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(05/02/03 5:43am)
Sophomore Ashley Griffiths booted two ground balls in a row, then turned and watched the third one skip off her glove into right field. She kicked the dirt, received some encouragement from coach Sara Hayes, and snagged the next shot off one bounce into her glove to make the play at first all during Wednesday's practice.\nGriffith's never-die attitude and willingness to work until she succeeded exemplifies the mind-set of each Hoosiers player as they took the field every day during the 2003 softball season. Suffering a 33-game Big Ten losing streak and a guaranteed losing season, IU never folded and, instead, persevered to earn that elusive Big Ten win. \nThe Hoosiers (18-30, 1-15 Big Ten) are guaranteed to finish with a losing record and in last place in the Big Ten, but they still have the chance of earning their first 20-win season since 1997. They can send the seniors off on a high by beating Purdue and ending their post-season chances.\nIU has lost seven of 10 games and in those seven games has only scored a total of two runs. The Hoosiers are 12-2 when scoring five or more runs in a game. \n"That was our goal as a staff, to go out and score four plus runs every game," Hayes said. "It is definitely doable against Purdue's pitching."\nSaturday, IU will travel north to face Purdue for one game before returning home Sunday for the series and season finale against the same Boilermakers team. At the IU Softball Field, the Hoosiers have compiled a 6-13 home record in front of an average 158 fans per game. \nThe Hoosiers' big three, junior Heather Stillians, sophomore Katie Witham and freshman Megan Roark have, with the lack of offense, kept the team competitive in most ballgames by holding down the opponent's offense. \nTheir 18 wins have combined for all of the Hoosiers' victories to go along with their 3.39 ERA and 14 complete games. \n"We try to keep the hitters off balance by forcing weak hits," Witham said. "Last year we pitched how we wanted to pitch, but this year we have been focusing on trying to find the hitter's weaknesses."\nIU's pitchers will have to search hard to find the weakness of Purdue sophomore Andrea Hillsey, who is batting a team-leading .471 with 39 RBIs. The Boilermakers lead the Big Ten in home runs and are second in team batting average with a .299 clip. \nHeading into a rare Thursday doubleheader against Indiana State, Purdue is 31-22 and 4-8 in conference play but are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. \nHoosier hitters will have to figure out senior pitcher Leighann Burke, who owns an 18-14 record, 2.00 ERA and 14 complete games. \n"Beating Purdue will give us a chance to finish the season on a high note," junior Abby Stark said. "Sweeping them would be huge."\nHaving played 48 games thus far, Hayes said she feels these last two against Purdue might carry the most meaning.\n"These two final games kind of define our season," Hayes said. "If we hustle and play great ball, we will end our season on a high"
(04/25/03 5:51am)
IU will try and accomplish something today they have not done in 32 games, dating back two years; winning a Big Ten Game.\nThe Hoosiers embark on their last multi-game road trip of the season, this time heading to East Lansing, Mich. on Friday and Saturday and Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sunday for a doubleheader.\nPicking up that elusive first conference win will be no easy task on this trip as the Spartans and the Wolverines have a combined 60-23 overall record. But, both have been struggling a bit of late. \nIU (17-27, 0-12) will attempt to play the role of spoiler this weekend as they try and sneak up on MSU and UM and gain some ground in the Big Ten standings.\n"This is a good chance to really shake things up in the Big Ten and pick up some good wins," junior Abby Stark said. "(Michigan) is a great team and MSU is a strong team, but their coaches will not let them come out not ready to play."\nIU's first chance to snap the conference losing streak will come on Friday against Michigan State. IU has not won a game on Friday since the opening weekend of the season in February. The game will also mark the 26th game the Hoosiers have played away from The IU Softball field in Bloomington. \nSenior Stormy Hanson will try to become the ninth player in IU history to end the season batting over .400, and the first player since Monica Armendarez's. 437 clip six years ago. Hanson's .466 on-base percentage is one of 12 offensive categories the senior is leading the team in. \nAlso hitting well of late is junior Valerie White, who is second on the squad with a .301 batting average and 46 hits, just six behind Hanson's 52 knocks.\nBut, the pitching staff has been struggling as IU pitchers have given up an opponents team batting overage over .300. \nThe Spartans (30-14, 8-5), meanwhile, have won six of eight but are coming off a split with Oakland University. \nThey are led by six players batting over .300 and standout junior Jessica Beech, who has recorded two thirds of the team's wins with a 20-6 record and a miniscule 0.99 ERA. Beech did not pitch in the series against Oakland, Calif. and is likely to go against IU on Friday.\nAt Ann Arbor, Mich. on Sunday, the Hoosiers will not be escaping the wrath of good pitching, as Michigan senior and Big Ten pitcher of the week for the second straight week Marissa Young had a 3-0 record last week to go along with a 0.33 ERA. \nFor the season, Young has a 17-1 record, 1.07 ERA, 12 complete games in just 18 starts and 166 strikeouts to 37 walks -- a near five to one ratio. \n"She will go right at us and be aggressive," IU coach Sara Hayes said. "Strong pitching can catapult your program, a pitcher like Young has the ability to keep the team in games and help the team pick up wins."\nPicking up a Big Ten win is on all the Hoosiers' minds, but no one seems to be panicking. That's something Hayes said she wants to see more.\n"I think that is the thing we have been frustrated with," coach Hayes said. "We seem to play without a strong sense of urgency."\nGoing into this weekend, the mentality of the Hoosier players is competing without pressure.\n"We have nothing to lose," senior Katie Joy said. "We will be playing good teams, but on any given day anyone can beat anyone"
(04/21/03 5:36am)
