Schedule for next season announced
http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/schedule/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/schedule/)
Looks like a pretty tough slate to start off with.
I saw Texas on the far right side, then saw it was in El Paso lol. I would have gone if it wasn't that far out! It is rare to see a Valpo team down here, so I try to get to them whenever I can.
Definitely a good test of our team to play some of the schools listed, especially the potential match-up with the national champion from last year
I didn't realize they played a fall schedule! October softball! (Not quite like October baseball?)
Starting off with two home games this weekend - perhaps I'll be able to check them out.
Quote from: new2ff on October 01, 2011, 04:13:36 PM
Anyone been to the Fall games. Saw some scores, but no word.
Have seen a little bit of their action. Bats are looking good, a fair number of bombs. Saw a couple interesting defensive looks as well...
If I remember right, here's our defense left to right in the games I saw:
OUTFIELD: Wisniewski (2nd base last year), Strickland, Freshman (Maybe Lindsey Norway)
INFIELD: Ichiyama (normally middle infield), Doerffler, Marinec, Phalen
Have made em all so far. I think they will be ok. Some winter work on Individual skills and they will be ready for Feb.
I watched one game in their "classic" event last weekend. My first time at the facility - a nice little venue. I'll have to get used to looking through the fence, but it's fun to be so close to the field.
The competition didn't look too tough (NAIA? Maybe Purdue Calumet? They made me wonder if I would have been a defensive upgrade in the outfield.). So, perhaps that helped Valpo to look good. I didn't realize they played with a mercy rule! I hope to be able to watch some more games in the spring.
Notre Dame wasnt close 12 innings think we had 4 hits. Wasnt there for last weekend Believe they were 1 and 1. Dont know what Division Lake Land is.
A little over a week away from the start of the season in Iowa. Hard to believe its here already.
What are the prospects for the softball team this year? I know that in baseball, we will probably be middle of the pack unless we get great production from the new players. We lost several starting pitchers, so it will come down to that being replaced.
The team has all the pieces in place to take the conference and go to the world in my opinion. Now all they have to do is make the pieces work. With 7 graduating this season its a now or never ( well at least a few more years anyway ) situation for them. 6 days to Iowa I know they have to be getting jittery and pumped!!!!!!!
Tim
Agree with Boomdad,this should be the year.
With all 4 pitchers back[best staff in Horizon] & if you count injured players Ichiyama & Marinic returning,they really have as many as 9 starters plus pitchers returning[ legese is good hitter as well].
Toughest game in first tourney will be first game with UNI.
Just looking at the roster, I hope Coach Stevens is heavily recruiting pitchers from the JUCO level, and hearing from some transfers. I won't mind a freshman or three coming in as pitchers, but we will need one or two hurlers that can start right away with some collegiate experience. I did see that Bolton has Jr. eligibility this year, so that could help next year, if she's returning, but we'll need one or two more pitchers with college experience to help lead the pitching staff to get the needed confidence to go along with the experience and growth they'll want for sophomore seasons.
Also, this is a "do-or-die" season with a very senior dominant roster of players that we know have the confidence to do the fundamental offensive things to score runs and win games. We'll just need the defensive glove work and throwing that get the outs and keep any runners stuck like glue to the bases. Let's Go Valpo Softball!! The most promising season the program has ever(?) had!!
Looks like we were picked 4th in the preseason conference ballots. Time to surprise some people with a solid team returning!
QuoteValparaiso, who finished second in the regular season in 2011, brings back eight position players and both of its starters on the rubber for 2012. Head coach Jordan Stevens will turn to catcher Jordan Rutkowski for both leadership and another First Team All-League effort.
After a statement like this I am not sure voting us 4th makes a lot of sense?? I think we get stronger up the middle with Doerffler now as a sophomore. She is third on the Individual Single-Season assist list already as a freshman.
You know how this goes. There are Darlings of any conference and there are those that have to prove themselves. We just need to make a statement on the field. Let the Darling,s ride on their Laurels. I would rather have the girls play with a chip on their shoulder and feel they have something to prove.......... 1 day and a wake up .
Nice summary of our returning players on the website. Really amazing coaching pick-up in Malerich! Having someone who pitched in the Women's CWS and in international play can only help our team in regards to preparation and composure. Sounds like we should have a really good year, with A LOT of talent coming back. I forgot about a few of the red-shirts that were coming back, and who had solid seasons 1-2 years ago. Our pitching will be the key as with our baseball team, and the experience there at the D-1 level will only benefit us. This year is our year to make the NCAAs in softball as well, as we will have to replace just about every pitcher next year. It seems like we have some good young players as well, to keep the winning tradition of the last decade or so going. When I read that we were playing in TX, I got excited, then I saw it was in El Paso lol. Though I am in the middle of DFW, that is still 10 hours away!
I talked with Coach Stevens earlier this week, and after reflecting on his comments and the ones I see here, I feel like this could be the year for the program if all falls into place. With all the experience returning and the stellar senior class that Schneider brought in years ago, this team should be right in the race for either the regular season or tournament title. I'd like not only to see how well Valpo performs but to see if the rest of the Horizon League is shown that the Crusaders are ready to be a consistent club year-in, year-out in the Horizon League. Granted, there will be a lot to replace after this season ends, but I am ready to see where this story goes.
PS: This weekend's tournament is now at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa instead of UNI in Cedar Falls. According to UNI's website "The machine used to put down the turf had a mechanical failure. As a result the turf will be unable to be laid down on the Dome floor for this weekend's softball tournament." The UNI-Dome is used for indoor softball, football, track, and a variety of other events, and the turf for sports can roll up so it is not damaged by other events in the building. So it's back to where it all started last year, I guess.
PPS: Iowa State's website says the tournament will not be open to the public due to construction outside the Bergstrom Indoor Training Facility. I only see live stats up for the UNI game tomorrow right now. At worst, we'd have to wait for SID/MBB color commentator Aaron Leavitt to produce any updates from the other games during his "downtime" :)
A pretty good weekend after a slow and cold start on Fri night. Nice Job ladies. A huge win over a Big 12 team.
Looks like a few good wins, keep it up!
Go 3 and 1 the first weekend. Beat a big 12 team and 2 Valpo players sweep the league honors this week. Nicely done ladies
http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/)
Interview with Jordan Stevens posted on the WVUR-FM website, recorded prior to the tournament last weekend: http://www.valpo.edu/student/wvur/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1522&Itemid=1 (http://www.valpo.edu/student/wvur/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1522&Itemid=1)
Not too give too much away, but Jordan's pretty confident about this year and this team as he should be. Especially after seeing how things went on the Iowa trip, it'll be nice to see how well Valpo can keep itself rolling along...
The softball team played their two games in today's Frost Classic action. They defeated East Tennessee St. 4-2, in 8 innings, in the first game. The game this afternoon was a 7-0 shutout loss to the host, Tennessee-Chattanooga.
In Game 1, Jordan Rutkowski went 3-for-4 with 2 rbis. No one else had more than 1 hit. Sara Strickland and Lindsey Norway each crossed the plate twice. Sam McGee pitched 8 innings, giving up 7 hits and 2 runs, both earned. She also struck out 6, walked 1, and gave up a home run.
In Game 2, Strickland had 2 of our 4 hits in the shutout. The pitching really struggled. Alex LaGesse struggled in 1/3rd of an inning as the starter. She allowed 4 hits, 3 runs, all earned, with 1 strikeout. She gave up a double and a home run for two of those four hits. Shaleigh Jansen came in for the final 5 and 2/3rds giving up 6 hits, 4 runs, all earned, walked 2, and struckout 5. She also gave up a double and a home run as part of the 6 hits she gave up.
