Ferris Drops 2-1 Decision To Northwood

BIG RAPIDS - Playing against Northwood University, and its ace pitcher Megan Eddy, is fast becoming a pain for Ferris State University's softball team.

The Bulldogs spotted the Timberwolves two runs in the bottom of the first inning and Northwood never trailed en route to a 2-1 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory on Wednesday afternoon at the FSU Softball Field in Big Rapids. Wednesday's loss spoiled a solid pitching performance by freshman Dana Bowler who held Northwood to just two hits and the two runs (one earned) while she struck out nine.

Northwood center fielder Jamie Swick drew a walk and the next batter, Tiffany Melgoza, belted an RBI double to put the Timberwolves up 1-0. A throwing error led to another run as Melgoza scored for a 2-0 edge.

Ferris finally put some offense on the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth inning as senior center fielder Rachel Wade drove in the team's lone run (junior Colleen Roney scored after she had tripled) on a single. The offense ultimately stalled as Ferris stranded two runners on base after sophomore third baseman Makenzi Peterson flew out to center.

The Bulldogs mustered a couple of hits (a line shot from senior designated player Rhea Flores and a single up the middle from junior catcher Rachel Mueller), but could not score anyone as Eddy held them off in the bottom of the seventh to help NU secure the win.

The loss as a tough one for Ferris which needs to put together some wins coming down the stretch of this season against some tough competition.

To close the regular season, Ferris has the following schedule:

Apr. 24	at Saginaw Valley State *		1:00 PM	Live stats
	at Saginaw Valley State *		3:00 PM	Live stats
Apr. 25	at Wayne State *		12:00 PM
	at Wayne State *		2:00 PM
Apr. 27	at Northwood *		3:00 PM
	at Northwood *		5:30 PM
May. 1	at Grand Valley State *		2:00 PM	Live stats
	at Grand Valley State *		4:00 PM	Live stats

Again, this is a tough schedule to end the season as all of these opponents represent quality. These are all teams in the regional picture Saginaw Valley State, Wayne State and Northwood) or battling to get in the regional picture (Grand Valley State).

The bad news is the schedule is tough to end the season, but the good news is that the schedule is tough to end the season.

These games represent opportunity for Ferris to prove themselves and make their case to be one of the better teams in the region by knocking off quality opponents.

Photo caption:

Ferris State softball coach Keri Becker (left) gives signs to a batter while player Colleen Roney stands on third base during Wednesday's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball game at the FSU Softball Field against Northwood. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Northwood 5, Ferris State 0

BIG RAPIDS - Before the first pitch was thrown, on Saturday, the weather forecast and the sky both looked ominous.

Ferris State University and Northwood University started their Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference softball doubleheader a little early, but still was unable to squeeze in a full doubleheader Saturday afternoon at the FSU Softball Field in Big Rapids. The Bulldogs and the Timberwolves battled the rain and finished the first contest, won 5-0 by Northwood. In spite of valiant efforts to rehabilitate the field, the teams were unable to even start the second game (which eventually was called off due to rain).

The Bulldogs again struggled to hit the ball as they managed just three hits against Northwood pitching. Megan Eddy got the win for the Timberwolves as she threw all seven innings, allowed the three hits, walked two and struck out five on Saturday. First baseman Chelsea Morris, third baseman Makenzi Peterson and right fielder Colleen Roney each had a hit for the Bulldogs, who struggled to solve Eddy.

In many ways, the game resembled what happened to the Bulldogs against Saginaw Valley State University. Against Northwood, several players hit the ball very hard, but right at people (to be recorded as outs). Saturday's loss dropped Ferris to 11-10 overall and 2-3 in GLIAC competition as it prepared to go on the road early next week.

For the Bulldogs, Kayle Stevenson took the loss as she dropped to 4-5 on the season. Stevenson pitched seven innings, allowed four hits, five runs (four earned), issued five walks and struck out seven. Northwood got off to a good start in the first inning by drawing two walks, playing good small ball and then getting a big hit (a three-RBI double from third baseman Michelle Boscola) when it was needed to post three runs in the top of the first inning.

Ferris will not have to wait long to face Northwood again. The teams play in a doubleheader on Tuesday in Midland at NU's Fisher Stadium. Game one begins at 3:30 p.m. while the second contest will begin at about 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Sandy Gholston