BIG RAPIDS – Ferris needs to rediscover that fire in its belly entering this 2009 NCAA Division II Midwest Regional No. 2 at Saginaw Valley.
The Bulldogs, ranked 21st in the nation, have to get back to having fun on the diamond, playing with intensity and swinging the bat aggressively and confidently. During the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Tournament, during which Ferris beat Northwood before it was eliminated after back-to-back losses to Saginaw Valley and Wayne State, Ferris did not seem to have its usual fire and intensity.
But, expect that to be back as the Bulldogs prepare for the regional tournament where an opportunity to return to nationals is very realistic.
Going against a Northern Kentucky team playing with a lot of confidence, the Bulldogs want to get off to a good start with some early runs on the scoreboard. When hitters like Rachel Wade and Amanda Harrington are getting on base that sets the table for power players such as Amanda Jager and Rhea Flores to begin driving some runs across the plate.
The pitching has been solid all season for the Bulldogs. Defense has had a few bumpy moments, but for the most part has been a steady component of Ferris’ success this season.
The variable has been offense and the Bulldogs can take a big step toward changing that variable to a constant on Friday with a good start against the Norse.
Northern Kentucky is a big home run-hitting team. Ashley Gates leads them with 12 home runs, Cara Parker and Rose Broderick have six, Shatona Campbell has five and Jessica Farris has four.
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