In game one against the No. 24 Hawkeyes Sunday, IU only stranded one runner on base. The problem is, the Hoosiers only put one runner on base as Iowa sophomore Lisa Birocci pitched a no hitter, walking one batter before the mercy rule went into effect after six innings with Iowa on top 8-0. \nBirocci baffled IU hitters all day long in the midst of her first career no-hitter, improving her record to a jaw-dropping 18-6. She struck out five of the first six batters and retired the first 14 she faced, but gave up a two-out walk to senior Katie Joy in the top of the fifth. \nThe Hawkeyes scored all they needed in the first with three runs in the frame and added three more in the fourth and one in the fifth and sixth en route to an 8-0 shutout in game one of the twin bill. The loss was the 11th for the Hoosiers in 11 conference games this season while extending their Big Ten losing streak to 31 games. \nJunior Heather Stillians dropped her record to 7-13 on the season as she pitched five innings, allowing 11 hits and seven earned runs. Freshman Megan Roark pitched a brief third of an innings giving up three hits and one earned run. \nIn game two, IU's bats did not wake up, but did show signs of consciousness as they recorded four hits but extended their Big Ten losing streak to 32 as they fell by the final of 9-0.\nSophomore Katie Witham pitched well through five innings, but stumbled in the sixth as she gave up four runs and was only able to retire one Hawkeye batter before giving way to Roark. Junior Valerie White had two of IU's four hits, while junior Abby Stark and Stillians had the other two. \nSunday's losses kept IU in sole position of last place with an 0-12 Big Ten record. \nOn Saturday, IU beat visiting MAC opponent Ball State 5-2 in game two of a doubleheader, earning a split and improving their overall record to 16-24. \nSenior Stormy Hanson left her mark on the scoreboard, literally, as her first inning bomb to left-center caused a dent in the new softball scoreboard. The round-tripper was Hanson's 11th of the season and second of the day. Freshman Lauren Hines added an insurance run in the fourth with her towering solo blast to right, giving IU a 5-2 lead which they would hang on to for the victory. \n"I just go up there and try to get a hit," Hanson said. "That is how I approach every at-bat, I am selective by waiting for the best pitch."\nWitham earned her sixth victory scattering seven hits and allowing two earned runs in six innings.\nRoark kept the game intact as she threw one scoreless inning, walking one before being removed for Witham's re-entry. \n"I just do what I can," Roark said. "I try and give our defense a chance and do whatever is best for the team."\nIn game one, IU held the Cardinals scoreless for the final five innings, but unfortunately, Ball State scored all they needed in the first two frames with one in the first and two in the second on pace to a 3-1 victory. Freshman Quincy Duran went the distance for her sixth win of the year, allowing five hits and one earned run. \nStillians also pitched the full seven but the lack of support plagued her once again as she dropped her 14th game of the season. She gave up only one earned run, as junior Kristine Dugan fired a throw from third into centerfield, allowing two runs to score. IU's lone run came off the mighty bat of Hanson as she sent a rocket into left center in the sixth. \nIU ended the weekend with a 16-25 overall record heading into Tuesday's non-conference tilt with Evansville. \n"We are looking for results for the kids and for them to play hard," coach Sara Hayes said after the Ball State games. "We are playing hard and some good things are happening"
(04/16/03 5:18am)
The Hoosiers will attempt to accomplish what the men's basketball team could not do earlier this year as they step out of Big Ten play and try to beat border rival Kentucky in a doubleheader at 3 p.m. today at the IU Softball Field.\nThe Hoosiers will not have the opportunity to grab their first Big Ten victory, but still wantt to add two more wins to their 14 game win total.\n"It would be huge to get two wins," coach Sara Hayes said. "We have been playing so well that our team needs to be rewarded."\nThe deeply talented Big Ten has provided IU strong competition, as the Hoosiers have lost all 10 of its Big Ten games. The Hoosiers will try to extend their four game non-conference win streak, which includes wins over Wright State and Indiana State. \n"I'm confident in our games tomorrow," senior Heather Suca said. "It would definitely help by beating Kentucky and Ball State heading into the weekend against Iowa."\nIU owns an impressive 14-12 record out of Big Ten play. The squad will also look to improve on its sub-par 4-10 home record, having lost eight in a row after playing its first 14 games on the road. \nHelping the Hoosiers to 14 wins has been senior catcher Stormy Hanson, who leads the team in twelve offensive categories. Her .787 slugging percentage and 85 total bases nearly doubles the next Hoosier. \nThe Hoosiers have lost their last four games by an average of two runs, including a pair of two run losses at the hands of Illinois over the weekend. Keeping the Hoosiers in these games has been the consistent pitching of junior Heather Stillians, sophomore Katie Witham and freshman Megan Roark. \nThe big three have combined for a 2.95 team earned run average and all 14 IU wins.\nKentucky's opponents have combined for a 2.00 ERA this season. The Wildcats (9-34, 1-22) are struggling at the plate with a .210 team average. \n"They are in a SEC school and the SEC is very good," senior Katie Joy said. "At this point, It does not matter who we play, as long as we get better everyday."\nAmid a 21-game losing streak, the Wildcats are led by senior Lyndsey Angus who has compiled a .364 average with six home runs and 21 RBIs. \n"I think their record is a little deceiving," Hayes said. "It does not matter who we play as long as we go out and play our game, we should get the results we want"
(04/15/03 5:25am)
Dating back to the 2001 season, the IU softball team has lost 30 consecutive Big Ten games and are now 0-10 in league play this season. But why is no one concerned?\nWell thus far, IU has lost seven Big Ten games in a row by just three runs or less after getting blown out of Columbus, Ohio, by the Buckeyes in the conference opener. Over the weekend, the Hoosiers lost four games to Northwestern and No. 24 Illinois by a combined seven runs including two two-run losses to the Illini on Sunday. \n"The Big Ten is an amazing conference," junior Abby Stark said. "Yeah, we are 0-10, but our level of play is not indicative of our record."\nStark is a native of Vancouver, Wash., which is in the Pacific Athletic Conference area. She chose IU to have a chance to play in the Big Ten.\n"Next to the PAC-10, the Big Ten is a great conference," Stark said. "Everything about the Big Ten, the schools and the programs are great."\nIf there is such a thing as an impressive 0-10 conference record, IU has it. It plays in softball's second toughest conference, which consists of eight teams with 20 wins and one with 19. \nIn the seven Big Ten losses by three runs or less, IU has been a play or two or even one clutch hit away from changing the outcome of the ball game. \n"Except for the two games at Ohio State, we've been in every game coming down the stretch," Stark said. "We are so ready to explode."