I'm not sure if it's just finding the right lineup at this time, or not really getting to practice outside, but a split today was good. I just hope that the hitting kinks work out to get more base hits, and be more aggressive at the plate. I do wish there had been video for these games because live stats just don't do the game justice.
The ladies return to action tomorrow with a 12:15 game against Tennessee-Martin, and a 2:30 game against Niagra. Good luck ladies! Get the bats warmed up, and be aggressive tomorrow! We're at 4-2 right now. This is a good sign of things to come.
Ladies are now 7-2 with Saturday wins over UT-Martin and Niagara, following up on Sunday with a win over Belmont. What a great weekend!
They appear to be firing on all cylinders already. This is all without one of our top hitters at her peak, Sara Strickland.
Softball is looking good.Real tests will be with NMS & after.
Playing the Az./Ca. schedule is good move in prep for Horizon.
Great win by Valpo over NMSU,they are a good team with some quality wins this year over likes of Indiana, Tx-El paso, others. NMSU has played a tough schedule & yet Valpo took it to them. Great pitching effort tonight.
National Rankings, We have some pretty good rankings from our players on the national level. Nice work ladies keep it up.
http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/stats/softball/index.html (http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/stats/softball/index.html)
They seem to be hitting their stride at the right time!
Ummmm.... anyone else notice this? 8-0 (6 inn.) and 17-0 (5 inn.). Rutkowski ties the single-season homer record with 7-odd weeks left in the year. 2 shutout pitching efforts, nearly every batter got at least a hit. After giving up so many chances against Purdue, they came out with some fire against Green Bay.
Saturday was an absolute beatdown of GB, great job! Rutkowski is putting up some ridiculous numbers: 11 HR, 43 RBI in only 29 games???
Green Bay hasn't been the gold standard in the HL, but that 12-run 4th inning in Game 2 was interesting. Can't wait to see what happens in the last month of conference play.
The National standings just keep getting better and better for the team and players. Nice job ladies. Keep up the good work!!!!!! :thumbsup:
Valpo wins two at Wright State, 4-2 and 10 zip. Now 8-0 in conference and first place! Way to go gals!!
Rutkowski also named as a top 25 finalist for national player of the year! What she is doing this year is downright ridiculous.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11650/rutkowski-among-25-finalists-for-usa-softball-collegiate-player-of-the-year/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11650/rutkowski-among-25-finalists-for-usa-softball-collegiate-player-of-the-year/)
The girls break out the broom in Fairborn. Nice job ladies
Wanted to turn back to the preseason when I talked w/ Coach Stevens and reflect on my comments in light of the recent success. First from early February:
QuoteI talked with Coach Stevens earlier this week, and after reflecting on his comments and the ones I see here, I feel like this could be the year for the program if all falls into place. With all the experience returning and the stellar senior class that Schneider brought in years ago, this team should be right in the race for either the regular season or tournament title. I'd like not only to see how well Valpo performs but to see if the rest of the Horizon League is shown that the Crusaders are ready to be a consistent club year-in, year-out in the Horizon League. Granted, there will be a lot to replace after this season ends, but I am ready to see where this story goes.
I wanted to stay on the handle when I said this before. Seeing how this team plays and their great start in HL play, I am willing to switch
is for
could now. This club is in clear control of first place, and if they sweep or even go 2-1 against YSU this weekend, I believe it's their race to lose.
Valpo was down 12-0 after 2 to YSU and came back to win 13-12!! Great performance! Still undefeated in conference!! ;D
7-0 shutout for a league sweep of YSU. That's now 12-0 in league action. The best start in Horizon League/Midwestern Collegiate Conference action since UIC went a perfect 14-0 in 1997.
Fantastic job, The comeback was incredible. Defiantly not a game for game tracker, you had to witness it yourself to believe it. The heart that this team has is scary. Lets hope they keep the momentum rolling at ND.
The awesome thing is that when I was watching the live updates, after we got down 12-0, I still believed we had a chance to win, much like the ladies did! Great job so far, and keep it up!
Guess what? Valpo's magic number is "ONE" going into today's game with Butler. A win today will clinch the championship and hosting duties for the tourney! The titles just keep rolling along! ;)
Getter done today gals!! ;D
Lets hope they roll out with some fire and play like they have something to prove.
This would be our third regular season conference championship, and first for the women! Baseball is only 2 games back from first as well, so maybe we end up with 4 this year, and top 4 in conference cup standings! Tremendous improvement in just about every sport this year, so hopefully it keeps up each year! Now all we need is our first HL NCAA bid, with softball also the most likely with how bad we are beating conference teams.
Quote from: vu72 on April 26, 2012, 09:22:59 AM
Guess what? Valpo's magic number is "ONE" going into today's game with Butler. A win today will clinch the championship and hosting duties for the tourney! The titles just keep rolling along! ;)
Getter done today gals!! ;D
Actually, the magic number would be 2 going into today, if this week's notes were accurate.
"What's On the Line: Entering the next-to-last week of regular season play, the Crusaders have their destiny in their own hands this week. Assuming no rainouts, Valpo can secure at least a share of the Horizon League regular season championship with four wins over their last nine games. Four wins would leave the Crusaders with a maximum of seven losses in league play, a mark which no team would be able to better. One win over Loyola among those four wins would also ensure that Valpo would earn the #1 seed for the Horizon League Championship and the right to host the tournament on its campus."
Biggest day of the season today! Valpo swept by Loyola yesterday, so the Crusaders really need a win today if they still have a shot to win the regular season title and host the tournament. The reason why the game is so big...
Loyola already owns the head-to-head tiebreaker after yesterday. So if Loyola wins today, they'll be one game back of Valpo. The Ramblers will play (and likely sweep) Detroit next, and under this scenario, Valpo would have to sweep Cleveland State to win the title outright. 2-of-3 would earn a share of the title, but the tournament would be in Chicago.
If Valpo can win today, they'll go "Dormie 3" on Loyola (3 games up, 3 to go) and will need one more win at Cleveland State to earn the title and to host. Also, a win today and a loss from UIC (who has a DH w/ Youngstown State) will already guarantee at least a share of the program's first-ever conference title. That should also ease the tension further to take at least one from the Vikings to win outright.
Also, senior day ceremonies today for the seven outgoing seniors, arguably the best recruiting class the program has ever seen. I'll let former coach Randy Schneider speak for himself
Quote"I truly feel this is one of the finest classes of players we have ever assembled here," concluded Schneider. "This group of seven players really has the potential to take the Valparaiso softball program to the next level." -11/26/07, comment on signing this year's seniors to their NLI
Good win today to clinch a share of the title at a minimum! We have three against CSU next, so if we win one of those, we are the sole champ. Good job ladies!
What a great atmosphere for a game yesterday (Sunday) against Loyola. The crowd was into every pitch and the VU pitcher Lagesse, after suffering a tough extra inning loss the day before, just rose to the occasion. Dozens of high school aged players in the stands cheering for VU, calling the pitcher and the other players by name. This communicates that the youth age softball community is paying attention to Valpo Softball. This group of seniors has left their mark. Because of them and a strong academic reputation, VU will land better and better players.
Let's leave Randy out of this. He recruited them, yes and we will give him credit for that but did more to bring them down.
Valpo wins 7-0 at CSU to clinch the Championship outright!! Congrats to the gals! Valpo's third championship!! Can we make it four with baseball?? Rain delay at WSU.
Great job ladies, and our best possibility of an NCAA bid! Baseball won yesterday, so we may get 4 pending the last 8 games of conference
congrats ladies! now go finish strong and kick some ass in the conference tourney to get into the ncaas!
Has anybody seen details for the conference tourney?
The brackets up at
http://s3.amazonaws.com/hln/sports/brackets/12/bracket.pdf?1336341098 (http://s3.amazonaws.com/hln/sports/brackets/12/bracket.pdf?1336341098)
with Valpo getting a single bye, and their first game tomorrow at 11 AM against the winner of Youngstown St. and Butler.
