One year ago against Indiana University, Elizabeth Milian pitched her second one-hitter of the season.
This year the Ball State University sophomore, and her fellow Cardinal softball pitchers, are near the top of the Mid-American Conference in pitching excellence.
"I think our pitching staff as a whole this year has been really good," coach Craig Nicholson said.
"We definitely have three kids who are capable of going out and getting people out."
When the MAC statistics were last updated two weeks ago, all three of the Cardinals' pitchers ranked in the top 15 in ERA among players who had spent at least 10 innings on the mound.
Tiffany Garofano, who was third in ERA the last time the statistics were updated April 1, leads the Ball State staff with an ERA of 2.02. She had an ERA of 1.92 two weeks ago.
Milian has a 2.43 ERA and was sixth in the conference the last time the statistics were updated with a 2.09 ERA. Masch has improved her ERA from a 3.00 to a 2.58 since the last time the conference statistics were compiled.
Overall, the trio has an ERA of 2.30 in 48 games this season.
"It's good that you can send anybody out there, and your team can count on them," Nicholson said.
Last year Milian was the Cardinals' leading pitcher with a 2.66 ERA and 221 innings on the mound. Amanda Pick, who has spent all her time at first base this season, was the team's No. 2 pitcher. Masch was the No. 3 in the staff and had a 5.60 ERA in her nine appearances.
Nicholson said the team has benefited from the emergence of Masch and the addition of Garofano, who transferred from Eastern Arizona College, this season.
"It's nice to have the luxury of having three and feeling that you can put any of them out there," he said.
This past weekend against Miami University, Milian and Garofano combined to limit the RedHawks to one earned run in 13 innings.
Having solid pitching allows the rest of the team the opportunity to relax and not have to worry about scoring a lot of runs, Nicholson said.
Milian said the team will not be able to relax and underestimate Indiana, which Ball State beat 8-0 last year and 4-2 this year.
"Whenever you beat a team it gives you confidence," Milian said, "but you can never underestimate an opponent."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