\nIn the last two seasons, the Big Ten has represented itself in the College World Series with Iowa in 2001 and Michigan last year. Big Ten teams continue to recruit upper tier talent from out West, as IU's roster includes eight girls from either California, Las Vegas or Arizona, while Wisconsin's roster consists of seven girls from California alone.\n"IU is able to get the top recruits because of the education and area," assistant coach Mickey Dean said. "Take that combo along with the campus, put it into a package and that's what you sell."\nHeading into Wednesday's tilt with border rival Kentucky, IU has a 14-12 out of conference record including wins over some upper elite programs including San Jose State. Their above .500 record out of league plays proves the rigorous competition that the Big Ten features. \n"(Big Ten teams) know how to play as they recruit the best players in the country," coach Sara Hayes said. "They have such successful athletic programs as a whole, that they know how to win."\nWith eight Big Ten games remaining, IU is looking to snag that elusive first Big Ten victory but will have to wait until Sunday when it travels to Iowa City, Iowa, to battle the 2001 World Series participant Hawkeyes. \n"It will mean a great deal to the upperclassmen to get their first Big Ten victory," Dean said. "We are looking to be at the top of this conference in the future"
(04/09/03 5:55am)
IU's four game losing streak will have to wait until Friday as today's doubleheader against Louisville was canceled due to the inclement weather plaguing the Midwest. \nThe Hoosiers (14-18, 0-6 Big Ten) have lost six out of eight while the current four game losing streak matches their longest of the season. But IU players said they do not feel any added pressure to earn their first Big Ten victory.\n"We would feel the pressure if we decided to put it on ourselves," junior Heather Stillians said. "I see our team staying focused and getting the wins we need to get this weekend."\nThe first scheduled meeting against the Cardinals on Feb. 28 in the Cardinal Classic was also canceled due to inclement weather. Today's game was to be the the fifth in six days for IU, who has actually won their last five out-of-conference ballgames. \n"We were looking forward to playing," junior Valerie White said. "But it will be good to get the extra day to rest instead of playing in the cold."\nA small slump has lowered senior Stormy Hanson's batting average to a still remarkable .402 as she remains the team leader in twelve different offensive categories. Her home run in the seventh inning in last weekend's game against Minnesota broke up junior pitcher Piper Marten's bid for a no-hitter. \nToday's ballgame would have marked the twelve road stint for IU this season who has an impressive 6-5 road record versus a sub-par 3-6 mark at the Varsity Softball Field. \nEnding the losing streak would have been no easy task for IU as Louisville has won five out of six and owns a 17-14 overall record. The Cardinals were also taking a break from their own conference schedule where they have an 8-3 Conference USA record. \nLouisville senior Keola Calderon won C-USA hitter of the week, but the squad is led by senior pitcher Jessica Rak who owns a team leading 2.33 ERA with a 9-7 record and an eyebrow raising eight complete games. \nUL possesses a Hanson of their own in sophomore Sara Bausher, a Las Vegas product as well who carries a .340 batting average and leads the Cardinals in at least eight different offensive categories. \nIU will get an extra day of practice and resume play at 3 p.m. this Friday at home against the Northwestern Wildcats. \n"I think we will be ready to go for this weekend," coach Sara Hayes said. "With high school weekend, it should be very exciting for us"
(04/08/03 5:39am)
The second shortest player on the IU softball team stands just five-feet three-inches tall, but yet is still a towering six inches taller than senior shortstop Heather Suca. \nA product of Joliet West High School in Shorewood, Ill., a suburb 45 miles southwest of Chicago, Suca earned all conference honors three times, while being selected to the all-state and all-area teams during her senior season. \nStanding four-feet nine-inches tall, Suca leads the team with 154 put-outs at shortstop. \n"Everyday she amazes me with what she can do," sophomore Katie Witham said. "She certainly beats all the odds."\nOther teammates, such as junior Valerie White, are well aware of the odds Suca has beaten.\n"She has overcome a lot of adversity," White said. "She is an amazing athlete and the way she handles herself on and off the field is remarkable."\nAs a Hoosier, the gritty infielder has increased her hit total, RBI total and walk total each of her first three seasons as she earned a team high 12 base on balls in 2001 and a team high 20 last season. Through 32 games this season, Suca has walked a team-leading 13 times. \n"I definitely do not go up there with the mentality of drawing a walk," Suca said. "I just go up to the plate each time trying to get on base and help the team."\nThis year, Suca helped the squad by moving to shortstop from second base where she can better use her quickness and agility.\n"Her position switch allowed myself to put the best team on the field," coach Sara Hayes said. "Just like every other player, she makes a sacrifice to better the team."\nSuca has earned the reputation on the team for her competitiveness, tenacity and leadership. As one of four seniors on the team, Suca has been forced into a leadership role on a team which consists of eight freshmen. \n"She is a wonderful leader for our young team to follow," Hayes said. "Heather has the heart of a lion and good vision for what she is doing as an athlete and a student."\nAfter her academic and athletic career come to an end, Suca plans to attend graduate school to earn a master's degree and then become a high school teacher and softball coach. \n"As a coach I would want my players to always give it their all," Suca said. "If you don't win a game but you try your hardest, that's fine, but always give it your all"
(04/02/03 4:30am)