But, what about ticket details? Softball's usually general admission, $5, sold at the gate, with "Faculty/staff/students are free with Valpo ID. Children 10 and under are free. "
But, will that change with the League running the show? Or at least pocketing the gate?
I looked at the Horizon League website, and they don't have anything more than a quick overview of the teams playing and the schedule, but no real championship site like we see for the other sports. I didn't see anything at the Valpo Softball site or on the main page either. Seems strange to me that this kind of information isn't available in advance of the tournament. I suppose you could call Cindy Eaton for these details?
I was told by the dd this morning that a gate pass is 25 dollars for the weekend. No more free rides for dad.
A price worth paying to possibly see our ladies clinch their first NCAA appearance in softball though ;)
I told her 25 dollars had to be worth at least 3 HR balls. If not she owes me. Suddenly we got bad reception and she she hung up............... coincidence? I somehow doubt it lol
So it's Butler tomorrow at 11. I see where the second games tomorrow will start at 7:30 which means they must have brought in lights. The field doesn't have permanent lighting does it? Wonder how it looks lit up!
Quote from: vu72 on May 09, 2012, 04:35:51 PM
So it's Butler tomorrow at 11. I see where the second games tomorrow will start at 7:30 which means they must have brought in lights. The field doesn't have permanent lighting does it? Wonder how it looks lit up!
Yes, there are a lot of impressive-looking temporary lights set up. The field will look terrific under lights.
Quote from: valpopal on May 09, 2012, 04:45:06 PM
Quote from: vu72 on May 09, 2012, 04:35:51 PM
So it's Butler tomorrow at 11. I see where the second games tomorrow will start at 7:30 which means they must have brought in lights. The field doesn't have permanent lighting does it? Wonder how it looks lit up!
Yes, there are a lot of impressive-looking temporary lights set up. The field will look terrific under lights.
It has looked terrific already. They used the lights the last two nights for impromptu team practices to test any blinding spots from the lights (and yes, I mean "blinding" and not "blind"). It was a beautiful sight. With a little fog and some dew on the grass, it looks as glorious as the Field of Dreams.
Quote from: KL31NY on May 09, 2012, 05:08:36 PM
Quote from: valpopal on May 09, 2012, 04:45:06 PM
Quote from: vu72 on May 09, 2012, 04:35:51 PM
So it's Butler tomorrow at 11. I see where the second games tomorrow will start at 7:30 which means they must have brought in lights. The field doesn't have permanent lighting does it? Wonder how it looks lit up!
Yes, there are a lot of impressive-looking temporary lights set up. The field will look terrific under lights.
It has looked terrific already. They used the lights the last two nights for impromptu team practices to test any blinding spots from the lights (and yes, I mean "blinding" and not "blind"). It was a beautiful sight. With a little fog and some dew on the grass, it looks as glorious as the Field of Dreams.
So it's settled. New lights by next season!
Quote from: boomdad on May 09, 2012, 12:21:39 PM
I told her 25 dollars had to be worth at least 3 HR balls. If not she owes me. Suddenly we got bad reception and she she hung up............... coincidence? I somehow doubt it lol
I wonder if that's all that's on offer?
I was thinking of taking the kids for a game, or dropping in for a few innings here and there myself. But, if it's $25 a person, that may not happen...
It sounds to me like the $25 is a full tourney pass, not a one-day or single game pass, but an entire tourney pass.
Quote from: agibson on May 09, 2012, 11:58:35 PM
Quote from: boomdad on May 09, 2012, 12:21:39 PM
I told her 25 dollars had to be worth at least 3 HR balls. If not she owes me. Suddenly we got bad reception and she she hung up............... coincidence? I somehow doubt it lol
I wonder if that's all that's on offer?
I was thinking of taking the kids for a game, or dropping in for a few innings here and there myself. But, if it's $25 a person, that may not happen...
Four games in all are scheduled for Thursday at the Valparaiso University Softball Field. Fans can purchase an all-day pass for $8, with senior citizens and youths 5-18 only $5. Youths under the age of five, as well as Horizon League students (with student ID), will be admitted free of charge. If you are unable to make it to the park, live stats for every game will be available through www.horizonleague.com (http://www.horizonleague.com).
You can also watch it live on the Horizon League Network. Watched a little of the first game yesterday. Very good camera work with two views one must be from center field as you see the batter from the pitcher's view. Can't wait to beat Butler--AGAIN!!
Quote from: boomdad on May 10, 2012, 05:04:08 AM
Four games in all are scheduled for Thursday at the Valparaiso University Softball Field. Fans can purchase an all-day pass for $8, with senior citizens and youths 5-18 only $5. Youths under the age of five, as well as Horizon League students (with student ID), will be admitted free of charge. If you are unable to make it to the park, live stats for every game will be available through www.horizonleague.com (http://www.horizonleague.com).
Thanks. They do now have this up at
http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11791/crusaders-to-face-butler-thursday-morning/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11791/crusaders-to-face-butler-thursday-morning/)
too.
I'll definitely try to make it out sometime this week.
Quote from: vu72 on May 10, 2012, 08:19:31 AM
You can also watch it live on the Horizon League Network. Watched a little of the first game yesterday. Very good camera work with two views one must be from center field as you see the batter from the pitcher's view. Can't wait to beat Butler--AGAIN!!
No video currently? There's a link but "Off Air"? From GameTracker I saw Butler hit a single, from a full count, bases loaded, two outs, top of 2nd. Now 1-0.
Now they've taken the video link down. Still up for this afternoon's games.
Losing 4-1 in the sixth inning. Looks like VU's post season jinx is upon us. :'(
Can't get the video either but gametracker says 6-1 Butler in the bottom of the 6th. Need a comeback like the lady crusaders did againgst YSU.
Quote from: setshot on May 10, 2012, 12:41:26 PM
Losing 4-1 in the sixth inning. Looks like VU's post season jinx is upon us. :'(
What do we have to do to have you be positive for Dear Old Valpo instead of poking at the open wound? :snore:
Wisniewski nails Huey out at the plate. Valpo keeps Butler from scoring. Maybe this will ignite Valpo for 5 runs in bottom of 7th. Go VALPO!!!
Unfortunately Valpo goes down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 7th. Crusaders lose 6-1. Now they take on UIC at 6:30 p.m. CDT. Gotta win them all now.
UIC coming off a similar upset loss to Green Bay yesterday. Play or go home!
I hope I have a chance to see them play in the post-season. Can't make the 6:30 PM game, unfortunately. I'll try the video.
If they keep winning it's 11 AM Friday, 4 PM Friday, Saturday noon, Saturday 2 PM (if necessary).
The flames will burn up the Valpo FOLDERS. Wait till next year. BOOK IT! >:(
Let's see if the 6:30 PM video feed is any more cooperative...
COME ON VALPO! UP BY TWO. DESPITE MY PREDICTION i'LL STILL TAKE A WIN. GO VALPO1 :thumbsup:
3-0, going into the bottom of the 3rd. Video's working fine - quite a nice feed, in fact.
Fantastic to see the shots of campus. Even if it is just the old dorms.
Nice broadcast. Very professional. Valpo kids? Nice win, on to tomorrow!
Quote from: setshot on May 10, 2012, 01:59:51 PMThe flames will burn up the Valpo FOLDERS. Wait till next year. BOOK IT!
your book went up in flames 3-0. :lol:
nothing like playing at home and having your ace pitcher in a groove.
Quote from: KL31NY on May 09, 2012, 05:08:36 PM
Quote from: valpopal on May 09, 2012, 04:45:06 PM
Quote from: vu72 on May 09, 2012, 04:35:51 PM
So it's Butler tomorrow at 11. I see where the second games tomorrow will start at 7:30 which means they must have brought in lights. The field doesn't have permanent lighting does it? Wonder how it looks lit up!
