| Ferris centerfielder Rachel Wade slides safely into third base during the Bulldogs’ home doubleheader against Hillsdale on Saturday (Photo/Sandy Gholston) |
BIG RAPIDS – Beginning its season with a 12-2 record in Florida, Ferris figured it would be challenged back home in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition.
Indeed NCAA Division II eighth-ranked Ferris has been tested, but it has stood solidly against the tests of its quality opponents and the adversity of injury/illness to key contributors like pitcher and utility player Sarah Mueller and, more recently, catcher Krystle Bailey. Injuries aside, Ferris enters the week 26-4 overall and 12-2 in conference play as it battles to remain near the top of the GLIAC. Last week, Ferris had success splitting a doubleheader with Northwood before sweeping Findlay and Hillsdale.
Among the marks of a great team is depth that helps absorb injuries to key players. That’s where pitcher Kayle Stevenson and catcher Rachel Mueller enter the picture.
Ferris has not betrayed that key characteristic of a good team as Stevenson is enjoying a brilliant season and has elevated her play in the circle with Mueller out. The crafty lefty has been tough on opponents this season with a 7-0 record and a 0.49 earned run average in 11 appearances.
Rachel Mueller, since Bailey’s injury against Northwood, has stepped into her role behind the plate and performed at a high level as she was pressed into duty. Mueller has gotten the job done with her defense behind the plate, her call of games and with her offensive hitting abilities. She is batting .300 through 15 games with eight starts.
The Bulldogs are performing well, but there remains work to be done.
No comments:
Post a Comment