Amongst a season-long flirt with the .500 level, the streaking Hoosiers will once again try to level their record as they head to Dayton, Ohio. The team takes a break from the Big Ten schedule to face the Wright State Raiders for two games beginning at 2 p.m. today. \nIU (10-12, 0-2 Big Ten) has lost four out of six and is 2-2 on their current six game road trip heading into Wednesday's tilt with the Raiders. Today's doubleheader marks the 20 and 21st games played away from home this season for the Hoosiers, who are 5-7 on neutral sites and 4-3 on road venues. \nAs for the mass amounts of games away from home taking a toll on the team, players like junior Abby Stark said they have grown accustomed to playing all over the map. \n"That's the thing about softball, growing up if you played travel ball you were constantly traveling all summer long," Stark said. "I do miss the elements of the fans, but I don't think it is taking a toll on us."\nThrough 24 games this season, senior Stormy Hanson has been creating havoc for opposing Big Ten pitchers with her Ted Williams-esque .405 batting average. The Las Vegas, Nev., product has complied a monstrous .747 slugging percentage while smashing four home runs, nine doubles and 19 runs batted in -- all which lead the team. \nHanson's 32 hits are nearly a third of Wright State's hit total as a team. The Raiders, (6-16, 1-1 Horizon League) own a .193 team batting average and have dropped five of their last six contests. Their split over the weekend in their league opener against Cleveland State included a victory during a school record 18 inning game. \nThe Raiders have beaten the likes of Charlotte and San Jose State and are led by senior pitcher Kristin Bultinck, who owns all six WSU wins and a strikeout per inning average. \n"They are a good team," Stark said. "They will be comparable to what they were last year, but if we go out and play our game, the outcome will be a successful one for us."\nToday's matchup against a Horizon league participant will be the first of four times the Hoosiers will take a break during the Big Ten portion of the schedule. \n"I think it helps us maintain a rhythm since the Big Ten is so challenging," coach Sara Hayes said. "These types of games help us refocus and gain confidence in ourselves."\nThe Hoosiers begin a grueling stretch of six games in five days but said they will not start using these portions of the schedule as an excuse.\n"I think we are all used to that," senior Katie Joy said. "It is common in softball to play doubleheaders so it does not have any effect on us"
(03/26/03 4:57am)
Beginning today in Terre Haute, the Hoosiers embark on a torturous eight-game road trip over eight days, as they battle the Indiana State Sycamores of the Missouri Valley Conference in a double header starting at 2 p.m.\nIU (10-12) has won three of their last five games and is coming off a four-game split of the Indiana Classic this weekend against IUPUI and Detroit Mercy. The Hoosiers are .500 in just four games on the road thus far but will have played 12 road games by next Wednesday. \nAfter 22 games last season, the Hoosiers virtually held an identical 9-12-1 record, but the attitude of some players has dramatically changed. \n"This year I feel more successful," junior Abby Stark said. "There is just something about this team that once we decide to do it, we can be very successful. I don't think 10-12 is very indicative of how we are playing."\nCoach Sara Hayes said she realizes the importance of playing well and eliminating some of the mistakes as the team heads into this weekend's Big Ten opener in Columbus, Ohio. \n"We are still very inconsistent," Hayes said. "We need to go into Big Ten play without any negatives."\nOne continuing positive theme for the Hoosiers this season has been the play of senior Stormy Hanson who leads the team in nearly every offensive category. Her .406 batting average, eight doubles, three home runs, 16 runs batted in and .739 slugging percentage are all team leading. \nOne offensive category that is not headed by Hanson is runs, where junior Valerie White is the team leader with 17 and is second to Hanson with 24 hits. \n"I expect to do really well," White said. "We've been having a really rough week and a half. But we showed some signs Saturday, and I hope we can carry that into tomorrow. As long as everyone comes to play, then I think that we're going to do really well."\nOverall IU is 45-17 against intrastate rival Indiana State but had both scheduled meetings cancelled last season. The Sycamores are 6-13, 1-5 in Missouri Valley Conference play, having lost 10 of 13 after winning their opening three games of the season. \nISU is led by junior Sarah Kothe who leads the team with a .333 batting average and a .471 slugging percentage. ISU has been outscored 93-41 by their opponents and have a .216 team batting average. \n"We are not overlooking Indiana State," Hayes said. "We are not sure on our end which of our teams will show up to play"
(03/14/03 3:35am)
After Tuesday's home opener cancellation against Illinois State, IU will try again to open their home season by facing Eastern Michigan in a double header on Saturday with games at 1 and 3 p.m. \nSaturday's matchup against EMU will feature two first year coaches trying to right their program's ship. IU coach Sarah Hayes is 6-8 in her rookie stint as the Hoosiers' coach, while EMU is led by first year coach Karen Baird. \nBaird and the Eagles from Yipsilanti, Mich., enter Saturday's twin bill with a 1-11 record and are in the midst of a ten game losing streak. The Eagles are winless on the road (0-4), and after nine games this season we're being outscored by their opponents, 54-13. \n"I think the challenge of playing a struggling team is to stay focused," Hayes said. "We have to be tough during everything we can control."\nEastern Michigan is led by senior pitcher Marla Otterbacher, who is boasting a team leading 2.81 ERA while earning two complete games. \nAnd pitching is what has kept IU in nearly every ball game thus far. Sophomore Katie Witham continues to lead the Hoosiers with an impressive 1.92 ERA, while junior Heather Stillians is first on the team with four wins and 28 strikeouts. \n"(Pitching) coach (Mickey) Dean had worked us really hard," Stillians said. "Each batter I face, I have the mindset that I will strike her out."\nSaturday marks the first of a long-awaited eight game home-stand for the Hoosiers, who began the season with 14 games away from Bloomington. IU returned from the road trip with a 6-8 record and much anticipation for playing at home.\n"It will be really fun to show the Bloomington community what we have been working on," Hayes said. "We are playing excellent ball and playing really tough."\nAs IU students take a week off, the Hoosiers will try to make the most of spring break on the field. \n"With not having school, we can play and go at it not worrying about the stresses of class and work," junior Abby Stark said. "It is a time to focus all of our energy on playing softball." \nAfter Saturday, the Hoosiers are scheduled to play two games against Bradley on Tuesday followed by the Indiana Classic, which begins March 22.