Yes, there are a lot of impressive-looking temporary lights set up. The field will look terrific under lights.
It has looked terrific already. They used the lights the last two nights for impromptu team practices to test any blinding spots from the lights (and yes, I mean "blinding" and not "blind"). It was a beautiful sight. With a little fog and some dew on the grass, it looks as glorious as the Field of Dreams.
Here is a photo of the softball field I took at sunset this evening:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/qpkrc7.jpg)
Quote from: vu72 on May 10, 2012, 08:03:09 PM
Nice broadcast. Very professional. Valpo kids? Nice win, on to tomorrow!
The announcers thus far have been WVUR people from the campus radio station. Keaton Gillogly is on tap to the championship game(s) Saturday. The camera people have been Valpo students as well. The people working the video feed (the computer seems to be a little old and finicky, hence the problems earlier in the tournament) are the usually people who control all the other HLN stuff. One is a Valpo senior with a real knack for visual media, and the other is an older Valpo alum who's been working on VU's HLN games for 2 or 3 years now.
Quote from: valpopal on May 10, 2012, 09:32:18 PM
Here is a photo of the softball field I took at sunset this evening:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/qpkrc7.jpg)
What a sight that is. It'd be nice to have more opportunities for games under the lights in the near future, softball or baseball.
The PA announcer sounded like Aaron Levitt. Confirm/Deny.
Quote from: StlVUFan on May 11, 2012, 09:34:59 AM
The PA announcer sounded like Aaron Levitt. Confirm/Deny.
Confirmed. For clarification if needed, the announcers I described earlier where the HLN announcers.
Valpo wins 10-0! Throwing a two-hitter.
We play the loser of Butler-Loyola, at 4 PM.
Now, the eternal question of softball tournaments. Is it better to play games back-to-back, or with a long break in between?
I'm not sure that I'll make it back tomorrow, but I think I'll bring the kids out at 4 PM today.
Go Valpo!
Butler rematch! Loyola knocked them off 8-1.
If we get past Butler (starting in 20 minutes - see you there!) we'd have to beat #2 seed Loyola twice in a row, tomorrow.
Doesn't it feel good to eliminate Butler from tournaments? :) A showdown between the top 2 seeds tomorrow, and hopefully we bring our bats to win 2!
What a way to get our first HL NCAA bid! 3 straight walk off wins, congrats ladies!
FANTASTIC!!! Now we can get setshot to officially apologize to the ladies!! And, make a big contribution to our first NCAA tourney participant! Thanks in advance setshot! ;D
Hell, my comments relative to being FOLDERS was to light a FIRE under the ladies,or should I say a FLAME under the ladies. Looks like it worked.Seriously though, a great accomplishment. CONGRATULATIONS! :thumbsup:
way to go ladies!
My congrats to the team! I am especially pleased to see the tournament MVP go to Angie, who has always been a wonderful student-athlete representative for VU off the field as well!
Couldn't of happened to a finer and more deserved group of ladies who defined well the three areas that Valpo and the Horizon League embrace, scholarship, talented athleticism and giving back to the community.
Angie Doerffler, a graduate of a Lutheran high school, put the icing on the cake by being the 2 games MVP and showing her prowess in all three areas mentioned above.
To me the area that Angie has truly excelled is not one mentioned above or shown on the softball field. It's the area of faith in her Lord and through that showing faith in her boyfriend, Tommy Kurth, who faces a long uphill battle to regain his form on the basketball court. Through Angie's belief in not only herself and her ability on the softball field but her faith that Mr. Kurth will come through for himself and on the basketball court that Angie can make us all beam with pride for Dear Old Valpo but also for the future she brings of being an accomplished alum in whatever field she chooses.
Ok, I'll stop being so sappy.......... :-[
so this is softball's first NCAA appearance? maybe I missed this earlier, but we never won in the mid-con? or does the summit not have an auto bid?
First NCAA berth. We made the 2004 Mid-Con Championship "Series," but we lost the first game of potentially two title games to Centenary, who had also put us in the losers' bracket earlier in the tourney. Can't tell you if we were ever that close before, maybe North Star, but I'm not too positive
Interesting stats over at College Sports Madness: http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/4006 (http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/4006)
By The Numbers -- not bad at all!
And they're on TV! ESPN2 on Friday (I believe?). How cool is that?
I was kind of hoping for the Columbia regional. Only 2 hours away from where I live, I might have actually tried to make the trip.
Make the most of it, Ladies!
Louisville, UK and Mich? Its gonna be one hell of a weekend
Quote from: StlVUFan on May 13, 2012, 08:12:44 PM
Interesting stats over at College Sports Madness: http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/4006 (http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/4006)
By The Numbers -- not bad at all!
Remarkable offensive numbers! And the DP number's great too.
By the Numbers:
Batting Average: .308 (25th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Earned Run Average: 2.60 (73, 1)
Fielding Percentage: .974 (14, 1)
Scoring Offense: 6.00 (14, 1)
Home Runs per Game: 0.98 (27, 1)
Doubles per Game: 1.66 (3, 1)
Triples per Game: 0.17 (78, 3)
Stolen Bases per Game: 0.87 (141, 4)
Slugging Percentage: .487 (17, 1)
Double Plays per Game: 0.42 (20, 2)
From University of Louisville Athletics website:
The University of Louisville softball team earned the No. 15 seed in the NCAA tournament and has been selected as a host site for NCAA softball regional May 18-20 at Ulmer Stadium. The Cards (53-3) will face Valparaiso (42-17) Friday at 7 p.m. with Kentucky (29-28) and Michigan (39-15) meeting at 4:30 p.m. Friday. All Louisville Regional games will be carried on ESPN2 or ESPN3.
This marks Louisville's ninth consecutive NCAA tournament bid and the third time it has served as a regional site host. The Cards also hosted in 2011 and 2009.
The winner of the Louisville regional meet up with the winner from the Tuscaloosa region which features the No. 2 seed Alabama who will play UT-Martin. Georgia Tech and South Alabama will face off in the other first round game of that regional.
"We are excited to be at home with Valparaiso, Michigan and Kentucky this weekend. This is a tough region and we have to take it one game at a time, just like we have all season," said U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We hope the fans will come out and enjoy some exciting softball."
Louisville Regional - May 18-20 at Louisville, Ky.
No. 15 seed Louisville* (53-3) vs. Valparaiso (42-17)
Kentucky (29-28) vs. Michigan (39-15)
NCAA Regional Schedule
Friday, May 18
Game 1 - Kentucky vs. Michigan - 4:30 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Game 2 - Valparaiso vs. Louisville - 7:00 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Saturday, May 19
Game 3 - Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 - 1:00 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Game 4 - Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 - 3:30 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Game 5 - Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 - 6:00 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Sunday, May 20
Game 6 - Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5 - 1 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Game 7 - (If necessary) - 3:30 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN3)
Ticket Information
Adult All-Session $25.00
Child All-Session $15.00
Student/Senior All-Session $15.00
Adult Single Session $10.00
Child Single Session $7.00
Student/Senior Single-Session $7.00
Group and berm: $5.00 Single Session only
About Louisville
Louisville earned the BIG EAST Conference automatic bid by defeating Notre Dame 4-3 Saturday. The Cardinals also won the league regular season title with a 20-2 mark in conference play.
