Riding high off a six-game winning streak, Bulldog softball returns to Michigan for the start of GLIAC play.
After going undefeated in the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games in Florida, the Bulldogs begin conference matchups, with their first opponent being last year’s GLIAC runner-ups, the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals.
Sophomore first baseman Alexis Kozlowski isn’t surprised that the team is on a roll, stating they are prepared for what is ahead.
“Going into this week, we had confidence because we know what we are capable of,” Kozlowski said. “So going 6-0 is not a surprise whatsoever, we are well prepared for GLIAC play and it is going to show.”
The Bulldogs (11-5) will travel to Saginaw for their first matchup with the Cardinals (11-7). Saginaw Valley will be entering the outing on a four-game losing streak and the Bulldogs look to take advantage of that.
However, the Bulldogs can’t take that for granted, as the Cardinals’ pitching staff is the best in the GLIAC, allowing just 89 hits across their first 18 games alongside 114 strikeouts. The Bulldogs sit in second place, giving up 110 with just 48 strikeouts. Still, head coach Jake Schumann is confident his team can continue their momentum and take down Saginaw Valley.
“Every team in the GLIAC is tough, but Saginaw Valley has the pitching to be the pre-season favorite,” Schumann said. “We talk to our girls about controlling what we do and that’s staying present in the moment and taking one pitch at a time and passing the bat to the next Bulldog in the lineup. We don’t change our offensive mindset based on who is pitching, rather we are in constant communication on how we can pass the bat from one at-bat to another.”
The Bulldogs’ offense has been clicking during their six-game winning streak, scoring three or more runs in every game. Sophomore outfielder Emma Gillard has been leading the charge with a .348 batting average, including seven extra-base hits, a home run, 17 RBIs and a .587 slugging percentage.
Ferris’ pitching rotation has held strong on the defensive end. During their win streak in Florida, the Bulldogs only allowed two or more runs twice. The star of the pitching staff has been junior Ella Covill-Marter, who has started three games during the streak, throwing a complete game shutout, allowing only three runs, striking out nine and giving up eight total hits.
After their matchup with the Cardinals, the Bulldogs will travel south to Detroit to take on the Wayne State Warriors. The Warriors (10-11) have a 38-30 record against the Bulldogs, but since 2022, the Warriors have a 1-10 record versus Ferris.
The Warriors are led on offense by freshman first baseman Elly Koopman, who has a .417 batting average with three home runs, 21 RBIs and a .650 slugging percentage. While on the pitching side junior Grace Fisher leads the way for the Warriors, starting six games with a 3.15 ERA, 38 strikeouts, 18 walks and two complete games.
Schumann is very happy with how the season is going so far, enjoying how the offense has been clicking and how well the defense has played so far.
“Our offensive and defensive numbers are significantly higher, and our pitching numbers are significantly lower than when I took over two years ago,” Schumann said. “Last year’s GLIAC Freshman of the Year Alexis Kozlowski continues her outstanding play both offensively and defensively, our pitching staff has been outstanding with Catherine O’Donohue leading the way with a sub-one ERA, with Covill-Marter and Cecelia Bell both with sub-three ERAs.”
The Bulldogs face off against the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Saginaw. Then, they take on the Wayne State Warriors on March 23, starting at 12 p.m. and again at 2 p.m.