(03/11/03 5:55am)
After opening the season with 14 straight road games, the Hoosiers' softball team (6-8) was scheduled to return to Bloomington today for a doubleheader and the home opener against the Illinois State Redbirds (7-10). But because of unplayable field conditions, the home opener will take place Saturday against Eastern Michigan. The two games are scheduled to begin Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m. \nTuesday's opener was to be the first game of a 10-game homestand for the Hoosiers, who have two more wins then last years squad after 14 games. IU split four games over the weekend in Charelston, S.C., with wins coming over Cansius (5-2) and Stony Brook (2-1). \n"We are playing pretty well right now," first-year coach Sara Hayes said. "We work hard at practice on finding a rhythm, and we have definitely found that rhythm."\nTuesday's cancellation marks the sixth game wiped out because of weather for the Hoosiers this year, one less then last year's season endured at this point. \n"We will continue to practice hard and get better on things we can get better on," senior Stormy Hanson said. "It also gives us time to rest our bodies."\nAfter 14 games, Hanson is making a strong push for Big Ten Player of the Year by continuing to lead the team in nearly every offensive category with a .444 batting average, 12 runs, 20 hits, 6 doubles, two triples, two home runs and 11 RBIs. \nFreshman Lauren Hines is second on the team with a .438 batting average, 14 hits and 7 RBIs but believes extra practices will benefit the team's performance.\n"It gives us more time to prepare for when we do open," Hines said. "And it is easier to play in warmer weather"
(02/28/03 6:18am)
Inclement weather has postponed weekend action for the IU softball team.\nIn the Louisville Tournament, the team's scheduled play was cancelled after a winter storm struck. IU was originally scheduled to play Kent State, Louisville, Miami (OH) and Indiana State. \nBecause the team's two previous tournaments were played in warm weather in New Mexico and South Florida, the Hoosiers (4-6) have yet to have a game canceled this season. The Hoosiers had a combined record of 30-7 against the scheduled matchups this weekend. \n"We are a little upset about the weather this weekend," coach Sara Hayes said. "Louisville runs a good tourney, but it gives our team a good time to reset."\nHeading into the weekend, IU had received stellar pitching from sophomore hurler Katie Witham who leads the team with a 1.69 ERA. But with a cancellation this weekend and much colder games to follow, Witham is aware of the challenges ahead.\n"We are just looking forward to playing," Witham said. "However, I do think it will take us a little time to adjust to the cold."\nWhile senior catcher Stormy Hanson continues to lead the team in nearly every offensive category, freshman Lauren Hines is first on the team with a .476 batting average. \nAfter starting the season 3-2, IU dropped four out of five games in the South Florida tournament.\n"I think we were more ready in the New Mexico tournament," Hines said. "We were still gloating from the weekend in New Mexico."\nThe Hoosiers are next slated to play in the Charleston Southern tournament in Charleston, S.C., next weekend against Furman, Stony Brook, Savannah State and Central Florida.
