Clutch kicks in, team play hasn’t

Clutch moments have happened from time to time early in the IU softball season. In her first start, sophomore Kelli Ritchison’s game-saving catch in left field and senior catcher Tory Yamaguchi’s game-winning grand slam Wednesday are just a few of those clutch moments. \nBut the question isn’t when another player will step up in a clutch situation. Rather, it’s when will the Hoosiers, as a unit, catch fire?\nThe Hoosiers (7-19), who have been disheartened in seasons past, are ready to make some noise in the Big Ten and silence their skeptics when they start their two-game set against No. 6 Michigan. And if anyone wants to help lead this charge, it’s junior pitcher Monica Wright. \nWright, who has shined bright inside the pitcher’s circle, is rounding into form after two sub-par seasons.\n“I’ve added another pitch to my arsenal and am overall more confident in all my pitches,” said Wright, the No. 1 pitcher on the staff. “I worked really hard on pitch location and try to be a leader for this team.”\nThe Morrison, Ill., native has watched her earned run average dip over the years from 4.41 as a freshman at Northern Iowa to 3.88 as an IU sophomore then to 3.33 in 18 appearances so far this season – her second with the cream and crimson. \n“Monica has really worked hard to make herself into a complete pitcher,” IU coach Stacey Phillips said. “She’s healthier now than she has been in past seasons and is constantly improving her pitches.” \nWright exhibits a bit of a hockey atmosphere on the hill. She doesn’t change her overall philosophy on gameday, but mixes her pitches – like a hockey coach changes lines – often to confuse \nher opponents. \nConsistency is how Phillips described Wright’s potential, given her ability to throw at blazing speed, go the full seven innings and stay focused in the heat of the moment. \nAlong with Wright, Yamaguchi believes the Hoosiers can get back on track and start to surprise some teams down the road. \n“We’ve had a tough first half of the season, but we’re starting to make the adjustments,” Yamaguchi said. “We’re playing more relaxed out there and ready to change the outcomes of our games.” \nDespite the team having its hands full this weekend beginning Big Ten play, Phillips is focused on her players instead of the schools venturing to Bloomington. \n“We’re just going to go out there and play ball,” Phillips said. “We’re not worrying about who we’re playing, we’re just concerned about ourselves and our production.” \nThe Hoosiers start this weekend’s home stand against Michigan. Action against the Wolverines begins at 3 p.m. Friday, followed by a 1 p.m. game on Saturday. Sunday’s doubleheader against Penn State will mark the inaugural softball broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Both games will be televised live, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:30 a.m.