The Bulldogs’ softball season is beginning to close, and the playoff race is ramping up. With Saginaw Valley holding down first place in the GLIAC, second place is a much tighter race, as the Bulldogs hold a half-game advantage over Grand Valley.
Sophomore first baseman Alexis Kozlowski knows these final four games are important, but trusts her squad to get the job done.
“With Grand Valley and Wisconsin Parkside close behind, we know why these next set of games are so important,” Kozlowski said. “They will really separate us from GV and Parkside, but we know we have to trust the process and put in the hard work to finish the job.”
Ferris hasn’t eclipsed the 24-win mark in the regular season since 2016, when they finished 36-18. Now, the Bulldogs have the opportunity to make their mark. The Bulldogs (24-14, 13-9 in GLIAC) will travel to Kenosha, Wisc. to face off against the Rangers (23-20, 12-11 in GLIAC). The Rangers are one of the best round-tripper-hitting squads in the GLIAC, as they have hit the most home runs in the GLIAC with 38. However, Ferris’ pitching staff have prevented the long ball this season, not allowing a home run to the Rangers and defeating them in their previous two games only two weeks ago, winning the outings by scores of 10-4 and 4-2.
The Rangers are led on offense by junior Mia Johnson, one of the toughest hitters in the GLIAC. The catcher sports a .369 batting average, a .503 on-base percentage, 17 home runs and 42 RBIs to go along with a .900 slugging percentage.
Junior catcher Paige Antcliff trusts head coach Jake Schumann’s and assistant coach Sharon Schumann’s game plan for such a good offensive team like the Rangers.
“Both Coach Jake and Coach Sharron spend a lot of time watching film and breaking down hitters as well as creating a plan,” Antcliff said. “Their plan is almost always successful so as long as we stick to that plan, our pitchers should be successful.”
With the Bulldogs’ success this season, contributors all over the field, including multiple freshmen added to the team’s triumph. Shortstop Jayden Marlatt has led the way with a .395 average, seven extra-base hits, a .509 on-base percentage and a .651 slugging percentage in 15 games. However, Marlatt has not seen the field since March 13, with an undisclosed injury. This gave shortstop Bailey McCalister a chance to start, and she has filled the role, posting a .282 average, six doubles, 18 RBIs and adding six stolen bases.
McCalister credits her coaches for building a foundation for her to grow in such a short amount of time.
“Honestly, I credit a lot of my success this season to my coaches and teammates,” McCalister said. “This being my freshman year, there’s definitely a learning curve that comes with it. I’m lucky to be a part of this program where the upperclassmen and coaching staff have taken time to help me adjust on and off the field. Their support and guidance have made it easier for me to stay confident and to continue growing in the sport I love.”
The Bulldogs then travel to Chicago to wrap up their regular season and take on the newest member of the GLIAC, the Roosevelt Lakers (15-27, 9-15 in GLIAC). The Bulldogs need to take advantage of the Lakers’ pitching staff to take the wins, as they did earlier this month, winning both matchups by 7-1 and 4-1. The Laker’s rotation is led by sophomore Kailey Hancock, who has a 3.80 ERA while striking out 40 on the season.
Ferris will take on the Wisconsin Parkside Rangers on Friday, April 25, in Kenosha, Wisc. at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Then the following day, they travel south to face off against the Roosevelt Lakers on Saturday, April 26, at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m.