(02/19/03 5:35am)
Senior Stormy Hanson will leave IU as one of the most productive softball players in Hoosier history. \nA Las Vegas product, Hanson will likely compete for All-Big Ten honors this spring. As a junior, Hanson led the Hoosiers in nine offensive categories while splitting time at third base and catcher. But this season Hanson will make a permanent home behind the plate.\n"I'm glad that this season I can just focus on one position," Hanson said. "With catching, you have to have leadership and the ability to guide the team, and I feel I am capable of doing just that." \nAs one of only two seniors on this year's squad, Hanson is well aware of the leadership she must provide her younger inexperienced teammates.\n"Hopefully I can provide my teammates with confidence in their abilities as players,'' Hanson said. "And by playing catcher I must be the leader on the field."\nTeammate and junior Abby Stark, said Hanson leads the team by encouraging players to perform better.\n"She is the player on the field that I look to when things get tough," Stark said. "She sets an example through her play on the field.''\nLast season, Hanson produced one of the better offensive seasons in IU history as she led the Hoosiers in batting average (.355), runs (27), slugging percentage (.412), and hits (49). She smashed seven home-runs and 11 doubles, both tied for the team lead. \nIn a game against eventual NCAA tournament participant Boston University on March 9 last year, Hanson had a career high four hits, including two doubles in a 5-4 victory.\nBorn in Grand Junction, Colo., Hanson is majoring in K-12 Physical Education and will be graduating from IU in the spring. She will become the first member of her family to have earned a degree.\n"I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have had," Hanson said. "I am very fortunate that my mom has supported me every single day."\nIn their limited time spent together, first year coach Sara Hayes said Hanson brings a lot of intangibles to the club.\n"Stormy is one of the most dynamic, passionate and determined student-athletes I have ever had the pleasure to work with," Hayes said. "The leadership she provides us is like having an assistant coach on the field"
(02/14/03 5:38am)
About a month from today the IU softball team will play its first home game of the season. Until then, the Hoosiers will play in a season opening 20-game road trip, beginning Friday in Las Cruces, N.M. at the New Mexico State tournament when IU takes on the San Jose State Spartans.\nFriday's game also marks the debut of new coach Sara Hayes. \nThe Spartans are 1-3 on the year, but a pair of those losses came against a formidable opponent. The Spartans lost twice, including a 3-1 setback in their season opener, to California, last year's NCAA champions. IU has met SJSU only once, registering a 6-0 victory in 1989. The Spartans were scheduled to have already played five games before IU's opener, but rain delayed a Wednesday matchup with Santa Clara. Hayes said the Spartans' added games could have a negative impact on IU.\n"We do think it is a disadvantage that SJSU has already played five games before our game," coach Hayes said. "All Midwestern schools have that disadvantage, but it will even itself out by the second week."\nThe Hoosiers will also face Eastern Illinois Friday, a team IU owns a 27-13 record and a three game win streak against. Saturday, IU will play offensive powerhouse Marshall and top 25 contender Southwest Texas State. Sunday, IU will conclude the New Mexico State tournament by squaring off with Bowling Green. \nJunior left fielder Abby Stark said the tough competition in the tournament this weekend will provide the Hoosiers with valuable experience heading into the season and the always torturous Big Ten schedule.\n"We need to go out and do what we do best," Stark said. "It will allow us to see where we stack up, but mostly it will be a great learning experience.''\nSophomore Katie Witham, who was tied for first on the team last year with a 3.32 ERA and six victories, said IU needs to play with a team mentality to succeed this weekend. \n"We need to be able to play as a team," Witham said. "We must take everything we have practiced on for so long and just put it all together."\nIU owns a 30-15 all-time record against teams in the New Mexico State tournament, but Hayes said she knows that execution will be the key to success.\n"We have done a nice job as a staff preparing every situation," Hayes said. "It is about executing what we have taught them inside Mellencamp onto the field in Las Cruces"
(11/18/02 4:30am)
It was no David versus Goliath ending at University Gym Saturday Night, as mighty Penn State showed why they are ranked No. 13, by beating the Hoosiers in three straight sets, 30-25, 30-25 and 30-25.\nIU (18-10, 8-8) looked like the favorite team early as the Hoosiers came out roaring in game one by grabbing a quick 7-2 lead. Penn State, (21-6, 11-5) narrowed the gap, however, and eventually took their first lead of the game at 13-12. Fortunately for the Nittany Lions, it was the last time they would have to grab the lead, as they held on for a 30-25 victory in game one. \nIn game two, the Hoosiers' picked up their defense against the tough Penn State attack. IU again jumped out to an early 11-6 lead on a spike by sophomore Christina Archibald.\nBut, like game one, Penn State weathered the early storm and took a 16-13 lead, their first since 3-2 early in the game. IU would narrow the gap at 24-22, but PSU held off the Hoosiers for a 30-25 victory in game two.\nIn game three, Penn State snatched the early 11-7 lead. IU, like Penn State in the previous two games, would climb back to within one at 13-12 on a monstrous block by junior Melissa Brewer. With the score at 22-20 in favor of Penn State, IU seemed to cut the lead to one, but a controversial call by the referees awarded the point and the momentum to Penn State. The Hoosiers cut the lead to 27-24, but after a Penn State timeout, the Nittany Lions won the next two points and the game by the final of 30-25. \n"We started out strong, but we just could not finish any game," coach Katie Weismiller said. "Give them credit, Penn State did a nice job offensively."\nSophomore Syndie Nadeau led the Nittany Lions in kills with 14, while senior Mishka Levy finished with 13 kills. \nFor the Hoosiers, Archibald led the team with 18 kills, while Brewer and sophomore Katie Pollom finished with 16 and 11, respectively. \n"It's frustrating because we are trying to gain respect," Brewer said. "But we cannot dwell on this match; instead we have to look forward to next weekend."\nPenn state, first in the Big Ten in team blocking, finished the match with 12 team blocks.\n"They are a good blocking team," Pollom said. "However, we still had many holes on offense."\nThe Hoosiers travel on Friday to Minneapolis to play Minnesota.
(11/15/02 5:41am)
Historic St. John arena on the campus of Ohio State produced a historic match between the No. 29 Hoosiers and the No. 31 Buckeyes Wednesday. OSU used a late rally to stun the Hoosiers 3-2. \nOhio State came out firing in game one by jumping out to a 12-7 lead on a kill by freshman Stephanie Higgins. The Buckeyes would close out game one on an 18-7 run to close out the game by the final of 30-17. \nIU came back and won game two and game three by the scores of 30-28 and 31-29. But OSU would take an exciting game four by the score of 30-27. In the decisive game five, IU had a 13-10 lead, but failed to shut the door and allowed OSU to come back and win game five 18-16.\n"That hasn't happened to us much this year," coach Katie Weismiller said. "We've been able to finish matches throughout the year and that will continue to be a strength for us."\nJunior Melissa Brewer led Indiana with 21 kills and a .425 hitting percentage, and sophomore setter Victoria Zimmerman notched 56 assists. Sophomore Stacey Gordon led the Buckeyes with 27 kills. \nThe loss put the Hoosiers back to one game over the .500 mark in the conference, but IU will get a chance to quickly jump back to two games over with a match against powerhouse Penn State Saturday night in Bloomington. \nThe No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions (20-5, 10-4) come into Bloomington in second place by behind Minnesota. Penn State is just 3-4 in conference play since starting off 7-0 and is 4-3 on the road in conference play. \nThe Nittany Lions are first in the Big Ten with a .304 hitting percentage and first in blocks with an average of 3.26 per game. Senior Mishka Levy leads the team with 3.78 kills per game, while junior Robyn Guokas leads the team with 1.46 blocks per game. \nIU (18-9. 8-7) is currently fifth in the Big Ten and third in overall wins. Earlier this year, IU lost to Penn state 3-0 but own a 10-3 record at home this year.\nThe Hoosiers have never beaten Penn State, but assistant coach Cydrice Carter said the team feels strongly that Saturday night might be the first time. \n"This is the year we can beat Penn State," Carter said. "We are at the peak of our game right now."\nRealizing Penn state's ability to block shots, IU has worked on different types of attack and shots to counter the Nittany Lions' defense.\n"We have worked on different types of shots that will hopefully highlight Penn State's weaknesses on defense," assistant coach Ryan Thesis said. \nSophomore Christina Archibald continues to lead the Hoosiers with a 4.32 kills per game average, while sophomore Katie Pollom leads the team in blocks with 1.10 blocks per game average.
