The Concordia University Chicago softball team (2-8) will play two doubleheaders this week as they continue with non-conference play. The Cougars will kick off the week at home as they take on the No. 16 Milwaukee School of Engineering (6-0) followed by an away doubleheader at Lakeland (0-4).
 
CUC's lineup contains a lot of elements that will prepare them for the long week of competition. A top batter for the Cougars is sophomore Becky Pieroni (Montgomery, Ill.). The shortstop leads the team in home runs (3), doubles (4) and RBIs (12). She is currently batting .400 on the year. Along with Pieroni, senior Nia DeGeorge (Omaha, Neb.) has the highest batting average on the team with a .500.
 
On the mound, junior Holly Bathje (Davis Junction, Ill.) continues to maintain the best ERA on the team with a 7.45. She struck out the most batters of all the pitchers on the team this year with 17.
 
The Raiders of MSOE are currently ranked No. 16 in the NCAA and for good reason. The team is currently 6-0 with two shutouts so far this year. Two of their wins came against No. 18 Carthage. Their best batter is Kara McKenna, who is currently averaging .591 on the season.
 
As for Lakeland, the Muskies are currently 0-4 on the season as they played NAIA opponent Cardinal Stritch and NACC South opponent Benedictine University. The Muskies' offense has many contributors, with three players hitting above .500 for their first three games. The Cougars will look to take advantage on offense as Lakeland's fielding percentage currently sits at a .918.
 
The doubleheader on Wednesday, March 24, will begin at 3 p.m. with the second game to follow shortly after. A live stream for the contest can be found at youtube.com/cucsports.