Getting into a groove is the key for the Ball State softball team this weekend after an inconsistent start as it travels to Orlando, Fla. for the Citrus Classic.
Coach Craig Nicholson isn't concerned about the team so early in the season.
"We've been in every ball game that we've played," Nicholson said. "We haven't found a way to win them all but we have definitely had opportunities to win them all."
The pitching so far this season has already been on a roll. Cardinal pitchers have compiled a 2.17 ERA led by seniors Audrey Workman and Kim Mazzapica. Aside from a rough day against Troy last weekend the starting staff has been the most consistent unit.
"We just both have to trust our pitches and know that if we throw around the strike zone and still be confident in them [defense] to stop it," Mazzapica said.
Sophomore Aubrey Bickel has been the hottest hitter after a weekend where she won the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week. In that span, she hit .583 with a home run and showed off some patience with four walks.
"I think the biggest thing for her is she is getting good pitches to hit," Nicholson said. "She's a very patient hitter. She kind of lets the game come to her in the box."
The team will remain in Florida through Mar. 11 because of next weekend's games in Deland, Fla.
Nicholson said he isn't worried about the team's focus heading into the road trip despite admitting that the team didn't play as well as he would have liked towards the end of last year's Florida road trip.
"This is a very mature team and they handle themselves very well," Nicholson. "We just need to make sure to keep our focus through ten days of this trip."
Ball State faces South Alabama in the first game on Friday at 11 a.m. and Temple at 2:30 p.m.
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