(11/13/02 3:39pm)
In a rare mid-week matchup, IU takes its three game winning streak into Columbus, Ohio Wednesday night to face an even hotter Ohio State squad, winners of five games in a row. \nIU (18-8, 8-6) will be trying to inch even closer to earning an NCAA tournament automatic bid for the first time since the 1999 season. The team's 8-6 Big Ten mark is the Hoosiers' best conference start since 1995 and a win Wednesday night would give them their second four game win streak in the past month. \nHeading into this match, Ohio State (13-10, 7-7 Big Ten) has won five games in a row and eight out of nine, their only loss coming to powerhouse Minnesota. Trying to stop Ohio State means containing sophomore outside hitter Stacey Gordon, who this week won the Big Ten Player of the Week award for the third time this year .\nGordon has recorded 20-plus kills in eight-of-10 matches this year and in her career has recorded ten-plus kills in 52 of 54 matches. Gordon has lifted Ohio State from their 0-5 start in the Big Ten. \n"We know she is their go-to player," sophomore middle blocker Katie Pollom said. "She is their main weapon, when she is in the front row, we will be focused on her."\nPollom leads the Hoosiers with 1.10 blocks per game and is one of three Hoosiers averaging over 3 kills per game. Archibald continues to lead with 4.41 kills per game, while Pollom and junior middle blocker Melissa Brewer average over 3 and a half. As a team, IU ranks second behind Wisconsin in kills in the Big Ten with 16.35 kills per match. \nSetting up the Hoosiers' triple-threat is sophomore setter Victoria Zimmerman, who leads the team with 13.74 assists per game. Zimmerman ranks second in the Big Ten behind Wisconsin junior Morgan Shields with 13.76 assists per game. \nIn a Sept. 25 matchup, IU was victorious over the Buckeyes 3-1 in Bloomington. But, the Hoosiers are well aware of Ohio State's improvement since September. \n"We expect them to be a stronger team," sophomore defensive specialist Beth Heimann said. "But we are extremely confident in ourselves."\nIn terms of stopping Gordon and the Buckeyes, IU must be tough from their own service line and not allow Ohio State to get in sync on offense.\n"We are one of the best teams from the service line," coach Katie Weismiller said. "They have one of the best players in the Big Ten and in order to stop her we need to be tough from the service line"
(11/01/02 5:54am)
Looking to double their win total of a year ago, the Hoosiers (15-7, 5-5), head north to face the No. 15 ranked Wisconsin Badgers in Madison on Friday night and the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday night in Evanston. \nIU has won four out of five Big Ten matches, their only loss coming last Saturday night against the No. 8 Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Hoosiers are one game back of third place Wisconsin heading into Friday's match. \nSophomore outside hitter Christina Archibald continues to lead the team in kills with a 4.40 kills per game average, while sophomore setter and team assist record-holder Victoria Zimmerman leads the team with 13.64 assists per game. As a team, IU is averaging over two more kills and assists a game than their opponents. Junior middle blocker Melissa Brewer has played strong as of late and is now second on the team behind Archibald with 3.64 kills per game. \nHeading into Friday night's tilt, the Badgers will have revenge on their minds. Earlier this season, IU upset Wisconsin 3-2 behind 25 kills from Brewer. Wisconsin is led by senior outside hitter Erin Byrd, who is averaging over four kills a game. \nAs a team, the Badgers are second in the Big Ten with over 17 kills per game. One player trying to stop Byrd and the Badger attack will be sophomore Hoosier middle blocker Katie Pollom. \nPollom said IU will need to play as a complete team to compromise the explosive Badger offense.\n"We know they are a very strong team," Pollom said. "We can have the best offense in the world, but if we cannot block well, it will not matter."\nWisconsin is coming off a historic 3-2 win against traditional powerhouse Penn State. It was the Badger's first win ever over the Nittany Lions. They lead the overall series against IU 30-18. \nStraight down I-90, the Hoosiers will roll into Evanston for their match against the scrappy Wildcats on Saturday night. \nNorthwestern (13-9, 6-4) has been good enough for a third place tie in the Big Ten. The Wildcats beat the Hoosiers 3-2 Oct. 11 in Bloomington. The team is led by juniors Erika Lange and Iwona Lodzik, who are averaging 4.26 kills per game and 3.11 digs per game respectively. Northwestern owns a 5-3 record at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. IU leads the overall series against the Wildcats 25-18. \nCoach Katie Weismiller said her team is looking for revenge.\n"Northwestern is a huge match for us -- they got us in our home court and we would certainly like to return the favor," Weismiller said. "Northwestern is a good team. We have to figure out how to take them out of their offense, and we need to do a much better job of shutting them down."\nBrewer said she is confident the Hoosiers will have a different mental approach than their first meeting.\n"We came into the Northwestern game expecting to win and when it was close we got frustrated," Brewer said. "We have learned our lesson from the first game against NU."\nCurrently, IU is stuck in the middle of the jam-packed Big Ten standings. In seventh place, IU is only one game behind numerous third place teams, making every conference game critical. \nWeismiller said although the conference is tough, the team's goals are still attainable. \n"We want to keep fighting to climb out of this pack," Weismiller said. "We are respecting every team in this league"
