in the third, but Central Michigan came out swinging in the fourth. The Chippewas tallied seven runs on five hits, sparked by an RBI double by Maison Kalina.
Third baseman Kayla Noch led the way defensively for CMU, providing a highlight by spearing a line drive for the first out of the fifth inning. She went on to record all three outs that inning.
"I tell my pitchers every game to trust their pitches and be fearless with that, and I know they expect the same out of me," said Noch. "So I just trusted my preparation and good things happened."
IN THE CIRCLE
Taylor Weaver (4-5) earned the win. She allowed one hit and struck out two in 2 2/3 innings. She pitched in relief of Laura Vaccaro, who allowed two runs on five hits.
Losing pitcher Ally Power (10-10) allowed four runs on two hits over three innings.
AT THE PLATE
Morgan Gardner led the Chippewas with three RBI. Kalina and Rachel Vieira led the Chippewas' eight-hit attack with two apiece.
Leandra Jew and Anna Aguon each had two hits to lead the Bulls, who finished with six hits.
CMU COACH Margo Jonker
"I was really proud of the team for managing the elements as well as they did. It was a little chilly out there today, but they did a great job, especially swinging the bats. I thought we did a good job offensively, scored a lot of runs, came back after they got a lead on us, which I thought was crucial."
"(We're) pretty confidant right now. Everybody is excited and they're playing team softball, or what I call Chippewa softball. Everyone plays together, playing with passion and loving the game. I think everyone is in good shape mentally, but every game is a new game and just because we won in five today doesn't mean anything for tomorrow."
NOCH
"We're confident and playing as a team. Everybody is contributing in some way. All together we're clicking, it's not just one person and we're just trying to keep that rolling and win every inning."