U of L is led offensively by senior Kristin Austin who is batting .402 with 44 runs and eight triples on the season. Junior Alicja Wolny follows at .377 with 13 doubles, eight home runs and 37 RBIs. Sophomore Taner Fowler is hitting .372 and has a team-best 12 home runs and 50 RBIs. Senior Tori Collins (24-1) carries a 1.25 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 167.1 innings.
http://www.uoflsports.com/facilities/lou-facilities-ulmer-stadium.html (http://www.uoflsports.com/facilities/lou-facilities-ulmer-stadium.html)
Ulmer Stadium, home of U of L softball sits between Brandeis Ave, Floyd St, Arthur St & the U of L Track and Field Stadium. Arthur St. sits just west of I-65. Refer to the directions below for the parking garage.
http://www.uoflsports.com/school-bio/maps-directions.html (http://www.uoflsports.com/school-bio/maps-directions.html)
http://ulcgis.org/mapbook/BelknapAthletics.pdf (http://ulcgis.org/mapbook/BelknapAthletics.pdf) (#11 is Ulmer Stadium, the parking garage is across Floyd St from #10)
This will be a cool experience for them. Each game will be on either ESPN or ESPN2 as well, which I think is only the case with 3 total regions of the 16!
That's an insane season record for louisville. 53-3? incredible. and we have the second best record in the regional, ahead of both michigan and kentucky. way to go girls!
FYI, This is a double elimination regional so if you do go and don't live or know someone in southern Indiana or Louisville area then you will want to make a motel reservation. Also stop by the Clark County Red Cross office in Jeffersonville and drop off some donations for the tornado victims in southern Indiana.
http://www.clarkredcross.org/About_Us.php (http://www.clarkredcross.org/About_Us.php)
Or you could even ask what you could help with on Saturday before Valpo plays it's second game:
http://www.iauw.org/donate/SouthernIndianaTornadoesAssistance.pdf (http://www.iauw.org/donate/SouthernIndianaTornadoesAssistance.pdf)
Also the U.S. Government warehouse in Charlestown, IN is taking donation items too. You need to get to Charlestown donation warehouse by 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday to drop donations.
SPECIFIC NEEDS – as of 5/2/12 – Please deliver to Warehouse
URGENT NEED FOR ladders, extension cords,
work boots and heavy duty leather gloves
Construction Tools/Items
Sunscreen, first aid supplies
Yard tools (shovels, rakes, trimmers)
Gas cards, gift cards
New packages of socks and underwear
100 hammers and 300 nail aprons
Construction materials – 2x4s, nails, screws,
shingles
Louisville Regional Breakdown
Louisville was supposed to be good, but nobody thought they would be this good. The Cardinals head into the NCAA Tournament with a 53-3 record with losses coming to only DePaul (twice) and Tennessee. The entire season has been a momentum builder for Coach Sandy Pearsall and company, but that momentum got another big boost during the Big East Tournament. After knocking off Connecticut and DePaul, the Cardinals won in dramatic fashion against Notre Dame. That walk off homerun by Jordan Trimble has given this Cardinals team a ton of confidence heading into the big tournament.
However, that momentum could be quickly dismissed by a tough group that includes Michigan, Kentucky and Valparaiso. The Wolverines are very young, especially with freshmen pitchers Haylie Wagner and Sara Driesenga leading the way, but they are a talented team. The offense is not particularly strong, but Michigan can win games with their pitching. Kentucky's Sara Dill is a superb hitter and could be the toughest test for all of the quality pitchers in this region. However, senior pitchers Chanda Bell and Rachel Riley better be on their best game if the Wildcats want to get past Louisville and Michigan. By the numbers, Valpo has the best offense in the Louisville Regional. However, the level of competition should be too much for Jordan Rutkowski, Brittany Duncan, Jessie Marinec and the rest of the Valpo sluggers.
I sent this to my dd for her to forward on to the rest of the team. I hope it offends them and places a chip on their shoulders and they bring another level of play to Louisville
Quote from: boomdad on May 14, 2012, 10:07:57 AM
Louisville Regional Breakdown
Louisville was supposed to be good, but nobody thought they would be this good. The Cardinals head into the NCAA Tournament with a 53-3 record with losses coming to only DePaul (twice) and Tennessee. The entire season has been a momentum builder for Coach Sandy Pearsall and company, but that momentum got another big boost during the Big East Tournament. After knocking off Connecticut and DePaul, the Cardinals won in dramatic fashion against Notre Dame. That walk off homerun by Jordan Trimble has given this Cardinals team a ton of confidence heading into the big tournament.
However, that momentum could be quickly dismissed by a tough group that includes Michigan, Kentucky and Valparaiso. The Wolverines are very young, especially with freshmen pitchers Haylie Wagner and Sara Driesenga leading the way, but they are a talented team. The offense is not particularly strong, but Michigan can win games with their pitching. Kentucky's Sara Dill is a superb hitter and could be the toughest test for all of the quality pitchers in this region. However, senior pitchers Chanda Bell and Rachel Riley better be on their best game if the Wildcats want to get past Louisville and Michigan. By the numbers, Valpo has the best offense in the Louisville Regional. However, the level of competition should be too much for Jordan Rutkowski, Brittany Duncan, Jessie Marinec and the rest of the Valpo sluggers.
I sent this to my dd for her to forward on to the rest of the team. I hope it offends them and places a chip on their shoulders and they bring another level of play to Louisville
Where was this quoted from?
I was bored to tears by all the analysis in the selection show last night -- in part because I don't follow College Softball outside of Valpo (and that only lately), and in part because it seemed so generic and non-specific, as if name recognition alone of individual players should be enough to drive the point home. Maybe College Softball fans enjoyed it, but I skipped past all of that. All I wanted to see was the brackets. When they talked about the Louisville region, they barely mentioned Valpo.
Plus, for reasons unknown to me, the sound of Beth Mowans' voice grates on me.
Their reaction and commentary should be nothing new to Valpo athletes. We will be ignored and/or dismissed as irrelevant until we win some games. I have a good feeling about this group. Gritty and tough. Win the region and then see what they say!!
At least the committee gave us some credit, in that we are the second highest rated 4 seed in the tournament. This assumption is based on us being placed against the 15 seed out of the 16 seeded teams.
At a minimum, we should come away with 3rd place in this regional (1-2). We can beat Kentucky (with an above average game) and Michigan (with our best game), not familiar enough with softball to know about Louisville.
Quote from: FWalum on May 14, 2012, 11:04:48 AM
Quote from: boomdad on May 14, 2012, 10:07:57 AM
Louisville Regional Breakdown
Louisville was supposed to be good, but nobody thought they would be this good. The Cardinals head into the NCAA Tournament with a 53-3 record with losses coming to only DePaul (twice) and Tennessee. The entire season has been a momentum builder for Coach Sandy Pearsall and company, but that momentum got another big boost during the Big East Tournament. After knocking off Connecticut and DePaul, the Cardinals won in dramatic fashion against Notre Dame. That walk off homerun by Jordan Trimble has given this Cardinals team a ton of confidence heading into the big tournament.
However, that momentum could be quickly dismissed by a tough group that includes Michigan, Kentucky and Valparaiso. The Wolverines are very young, especially with freshmen pitchers Haylie Wagner and Sara Driesenga leading the way, but they are a talented team. The offense is not particularly strong, but Michigan can win games with their pitching. Kentucky's Sara Dill is a superb hitter and could be the toughest test for all of the quality pitchers in this region. However, senior pitchers Chanda Bell and Rachel Riley better be on their best game if the Wildcats want to get past Louisville and Michigan. By the numbers, Valpo has the best offense in the Louisville Regional. However, the level of competition should be too much for Jordan Rutkowski, Brittany Duncan, Jessie Marinec and the rest of the Valpo sluggers.
I sent this to my dd for her to forward on to the rest of the team. I hope it offends them and places a chip on their shoulders and they bring another level of play to Louisville
Where was this quoted from?
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/4025 (http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/4025)
It's a complicated tournament format!
If I read (and remember) well, only one team from the region advances?