(10/29/02 5:21am)
Much of the Hoosiers success this season can be credited to assistant coach Cydryce Carter, who at her first year of coaching at IU, has improved the Hoosiers' defense and blocking -- two main reasons for the team's turnaround. \nA native of Houston, Carter spent two years as the assistant coach at Soutwestern Texas State before deciding to come back to IU, where she played in 127 consecutive matches for the Hoosiers from 1999-1996.\nAt IU, Carter set the single-season record for block assists (139) and total blocks (152), while also leading IU to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance ever. She ended her IU career by finishing in the top ten in digs, service aces, block assists and total blocks. \n"We are very excited to have Cydryce back in our program," coach Katie Weismiller said. "She brings a lot as far as her passion, spirit and motivation."\nOff the court, Carter was a two-time recipient of the Varsity Club Scholar Athlete Award. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology in 2000, in doing so finished in the top 5 percent of her graduating class. \nCurrently, Carter is helping the Hoosiers with their team defense and blocking, which has improved throughout this season. Since the change from the Swing blocking style to the traditional blocking, IU has recorded 357 block assists, 38 more than their opponent. But its a new team mentality that Carter has brought to the squad.\n"I want to bring a lot of motivation and a lot of spirit." Carter said. "I want them to know that we are better than any other IU team has ever been. We are a good team and they need to realize that."\nAfter Carter's two years at SW Texas State, she thought it made the most sense to come back to her alma mater. \n"There is not a better place to come back to than a place where I put all my sweat into," Carter said. "IU is a program that has given so much to me."\nAs for the players, Carter's experience and knowledge of the game helps them in their day-to-day improvement. Junior middle blocker Melissa Brewer says Carter is a huge part of this year's success.\n"Cyd is one of the main reasons for the turnaround this season", Brewer said. "She means a lot to the team"
(10/18/02 5:25am)
Coming off an upset victory over the No. 15 ranked Wisconsin Badgers last Saturday, the Hoosiers take to the road this weekend as they get ready to face the Illinois Fighting Illini and rival Purdue Boilermakers. IU (12-6, 2-4) has struggled in road games so far this season, as they have posted a 1-4 record away from Bloomington. \nThe Hoosiers are looking to improve on a 2-20 record in Champaign-Urbana and a 12-40-1 record all time versus Illinois. The Illini, (9-6, 3-3) are coming off an upset victory over the No. 6 Minnesota Golden Gophers. Illinois is lead by six-foot-five-inch junior Lisa Argabright, who is averaging 3.25 kills per game and was one of 20 players invited to the USA Volleyball National A2 program over the summer. Senior Sue Webber was named Big Ten co-Player of the Week after the upset over the Gophers. \nThe Hoosiers are staying focused on the Illinois game, and are trying not to look ahead to the match against Purdue. Sophomore middle blocker Katie Pollom said it will take the team's undivided focus to beat the Illini.\n"We have to focus only on Illinois," Pollom said. "If we overlook Illinois, we simply will not beat them."\nAgainst Purdue, the Hoosiers will be fighting for more than just bragging rights. The winner of this match gains the Monon Spike, the volleyball-equivalent of football's Old Oaken Bucket. The Monon Spike dates back to 1981 and it's name is taken from the old Monon railroad, which originated in Indiana in the 19th century. IU won the Monon Spike last year, beating Purdue 3-1 on Nov. 16. \nIn addition, the contest against Purdue is part of the Titan Series. It was instilled in 2001 and is an overall athletic contest for all sports involved in the Purdue-IU rivalry. The winner of each sport's head-to-head game is awarded a point and after the final game in the spring, the school with the most team victories is the Titan Series winner. IU also won last year's Titan series. \nPurdue (9-9, 0-6) is led by sophomore Kim McConaha, who is averaging 3.72 kills a game and has registered a .355 hitting percentage. The Boilermakers, who began the season 9-3, have since lost six straight. \nIU has won six of the last seven matches against the Boilermakers. Coach Katie Weismiller said she is not afraid of a letdown on Saturday.\n"It's Purdue and it is a huge match," Weismiller said. "We will not let up at all against Purdue."\nHeading into Friday night's match with the Illini, sophomore Victoria Zimmerman is 41 assists shy of reaching 1,000 for her career. Currently, Zimmerman is ninth all-time on the IU assist list. Zimmerman said the record isn't weighing on her mind. \n"I just want to win this weekend, regardless of the assist mark," she said. "I want to come away with two wins this weekend."\nIU is the best attacking team in the Big Ten this year and Wesimiller attributes that to Zimmerman's assists.\n"A huge reason we are the best killing team in the Big Ten has to do with the way Zimmerman sets us up," Weismiller said.\nSophomore Christina Archibald continues to lead the Hoosiers in kills with just over four and a half per game.\nThe Hoosiers can earn their first conference road victory this weekend. The games kick off at 7 p.m. today in Champaign, Ill. and 7 p.m. Saturday in West Lafayette.
