An Incredible Battle Falls Just Short for Central Michigan Softball

TUCSON, Ariz. – A game full of heart, resilience and fight ended not in favor of the Chippewas as CMU fell in extra innings to nationally ranked Arizona at the Hillenbrand Invitational. The 4-5 loss the Chippewas endured came in the ninth inning after two innings in international tie breaker. Central Michigan falls to 1-9 overall on the season.

The Chippewas came out hot in their battle with the Wildcats – not backing down from the challenge ahead of them as they took on their first ranked team of the season. A leadoff walk from Abbey Tolmie in the first inning started the day for the Maroon & Gold. She was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from her freshman sister, Keira Tolmie. Skylar Coberley ripped a single through the left side to scored A. Tolmie from second base. Central Michigan 1, Arizona, 0.

This marked the second time in program history that the Chippewas and Wildcats have faced off, after CMU won in 2016. Even though the Chippewas walked away from this game with a loss, fifth year Head Coach McCall Salmon was proud of her teams' effort and grit in the game. "Greatness takes time and our goal with this (preseason) schedule was to test them to the max before we start conference play. They are gaining confidence and seeing their hard work pay off. They are continuing to trust the process and that is all we can ask as coaches."

PITCHING PERFORMS

Madelyn Wallace took the start in the big match-up for CMU and did not back down in the moment. Wallace threw for 5.1 innings, faced 29 batters, and allowed 10 hits. The 10 hits for Arizona were defended in incredible fashion by the Chippewas. Wallace surrendered three runs to the Wildcats as they scored in the 5^th, 6^th, 8^th and inevitably, the 9^th innings. This outing marked the longest game appearance for Wallace in her junior campaign. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Cierra Laska relieved Wallace with runners on first and second, one out when the game was tied at three.
"Wallace & Laska gave us everything they had. It's a huge confidence booster for the both of them. Seeing them have success in big moments will be something Team 46 will need as we continue to play games." Said Salmon. Wallace made her seventh appearance for the 2024 season and charted her fourth start. Throughout the past two seasons, Wallace had accumulated only five starts. Laska made her third appearance and charted her second appearance with no walks issued.

DEFENSE DELIVERS IN CLUTCH TIMES

The defense for the Chippewas was strong in the outing, despite the game winning run crossing after a throwing error. The grass warriors - the outfield had incredible clutch moments in the battle. Tailynn Knapp and Abbey Tolmie had diving catches in the third inning that would lead to a one run frame for the Wildcats when they threated heavily. Knapp's catch came in foul territory, where she was able to prohibit a runner on second base from tagging. A. Tolmie followed that up with a diving catch of her own in center field that ended the inning. Michaleigh Vallimont grabbed a fly ball in right field where she collided with the wall in the sixth inning. Vallimont made the diving catch, flipped the ball to A. Tolmie while on the ground, and again, the outfielders prohibited the Wildcats from scoring as the runner was held to third base.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Knapp delivered one of her best plays in her career for the Chippewas. With a Wildcat on third base and one out, a single to her in left would not allow the winning run to cross home plate for Arizona. Knapp delivered an absolute laser to home plate where Carly Sleeman applied a tag, and the Wildcat was hosed. That play sent the game to extra innings and gave CMU another chance.

"Tailynn, Abbey & Michaleigh played unbelievable today. Three seniors stepping up in big moments and trusting in their preparation. Proud of them." said Salmon.

SWINGING SKYLAR SHOWS UP

Redshirt senior Skylar Coberley ended the day going 3-4 with four RBI, two singles and the first homerun of the season for Team 46. The first inning was where Coberley ignited for the day. Her single that scored A. Tolmie set the tone for her on the day. In the third inning, Coberley followed her single up with a monster shot over the center field fence that scored Carly Sleeman who reached via walk. That would give CMU the 3-0 tilt as they went to the bottom of the third. Coberley would have one final hit in the top of the 8^th as she singled, again to left field.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Central Michigan Softball will close out their preseason trek as they head to Florida for a double tournament stretch. The Chippewas will head to South Florida where they will battle five teams over five games. The first game is slated for 1 p.m. on Friday, March 1 when they take on Georgia Southern. After the USF Tournament, the Chippewas will head to Madeira Beach, Florida to participate in The Spring Games. Over those three days, CMU will face five opponents starting with LIU on Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m.

"As we head to Florida we get another set of tough opponents. Focus is to bring all 3 aspects of the game every day we play. Pitching, defense & offensive production, putting those together consistently will give us the results we want."

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An Incredible Battle Falls Just Short for Central Michigan Softball

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Team Stats

Skylar Coberley

Maddie Springer

Abbey Tolmie

Keira Tolmie

Players Mentioned

Skylar Coberley

Tailynn Knapp

Cierra Laska

Carly Sleeman

Abbey Tolmie

Keira Tolmie

Michaleigh Vallimont

Madelyn Wallace