Tucson Games - Day 4

Hello Blugold Fans!

We are about to head to the field for Day 5, so I thought I should write a quick update on Day 4.

Yesterday's opponents were Schreiner University from Texas and Augsburg College from Minnesota. We were able to come through the day with two victories - 8-2 and 11-2, respectively.

From yesterday's games I'd like to feature freshman pitcher, Ashley Meinen, from Chippewa Falls McDonnel High School. Ashley pitched 4 innings of shut-out ball against Augsburg, to earn her 2nd collegiate victory. (She had earned her first win vs. Lakeland on Monday) Ashley is doing a good job of hitting her spots and making her pitches work. I remind her to execute her pitches, and as long as she focuses on that, she does well. She also smiles a lot in the circle, which is fun to see. When I see that smile I know she's relaxed and having fun. Ashley has learned from practice that she can't afford to make mistakes as a pitcher - at this level, mistakes get hit hard - she is adjusting well to the college game.

Today's games are against Pomona-Pitzer, a team from California, and Denison, from Ohio. It's going to be a hot one today, as we play at 1:30 and 3:30, local time - high today expected to be near 90 (but it's dry heat) :). We've been pushing the fluids hard and the players have respected the sun and heat by staying hydrated.

We need to come out with a lot of energy again today - the team understands how important it is to play the way "we" play, so they're doing a very good job of bringing lots of energy to the game.

I've seen lots of positives this week - we have plenty to work on, but we have a bunch of freshmen who have earned a lot of playing time this week, and this experience is giving them more confidence. Last night we started a freshman battery, and 3 freshmen in the infield.

Keep the warm Wisconsin weather comin'!

Coach Huntington