Road Warriors ? The WMU softball team will take to the road for a MAC weekend for the first time since the conference schedule began on March 31. The Broncos took 3-of-4 from Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan and would like to do one better on this weekend's road trip. Akron leads the MAC East Division at 21-8, 10-4 MAC, while Ohio is currently fourth in the division at 23-30, 6-8 MAC. The Zips are on a two-game winning streak after stopping a three-game skid with a sweep of the Bobcats. Western Michigan boasts a 7-4 record on the road this season, 3-1 in conference action.
Getting Back on Track ? After dropping its first MAC season series to Kent State, Western Michigan got up, brushed itself off and handed the Big Ten's Michigan State a 2-1 loss at Old College Field. Becky Bartosz drove in the decisive run in the second and Katie Niemi led off the game with her third career home run. The victory pulled the Broncos even with Big Ten opponents this season (2-2) and improved their in-region record to 17-5.
Punching Her Way to the Top ? Sophomore right-hander Krysten Shumaker is climbing the single-season strike out list this season. With 162 punch outs, she now has sole possession of third place on the all-time list behind Laura Stewart (236 in 2004) and Bonni Kinne (195 in 1984).
Grace Slik ? Senior Tricia VanDerSlik had a flare for the dramatic in the Broncos' extra-inning win over Buffalo on April 21. With score knotted at one and the bases loaded with Broncos, VanDerSlike poked a single to drive in the winning run and extend WMU's winning streak to seven games, nine in conference play. VanDerSlik is hitting .483 (28-for-58) when she is at the plate with the opportunity to advance runners.
Sizing Up the Competition ? Western Michigan holds the edge in the all-time series with both of its opponents this weekend. The Broncos boast 24-12 record against Akron and a 35-26 mark against the Bobcats. WMU swept Ohio last season at Fran Ebert Field but split with the Zips on the road. Each game against Akron was a one-run affair with WMU taking the opener, 4-3, and Akron coming back with a 1-0 victory the next day. The Brown & Gold defeated Ohio, 4-2 and 5-0, in a doubleheader and closed out the three-game set with a 2-1 win.
On the Scene ? Kristi Strange and Shumaker continue to find their names among the nation's elite. The updated NCAA rankings were released on April 24 and Strange ranks second in doubles per game (0.49), while Shumaker ranks 22nd in ERA (1.06) and is tied for 23rd in saves (3). As a team, Western Michigan ranks 24th in the country in doubles per game (1.46).
In the MAC ? Western Michigan finds itself leading or near the top of almost every pitching category. The Broncos lead the conference in opposing batting average (.190), hits allowed (165), runs allowed (99), earned runs allowed (68) and home runs allowed (11). WMU ranks second in ERA and is one of only two teams to be below 2.00 (1.96). Western Michigan's defensive aptitude extends outside of the pitching circle. The Broncos are the second-best team in the MAC when it comes to fielding percentage (.963).
The Final Stand ? WMU will host its final two home series on May 5-7 when Bowling Green and Toledo come to town. The Falcons and Broncos will play a doubleheader on May 5, followed by a two game set against the Rockets on May 6-7. The May 7 contest will be the final home game for this year's quartet of seniors ? Danielle Daughtry, Connie Kolokithas, Niemi and VanDerSlik.