It's going to be tough to beat Louisville (twice?! if necessary), but it should be exciting. Great to be on ESPN2. Great to go the tournament!
To betray my ignorance of non-basketball sports in the Horizon League, is this the first Horizon League tournament that we've won, in any sport? Our first NCAA tournament, in any sport apart from bowling (which isn't Horizon League), since joining the Horizon?
Yes it is our first appearance in an NCAA tourney via the Horizon League. It is our third regular season championship (Men's soccer, men's basketball and now softball) but we have lost in the previous two conference tourney. So yes, it is a first!
4 teams play in each of the 16 regionals. Yes, you must win the double elimination regional to advance to the Super-Regional. Two winners from 2 of the regionals play each other in a best of 3 in the Super-regional. Those 8 winners of the Super-regionals play in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
One rule that I find suspect and truly anti-dramatic for NCAA Softball is the mercy rule. If after 5 innings (4.5 if the home team is leading) if one team is leading by 8 or more runs that team wins at that moment. If that rule had been in effect for the Youngstown State game on a Saturday in April Valpo would have never come back from down 11 to win 13-12. The mercy rule is actually suspended for the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. What does that tell you?
http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1 (http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1)
A mercy rule is a sort of a tradition in softball; in rec league softball, anyhow.
I don't recall whether, in the ASA rules, a mercy rule is mandatory, or optional. (This rulebook often covers casual recreational leagues, but could also cover top-flight competition.)
But, I agree, it seems a bit funny in the NCAA. I assume baseball doesn't use one? I'd hope that equity within conferences would be such that it wouldn't be needed. That it wouldn't come into play very often, and that if it was eliminated the effect wouldn't be too severe.
I don't remember correctly, but I believe in tournament play, once you're in the championship rounds/play, the mercy rule no longer applies. It becomes more reliant on teams playing mistake-free softball because you might have slaughtered your way thru the early rounds with weaker competition, but now you're playing the big girls. It's time to bring your best to the WCWS at all times.
Quote from: bbtds on May 14, 2012, 11:56:06 AM
4 teams play in each of the 16 regionals. Yes, you must win the double elimination regional to advance to the Super-Regional. Two winners from 2 of the regionals play each other in a best of 3 in the Super-regional. Those 8 winners of the Super-regionals play in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
One rule that I find suspect and truly anti-dramatic for NCAA Softball is the mercy rule. If after 5 innings (4.5 if the home team is leading) if one team is leading by 8 or more runs that team wins at that moment. If that rule had been in effect for the Youngstown State game on a Saturday in April Valpo would have never come back from down 11 to win 13-12. The mercy rule is actually suspended for the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. What does that tell you?
http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1 (http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1)
Valpo was actually within 12-11 in that YSU game after 5 innings.
Quote from: vusupporter on May 14, 2012, 12:08:38 PM
Quote from: bbtds on May 14, 2012, 11:56:06 AM
4 teams play in each of the 16 regionals. Yes, you must win the double elimination regional to advance to the Super-Regional. Two winners from 2 of the regionals play each other in a best of 3 in the Super-regional. Those 8 winners of the Super-regionals play in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
One rule that I find suspect and truly anti-dramatic for NCAA Softball is the mercy rule. If after 5 innings (4.5 if the home team is leading) if one team is leading by 8 or more runs that team wins at that moment. If that rule had been in effect for the Youngstown State game on a Saturday in April Valpo would have never come back from down 11 to win 13-12. The mercy rule is actually suspended for the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. What does that tell you?
http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1 (http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/softball/d1)
Valpo was actually within 12-11 in that YSU game after 5 innings.
Yes, that should have been worded differently. Thank you for clearing that up for me.
Quote from: valporun on May 14, 2012, 12:06:44 PM
I don't remember correctly, but I believe in tournament play, once you're in the championship rounds/play, the mercy rule no longer applies. It becomes more reliant on teams playing mistake-free softball because you might have slaughtered your way thru the early rounds with weaker competition, but now you're playing the big girls. It's time to bring your best to the WCWS at all times.
College
For college softball, the mercy rule is invoked if one team is leading by at least eight runs after five complete innings, or 4.5 innings if the home team is leading. However, in the NCAA national tournament, mercy rules may not be used in the latter stages of the tournament, particularly the Women's College World Series.http://www.livestrong.com/article/277799-softball-mercy-rules/#ixzz1urii8Ehz (http://www.livestrong.com/article/277799-softball-mercy-rules/#ixzz1urii8Ehz)
Quote from: bbtds on May 14, 2012, 12:19:10 PM
Quote from: valporun on May 14, 2012, 12:06:44 PM
I don't remember correctly, but I believe in tournament play, once you're in the championship rounds/play, the mercy rule no longer applies. It becomes more reliant on teams playing mistake-free softball because you might have slaughtered your way thru the early rounds with weaker competition, but now you're playing the big girls. It's time to bring your best to the WCWS at all times.
College
For college softball, the mercy rule is invoked if one team is leading by at least eight runs after five complete innings, or 4.5 innings if the home team is leading. However, in the NCAA national tournament, mercy rules may not be used in the latter stages of the tournament, particularly the Women's College World Series.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/277799-softball-mercy-rules/#ixzz1urii8Ehz (http://www.livestrong.com/article/277799-softball-mercy-rules/#ixzz1urii8Ehz)
I was also referring to agibson's reference to the ASA softball mercy rule, not just what the NCAA uses.
That is a traditional rule. I think it's time to break the tradition. It could lead to a couple of dramatic finishes and really how much time is saved in not playing 2 innings or less. Like the players wearing skirts in women's softball it's time to change a traditional rule.
Quote from: bbtds on May 14, 2012, 12:30:06 PMThat is a traditional rule. I think it's time to break the tradition. It could lead to a couple of dramatic finishes and really how much time is saved in not playing 2 innings or less. Like the players wearing skirts in women's softball it's time to change a traditional rule.
Disagree. A lot. The mercy rule is a good thing. It can save significant time when there is a huge variance in talent level, which occurs often during Regional play. Not only does it save time, it eliminates the risk of some girl getting hurt in a 15-run game. Offense isn't very plentiful in the NCAA tournament. There aren't 13-11 games in the NCAA tournament, so if one team is up 8 after 5, it's pretty much a done deal. If a team can't deal with that, then don't fall behind so much so early.
And, by the way, the suspension of the mercy rule at the World Series isn't automatic. I've seen games ended via the mercy rule at the WS before, and it was a good thing.
Rule 6.13 in the 2012/2013 NCAA Softball Rule Book:
Exception: For NCAA tournament play only, the respective NCAA divisional softball committees may elect to remove the eight-run rule for games played between the final two teams of the championship, provided it is formally declared before the start of the tournament.
It seems strange to me that the NCAA suspends the rule for the most important games (final 2 teams) if agreed up by a committee. It's kind of like the NBA allowing a 7th foul per player in the Final NBA championship round if a bunch of owners agree on it. Why the change in rules only for the last 2 teams remaining?
I just don't see any good in keeping players from playing the game they love no matter the score. Those end of the bench guys in basketball would never be rewarded for all that time in practice they put in sacrificing their bodies if basketball had a similar rule to suspend a game if one team got ahead by so much by a certain time in the game. And there certainly are just as many chances to get hurt in basketball as in softball at the end of a game. "Tell the players not to play as hard" never sat well with me.
In the most competitive game(s) of the season, a lot of the motivation for the slaughter rule goes away. You're not particularly worried about injuries, the competition's presumably equal enough that, even if they're down ten runs, they might have a _chance_ at coming back, etc, etc. Maybe if you knew there was one _vastly_ dominant team in the tournament you'd choose not to suspend the rule. But, it'd look awfully dumb if the series went 4 games to 3, or something, with one of the games decided by the mercy/slaughter rule.
