April 6, 1999
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The last time the Michigan softball team (30-5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) lost was February 28. Since then, the seventh-ranked Wolverines have won 25 in a row and tied once. On Wednesday afternoon, the Purdue softball team (20-14, 1-2) will do its best to play the role of Spoilermakers when the Wolverines come to town for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.
"Michigan is a very solid program all the way around," Purdue head coach Carol Bruggeman says. "I think that we will come out with a lot of heart, emotion and energy tomorrow against them. We've been playing our best softball in the last month or so and if we take care of the fundamentals, I think we've got a good shot."
Michigan will primarily rely on its strong hitting, which ranks first in the conference at .333. Although the Wolverines have hit only nine home runs as a team, they lead the league in hits (333) and doubles (65). The next closest team in both categories is Purdue, with 270 and 43, respectively. Michigan is led by seniors Cathy Davie, who is hitting a Big Ten-best .429, and Traci Conrad, who is batting .376.
"Michigan has five hitters in a row who can slap the ball from the left side," Purdue assistant coach Christy Connoyer says. "Their 9-1-2-3-4 hitters in the lineup are all lefties and they put the ball in play."
Purdue will also depend on its sticks. The Boilers rank third in the Big Ten in hitting at .292 and fourth in home runs with 11. Six Purdue players are hitting over .300, led by three seniors: Sam Mercier (.348), Mandy Smart (.340) and Denise Szany (.337). Purdue also poses a threat on the basepaths with 69 steals in 78 attempts, led by Katie Crabtree with 17.
The pitching matchups should be interesting. Michigan holds a team-ERA of 1.38, but the Purdue hurlers have been on-target of late. Freshmen Nicole Crouse (9-6) and Meagan Dooley (11-7) held No. 23 Minnesota to five earned runs in 23 innings last weekend. Michigan's aces are Marie Barda (11-1) and Kate Eiland (11-2), who hold ERA's of 0.90 and 1.30, respectively.
"Look for both teams to be very aggressive," Connoyer says. "Michigan puts the ball in play, but if we play good defense, I think we'll like the results."
The doubleheader will also feature some family and coaching ties. Purdue head coach Carol Bruggeman started her collegiate coaching career as an assistant to Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins for five years (1989-93). Additionally, Purdue freshman right fielder Chrissy Davie is the younger sister of Michigan senior left fielder Cathy Davie.