Though the temperature might be a little cold today, the Ball State University softball team is going to try to force in a doubleheader at Valparaiso University.
Coach Craig Nicholson said the reason why the teams will try to force the games in is because both team begin conference play this weekend.
"We definitely want to get back out and play," Nicholson said. "It's never any fun, especially when you're playing well, to sit around instead of playing."
Nicholson said the Cardinals (16-12) practiced on their field Sunday and although the field conditions were not great, they were playable. If Valparaiso's (11-6) field is similar, he said, the teams should be able to get the games in without many problems.
Kamilah Holle, who plays second base, said she is not worried about the weather because the team is used to playing in adverse conditions, including playing in snow last year.
"It might be a little chilly, but we'll suck it up," she said.
Nicholson said it is very important to play today because the Cardinals open Mid-American Conference play Friday at home against Ohio University. Conference play is the part of the season that really matters, he said.
"We need to get on the field before we play conference next weekend," Nicholson said.
Ball State has not played a game since March 15 at the Speedline Tournament in Tampa, Fla.
Valparaiso is in a similar situation as Ball State. The Crusaders have not played since March 16 because of cancellations, which were caused by inclement weather.
Ball State went 3-1 at the Speedline Tournament. During a nine-day span of Spring Break, the Cardinals went 9-4 to get four games above .500 but have not played since then.
Holle said Ball State has been practicing like normal but tried to keep the energy high and simulate game situations during its extra break. The team's preparation will allow it to carry over the momentum from Spring Break, she said.
Nicholson also said the team has been playing well and it might be able to extend its momentum into today's games against Valparaiso, which begin at 2 p.m.
"I feel like we can carry over some momentum," Nicholson said. "We feel pretty good about how we're playing right now."
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