I guess you could argue that it's just part of the rulebook, part of the fabric of the game, etc. And that you shouldn't play a fundamentally different game for the finals. But, the rules just seems like a crutch (even if a potentially useful one, in some situations) - why not jettison it for the games in the year where it's least useful, and where a mercy rule mishap would be the most embarrassing?
Quote from: vu72 on May 14, 2012, 11:13:27 AM
Their reaction and commentary should be nothing new to Valpo athletes. We will be ignored and/or dismissed as irrelevant until we win some games. I have a good feeling about this group. Gritty and tough. Win the region and then see what they say!!
It's not even that. It's talking about what I take to be the College Softball equivalents of Kryie Irving, Derrick Rose, etc., except with College Softball, these are players I've never heard of. Do most of the people watching that show know who those players are? Maybe, maybe not, I can't tell. And they're just throwing out those names without really telling me anything about why those names should impress me.
The elitism I'm used to. But even on the College Basketball selection show, when they talk about the big names on the big teams, they usually give the viewer some factual tidbits on why those are the difference makers. These commentators seemed so excited about players they'd seen play that they filled their commentary with so many superlatives they had no room for actual description to back up those superlatives (Yes, they did go in depth for a few teams -- the host teams at each sub-regional. I fast-forwarded those parts because I'm really not interested in hearing from someone in whose favor the deck is obviously well-stacked).
And they took an hour and a half for this selection show! A full 30 minutes longer than the one for the NCAA basketball tournament.
Quote from: agibson on May 14, 2012, 03:09:37 PMI guess you could argue that it's just part of the rulebook, part of the fabric of the game, etc. And that you shouldn't play a fundamentally different game for the finals. But, the rules just seems like a crutch (even if a potentially useful one, in some situations) - why not jettison it for the games in the year where it's least useful, and where a mercy rule mishap would be the most embarrassing?
I argue that there is no reason for this mercy rule anymore in any setting. I believe it was instituted when people felt that women's feelings about losing a game had to be protected. The women's game has evolved past this mercy rule. It may save at most an hour but much more likely 15 minutes to 45 minutes. In the men's game in ASA with lots of games played on the same field time is of importance. But how many games are played on Valpo's softball diamond on a typical March to May day?
Why is there no mercy rule in college baseball with the same risk of injury or more and with the same time constraints?
You can be just as easily injured by a bad hop in the 4th inning as a bad hop in the 6th inning of a lopsided game. How many injuries are you really preventing? How many injuries does a team have in a season? You don't know how many games for sure would end up with a different winner.
Suspend it for a full year and see what the true differences are.
bbtds, there's one in the college baseball rules but it's not mandatory. The baseball rule, if I recall, is 10 after 7 and is subject to installment either by conference rule or by mutual decision of coaches pre-game. The Horizon League doesn't have it obviously, and we rarely ever use it for non-conference games. I think Tracy prefers to go the full 9, and I think the reason why is what you pointed out earlier: it gives that chance for other guys to get some playing time as a reward for their work in practice.
You never see the mercy rule in NCAA baseball. We beat several teams by much more than 10, and just use it to give playing time to those that don't otherwise see much game action.
Quote from: valpotx on May 15, 2012, 03:27:51 AMYou never see the mercy rule in NCAA baseball. We beat several teams by much more than 10, and just use it to give playing time to those that don't otherwise see much game action.
Incorrect. The mercy rule is decided on before the game. For years, Chicago State would use the mercy rule because they had 12 on their roster. Other times the mercy rule was used on spring trips because of the number of games scheduled per day on each field. Never is strong word that should only rarely be used.
And, bbtds, I appreciate your passion, but there is huge talent disparity in women's softball. It has nothing to do with the gender of the athlete. When a game is on TV (necessary to promote and grow the sport) a 10 run game drives viewers away. And at the regional level, 10 run games (or worse) are entirely possible. Again, if the teams don't like it, do something about it. Regionals aren't about "everyone gets playing time."
Apparently some are afraid that Valpo will get mercied or the discussion would have never come up. I, for one, think they stand a very reasonable chance of pulling some upsets. Louisville should have been beaten by ND in the Big East championship game. The mercy rule's application should be a moot discussion.
Quote from: Valpo1b on May 15, 2012, 09:04:49 AMApparently some are afraid that Valpo will get mercied or the discussion would have never come up. I, for one, think they stand a very reasonable chance of pulling some upsets. Louisville should have been beaten by ND in the Big East championship game. The mercy rule's application should be a moot discussion.
I'm not worried about Valpo's situation per se. I'm basically responding from my rec softball experience. In our particular, idiosyncratic, league in Geneva, CH we had a per _inning_ mercy rule. Maybe it was a seven run cap per inning? I _know_ we played games where a team hit the per inning cap (scored seven in an inning) and went on to lose the game.
So, at the rec level such big swings, back and forth, are possible. It at least suggests a downside to mercy rules.
Right, it is decided upon before the game, but can you name a game where it was implemented since I played starting in 2000? I wouldn't have any reference point from before 2000, and it sounds like you are speaking about in the 80's or early 90's against CSU/spring trips. We never utilized it against CSU during my time there, and based on the scores/innings played of CSU since that time, I assume that they haven't since (a few 20 run losses that went the full 7 or 9).
Even in games where a D-1 school is playing D-3 or NAIA, since the D-1 team utilizes bench players for most of the games, it is not often (if ever, since I am not allowed to use the word never now) that the 10 run rule would actually be applied. This is how I can say that you 'never' see the mercy rule in NCAA baseball, as I am talking about the actual application of the rule in a game, probably happening in 0.1% of games. Teams want their players to get game action, and if it gets out of hand, just put in subs to finish the game.
Instead of taking every statement made by someone on this board 100% literally, think of the context. I will make sure to never use the word never again, instead substituting 'extremely/highly unlikely.' Will that suffice?
Quote from: agibson on May 15, 2012, 09:46:59 AM
Quote from: Valpo1b on May 15, 2012, 09:04:49 AMApparently some are afraid that Valpo will get mercied or the discussion would have never come up. I, for one, think they stand a very reasonable chance of pulling some upsets. Louisville should have been beaten by ND in the Big East championship game. The mercy rule's application should be a moot discussion.
I'm not worried about Valpo's situation per se. I'm basically responding from my rec softball experience. In our particular, idiosyncratic, league in Geneva, CH we had a per _inning_ mercy rule. Maybe it was a seven run cap per inning? I _know_ we played games where a team hit the per inning cap (scored seven in an inning) and went on to lose the game.
So, at the rec level such big swings, back and forth, are possible. It at least suggests a downside to mercy rules.
Seems like a bad rule. It seems to take away the purpose of the game.
valpotx, wouldn't it have been true that the run rule wasn't utilized against Chicago St. because for part of your playing years, they were a Mid Con opponent and the conference may have had a rule against it for the purposes of any tiebreakers for the standings or positioning for the conference tourney?
I also agree that I don't believe Valpo will get "mercied" but think of the team that would have comeback and got "mercied" and what that takes away from their school and athletic department especially in the NCAA Tournament. Give the decision to the two competing head coaches at the beginning of the game as in college baseball. That does seem to make some sense.
It's possible, but I do remember either Oakland or YSU having a tie one year due to either weather or daylight, and you wouldn't think they would have a tie in baseball. I believe that year that was a controversial decision, as it impacted the seeding for the tournament (last game of season). We received the negative part of that impact, while both of those teams were impacted positively.
We beat other teams by 10+ as well outside of conference, and did not implement the mercy rule.
Back to softball, I believe our team will compete well against the competition, so there won't be a need for any mercy rule talk. We have competed well against Michigan and Purdue in recent years, as well as Arizona State I believe?
