The Ball State University softball team is hoping its opening home game tonight against Valparaiso University is one of record-setting proportions.
Only one-third of the way through the season, junior college transfer Jen Reifschneider is one home run shy of tying the Ball State single-season record. Reifschneider said she is not surprised that she has had so much success at the plate this year.
"I always expect to do well," Reifschneider said. "It's always awesome to have success when you've put in the hard work."
Reifschneider was a First Team Junior College All-American last year at Pratt Community College in Kansas.
"I'm pretty pleased with her," coach Craig Nicholson said. "She needs to make a few small adjustments, but there is still more to come from her."
Last year, Reifschneider set the single-season home run record at Pratt with 22 while a teammate hit 13, the second most home runs in school history.
Reifschneider also holds Pratt records for doubles and RBIs in a season in addition to being an Academic All-American.
On the other side of the plate, pitcher Elizabeth Milian goes into the game as the reigning MAC West Pitcher of the Week.
In the four complete games Milian pitched during Spring Break, she struck out 30 batters in 34 innings. Against Indiana University, Milian struck out nine batters while allowing one run in the Cardinals' 4-2 victory.
Milian's 72 strikeouts so far this season have her on pace to break the Ball State single-season strikeout record.
"She has worked herself into more of a strike-out pitcher than she was the past two years," Nicholson said.
Nicholson said Milian will be his starter for the first game. Looking ahead, he said sees more good things to come from his junior right-hander.
Valparaiso comes into the game winning nine of its last 10 games. Ball State is 6-1 all time against Valparaiso.
The first pitch is set for 2 p.m. and the second game is slated for 4 p.m. Both games will be at the Ball State Softball Complex.
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