Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Today’s doubleheader against Nebraska is pivotal for the Jayhawk softball team and could be the turning point for the 2009 season.
For the Jayhawks (12-24 overall, 2-4 Big 12) time is running out to make a push for the NCAA tournament. The two games against Nebraska mark the seventh and eighth games of conference play for Kansas, which is at nearly the halfway point in its Big 12 regular season. And the toughest challenges might lie ahead, as the Jayhawks have yet to face No. 11 Oklahoma, No. 20 Texas and a surging 26-14 Baylor team. But the Jayhawks need to take it one game at a time.
“This team doesn’t need to worry about any game but the one that’s in front of us,” Bunge said. “We need to focus all of our energy and passion into the game at hand.”
Coming off a series split with Texas Tech, Kansas is set to square off against a solid Nebraska squad. Despite having lost their last four contests, most recently against Oklahoma, Nebraska is 25-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play. Nebraska heads into the doubleheader with a .294 team batting average, led by sophomore second baseman Julie Brechtel’s .380 average.
From the circle, Nebraska’s staff boasts an impressive 1.88 ERA and has allowed only 62 earned runs on the season. The Cornhusker defense has been equally effective. Its 28 errors are good for second-least in the Big 12. Nebraska’s most notable win came on March 22 when it upset then-No. 19 Texas A&M 3-2 in extra innings.
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KANSAS Vs. NEBRASKA
WHAT: Doubleheader
WHEN: Today, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
WHERE: Arrocha Ballpark
Admission is free with a valid KUID.
“I have a lot of respect for Nebraska,” Bunge said. “They are disciplined, well-coached, and they play the game the right way. They play very aggressively and they don’t beat themselves.”
Nebraska is largely the same team as last year, returning 15 letter-winners from the previous year. Kansas went 1-2 against Nebraska last year despite outscoring the Huskers 13-12 overall in the series. The Kansas pitching staff currently has an ERA of 3.07 and will have to see solid outings from both Val George and Sarah Vertelka in order to come away with the two victories. Liz Kocon leads the Jayhawk bats with a .321 average and a team-high 21 RBIs. She has hit three home runs in the past four games.
“We’re looking for revenge this year,” Kocon said. “They’re not going to push us around on our home turf. We’re looking for the sweep.”
The doubleheader kicks off at 4 p.m. at Arrocha Ballpark. Admission is free with a KUID.
— — Edited by Grant Treaster
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