Ball State will get a chance to play spoiler during a three-game series with Western Michigan at the softball complex this weekend.
The Western Michigan Broncos come in sitting in first place in the Mid-American Conference West Division with an 11-5 record (22-13 overall). The Broncos have won five of their last games and were able to sweep in-state rival and perennial MAC juggernaut Central Michigan on April 12-13.
"They are playing for the MAC Championship," Laux said. "All the pressure in the world is on them. Obviously, we want to go out on a good note. We're playing for pride and character now."
Ball State (14-20-1, 5-9-1 MAC) did show recent signs of improvement in two victories at IPFW Monday night.
The team was able to get offensive contributions from three players whose roles are usually more defense-oriented in the doubleheader.
Freshman third-base player Kerrie Campbell notched the second game's clutch hit to put the Cardinals ahead for good, freshman Jodie Willis hit 4-for-6 in the twinbill with three RBIs, and junior catcher Britni Clark slugged 2-for-5 in the series.
The performances were an encouraging sign for the team since younger players will have to step up and fill larger hitting roles after seniors like Katie Shea and Ruth Hjelmeland graduate, Laux said.
Western Michigan ascended toward the top of the conference by scoring a large amount of runs. Seven players on the Bronco's roster who bat .280 or higher in the team's balanced lineup.
The Broncos potent attack is led by current MAC West Player of the Week, junior outfielder Jaymie Voss who maintains a .350 batting average, which ranks 13th in the league.
"That is going to be a huge concern for us," Laux said of Western's slugging prowess. "They are an aggressive hitting team. They are right up there with Marshall. What our pitchers have to do is put the ball into play for our defense."
Pitchers Quincy Duran and Cortney Winger will start on the mound again this weekend unless there is a last-minute switch, according to Laux. Duran has now solidified herself as the No. 1 starter thanks to her 2.25 ERA and 29 strikeouts during 15 MAC games.
Western Michigan holds a 46-40 record over Ball State in the teams' all-time series. However, Ball State took three of four games from the Broncos last year, one of which was a 5-3 victory in the first round of the conference tournament.
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