Taking a break from conference play, IU heads to Lexington to take on Wildcats

The IU softball team is looking to bounce back from a rough weekend during which it dropped all four of its conference games and had to fight through a rain delay in its Big Ten Network debut. \n“Last weekend was a tough weekend for us,” IU coach Stacey Phillips said. “Having to open conference play with No. 6 Michigan and having to deal with the rain on Sunday was hard.”\nToday, the Hoosiers (7-23) head to Lexington to play a doubleheader against a familiar opponent – Kentucky (13-17). This will be the second time this season the Hoosiers have faced the Wildcats. On March 2, in the Frost Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn., Kentucky defeated the Hoosiers 10-5 after the Hoosiers had been up 5-4 following the fifth inning. In the sixth inning, Kentucky rallied to score six runs and put the game out of reach for IU.\n“The first time we played them, they hit the ball really well,” freshman catcher Brittany Stein said. “But I feel we’re playing a lot better than we were in Tennessee, so I think it will be a different outcome this time around for us.”\nJunior infielder Emily Bergeson said she expects a more competitive game in \nthe rematch.\n“I think it will be better, since each team knows each other,” she said. “I know what to expect from them. Nothing should be a surprise.” \nA bright spot on the Hoosier team this season has been Stein’s play. She has recently moved into the starting lineup because of senior Tory Yamaguchi’s move from catcher to first base.\n“I think Brittany is transitioning really well,” Phillips said. “She has improved a tremendous amount. Also, it speaks to how diverse Tory is with her able to play first. With Brittany in behind the plate, it gives us more of an \noffensive threat.”\nStein is happy with her new-found playing time.\n“It’s great getting to play regularly and help the team out as much as I can,” she said. “Although I know I can do more at the plate, I hope I keep getting playing time so I can get that part of the \ngame going.”\nAn experienced catcher, Yamaguchi has also given advice to help Stein behind \nthe plate.\n“Tory just tells me to stay tough and keep doing what I’ve been doing,” she said.\nThe Hoosiers take a break from conference play when they take on Kentucky today, but Bergeson thinks the team will be as focused on this game as they would be if it were a Big Ten game.\n“I do not think it’s a big deal with the break in conference play since I think most teams do it,” Bergeson said. “At this point of the season, each game is important for us.” \nStarting today, the Hoosiers will be on the road for their next seven games. Their next home game will be April 11 against Ohio State.