River Forest, Ill. – Continuing a busy week, the Concordia University Chicago Softball team hits the field once again for a four game weekend on the road in NACC play. The Cougars will open the weekend on the road at Benedictine, and will close the weekend at Aurora. Game times have been moved back for Saturday to a 2:00pm start time.
Recent History: The Cougars have had many good battles in recent history with both schools. CUC has won one of the last four against the Eagles, falling to them in the NACC playoffs last season. CUC has taken two of the last three against Aurora including both regular season matchups last year.
About the Cougars: The Cougars come into the weekend 10-6 overall and 2-2 in the NACC. Most recently the Cougars split with the Marian Sabres in NACC play on Wednesday afternoon. CUC fell in the opener but rebounded by rallying with six runs over the last three innings to down the defending NACC champs by a score of 7-6.
Shania Phillips had the big go ahead double in the rally to push CUC ahead.
Holly Bathje picked up the win inside the circle in game two as well.
Abbey Sloan leads the team offensively with a .387 average on the season. She currently ranks second on the team in hits and in stolen bases.
Marita Van Dyke leads the team inside the circle once again this year. The senior sports a 1.91 ERA on the season and a 4-1 record. Opponents are batting just .198 against her.
About the Eagles: The Benedictine University Eagles come in 15-3 overall and 4-0 in the NACC. Most recently they split a non-conference double header with Wheaton on Wednesday afternoon. Faith Chada leads the team with a .429 batting average on the season. As a team Benedictine is hitting .333 on the year and has stolen 47 bases. Inside the circle Megan Fast and Alexandra Loizon have handled the pitching duties. Fast leads the pair with a 2.46 ERA on the season while Loizon has struck out 35.
About the Spartan: The Aurora University Spartans come in 9-9 overall and 2-2 in the NACC. They have dropped their last two games after being swept by Hope College on Wednesday afternoon. Elaine Walker leads the team with a blistering .515 batting average on the season. She has batted in a team high 19 runs and has 12 extra base hits. As a team Aurora is hitting .321 on the season and has three starters batting over .400. Inside the circle Stephanie Renner and Hannah Tomasko have handled a majority of the pitching duties. Renner leads with a 2.88 ERA on the season while Tomasko is not far behind with a 3.36 ERA.
Up Next: The Cougars will hit the road for non-conference action on Wednesday afternoon when they head to Carthage College for a midweek double header. Opening pitch is set for 3:00pm from Kenosha.
