Ashland University's softball team will go back on the road this weekend for four key Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference games against Grand Valley State on Friday (April 3) and Ferris State on Saturday (April 4).
The Eagles are 20-4 overall and 5-3 in the GLIAC, and have a 15-1 away/neutral-site mark.
"That was something even last year…this team was tough on the road," said Ashland head coach Sheilah Gulas. "I really think a lot has to do with they go out and do their job. It doesn't matter where they are. The traveling is a fun experience for them. It's great to be home, but it's nice to just go out, get on a field and play."
The Lakers are 18-6, 4-1, and the Bulldogs are 9-23, 2-2 prior to their scheduled doubleheader Friday at home against Lake Erie.
Ashland is fifth in the early-season GLIAC standings.
Eagles vs. Lakers and Bulldogs
Last spring, Ashland split with Grand Valley State (19-6 win and 5-3 loss). The Eagles and Bulldogs didn't play despite having three different dates scheduled for their doubleheader.
"Both teams just have the tradition of hitting the ball," Gulas said. "Both days, we're going to need to match hits or get more. I think the biggest thing is who takes advantage of their opportunities and gets the runs in with clutch hitting."
Freshour More Than Filling Big Shoes
Sophomore second baseman Kalene Freshour has taken over for the graduated Cayla Seidler this spring, and has more than held her own:
|
PLAYER |
GP |
AVG. |
R |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
|
Seidler '14 |
47 |
.364 |
44 |
14 |
4 |
3 |
31 |
3 |
|
Freshour '15 |
24 |
.423 |
17 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
15 |
6 |
Alley Back In The Groove
Redshirt junior pitcher Sarah Alley has given the Eagles some needed quality innings of late.
After pitching just 12 innings through March 18, the left-hander has gone 2-0 with a 1.03 earned run average and 21 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings in an eight-day span.
This spring, Alley is 3-0 with a team-leading 1.95 ERA.
"We definitely needed that," said Gulas. "The thing that's tough about Florida is you play so many games in a row. When things are tough, it's tough to get out of it. Since we've been back, she's been able to work on things. She's delivered. And not only in the circle, but she's been doing real well at the plate."
Gulas' Milestone Victories – One Achieved, One On The Way
Gulas won her 850th career game in Game 1 on Tuesday (March 31) at Malone, and is 851-437 (.661) lifetime as a college head coach.
She is approaching the 650-win mark at Ashland, coming into the weekend at 645-313 (.673).
"I was definitely surprised when the team told me it was 850," Gulas said. "It doesn't seem possible. Anytime you have a moment like that, you really reflect back on the players you've had in your program. You look at, also, the coaches you've had the opportunity to work with over the years.
"I've just been blessed with so many quality individuals in all aspects of my career. It's incredible."
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