Found this regarding NCAA/NAIA baseball:
In NCAA and NAIA college baseball, the game will end if a team is ahead by at least 10 runs after seven innings in a scheduled 9-inning game. Most NCAA conferences only apply the rule on the final day of a series for travel reasons or during conference tournaments in order to allow the next game to start. The rule is not allowed for the NCAA Division I tournament, where all games must be nine innings.
Stories like this are what make me proud to be an alum and a fan of Valparaiso University.
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/softball-is-just-part-of-what-makes-up-vu-s/article_675c0c7a-1cd9-5241-9038-52c26de5f455.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/softball-is-just-part-of-what-makes-up-vu-s/article_675c0c7a-1cd9-5241-9038-52c26de5f455.html)
And i'm pretty sure she is Tommy Kurth's girlfriend!
Saturday Game Times at Louisville Amended
(Di Geng)
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Saturday's game times at the Louisville Regional of the 2012 NCAA Tournament have been changed due to television programming. The three games on Saturday are now scheduled for 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. CDT, and all three will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Our game is the last one, at 6 central and it is on ESPN2 and ESPN3. (according to the espn tv schedule)
Saturday is the second day of the double-elimination regional. The game you're referring to is our first on Friday night.
Valpo takes the lead in the bottom of the 5th with a 2 run single off Louisville's closer!
If anyone else is watching and wants to chat, feel free to use the chat room!
3 outs away!!
tough break. lagesse gives up a 2 out, walk-off 3-run homer in the bottom of the 7th to win the game for louisville. ouch, rough way to lose that one. final 6-4 cardinals. (and not the good ones, who are playing the dodgers tonight)
Ouch
Now that was a heart breaker.
Heartbreaking to say the least. A great effort and wouldn't surprise me at all if we win tomorrow. A special team that could cement their place in Valpo history with a win or two. Let's hope so...
For any of you softball aficionados out there, would the additional run that was mistakenly called out earlier in the game have made a difference in any of the strategy down the stretch? Would we have done anything different with a two run lead that we should have had?
It's hard to say whether that would have affected anything, as you never know what would have happened at 3-2 that early on. The whole dynamic would have changed. I definitely do not like umpires due to my baseball days, but that would have been a hard call to make for anyone.
It was sad to watch the live stats on my phone when the HR was hit. I had left my house to go watch a movie right before the 6th started, and was quietly cheering each out in the theater. When we let two on, I was nervous in the 7th, got the two outs = elation, then watching that little ball on the screen go over the fence made my heart break for the ladies. The lefty hitter has a ton of pop in her bat, she caused us problems all day. We have a tough group of gals, and they will hopefully rebound to beat Kentucky, and then the loser of the KY/Louisville game. I didn't think we would be as close as we were against UL, and would love to say it was a moral victory, but we were the better team on the day and should have won.
Hold your heads up high team, and get at least one victory!
Edit: Forgot to mention that I called my father from the Bluetooth in my car to get his play-by-play of the 6th inning lol. My gf kept rolling her eyes at my love for all Valpo sports, but then again, she saw it when I took her to the Butler conf tourney game. The 7th was all live stats on the phone, hard to watch.
Wouldn't have changed any strategy at all. I don't believe Stevens would have pushed any buttons offensively more than normal (run for Duncan once in scoring position, occasional bunt w/ 1st, 2nd occupied like what did occur). Certainly never had an impact defensively/pitching. They were going to stick with the starters to pull through in a tight game like that, 4-3 or 5-3
Was just wondering if they might have elected to load the bases if they had a 2 run lead rather than face the gal who had given them the most trouble all night.
Well, in reference to that, I'm still not sure anything would have changed. Can't recall any intentional or "unintentional intentional" walks given by us over the year. Plus, Wolny was doing well, but so was Fowler who was on deck. Both entered the inning 2-for-3 and both are solid hitters w/ power.
One or two run lead, I'd rather pitch to Wolny and try to get her out w/ runners only at 1st and 2nd. With a walk, that puts two runs in scoring position that can score on almost any single into the grass. I like the leeway from going after the hitter given the runners' situation and natural confidence in Alex to close out.
got a question for somebody who pays more attention than me - how does the progression work. do they take just the winners from the regionals to play on next weekend in the supers? or is there a chance that the ladies could still advance to next weekend?
Each of the 16 regionals are 4-team, double-elimination brackets. The last team standing in each regional moves on to the supers, which consist of 8 best 2-of-3 series.
Quote from: vusupporter on May 19, 2012, 11:37:03 AM
Each of the 16 regionals are 4-team, double-elimination brackets. The last team standing in each regional moves on to the supers, which consist of 8 best 2-of-3 series.
awesome - thanks!
can the ladies mount a comeback? 4 runs in the 5th!
great run by the ladies, shame it had to be by a single run again. great tv coverage and a great season!
I for one have really enjoyed the women's sports this year and now am a full dues paying member of the Volleyball and Softball teams fan club. What a great effort yesterday and today, on national tv. Hope this encourages other fine players to consider Valpo. Much to be very proud of during this year.
Didn't they lose? Bummer! We haven't gotten by the first round in an NCAA tournament since '98. Correct? D3,here we come. >:(
Quote from: setshot on May 19, 2012, 08:11:30 PM
Didn't they lose? Bummer! We haven't gotten by the first round in an NCAA tournament since '98. Correct? D3,here we come. >:(
Sorry JJ. I don't think ESPN televises DIII softball.
Great season ladies, much to be proud of :)
It's my family's first year at Valpo and we have been following all of the championship teams this year. The softball team was great to follow and can seriously play. We all sat and waited until after the LOU game to go out to dinner. Even the grandparents were into it and rooting on the Valpo softball girls who they had never seen until then. Thanks also for being fans of the baseball team. Hopefully we can follow the example you all set and win the HL tourney. Great year!
To be honest this is probably for most of us only the second or third year that we have truly followed the softball & baseball programs. There are some at Valpo, I know, that have been following it for 35+ years on a regular basis but for most on this board it's really new. It has been a blast though.
Been too busy graduating to comment, but there's something I have to share that is really cool (long post coming, you've been warned):
I was on my way out of Ulmer Stadium along w/ SID Aaron Leavitt, Coach Stevens and three seniors who were off to participate in a post-game press conference, and Beth Mowins and Jessica Mendoza of ESPN were coming back into the stadium after a hospitality break. Beth and Jessica made a beeline over to the girls and asked to shake their hands and complement them and the team on how well they battled during the Regional. Beth also took time to tell them to be very proud of what they have done for the program and to look back fondly on this experience when future Valpo teams make it this far or even further. Pretty impressive perspective from her as a national commentator that generally focuses on the BCS schools more.
Here's my perspective on it, featuring quotes from my preseason interviews w/ Coach these last two years:
2011: We want to host the tournament, we want to win the tournament, we want to move on to regionals, and the goal for the program is to be consistently in that place
2012: We really have an opportunity to make a mark in some places, and put our name on the softball map
Given the team's performance and the interaction w/ Beth and Jessica, mission accomplished. We did a lot w/ this year, now we have to maintain that through the next seasons
I think this success will continue for a few years. I have to think that Coach Stevens told recruits (or they were already aware) about our games being on ESPN, and we showed REALLY well on TV. Outside of the top teams in the nation, it is up in the air what schools top recruits will go to. We have just as much chance as getting a really good player as some of the larger schools in the midwest in softball. It seems that in women's sports, the 3 and 4 star recruits focus more on the overall college/educational experience, than the men in the larger interest sports (football, basketball, baseball), since the after college possibility of athletics is not as lucrative.
My wife and I watched most of both of the games, and we felt that the ESPN announcers were kinda rooting for VU. BTW, I think Beth Mowins is an excellent announcer. Doesn't she announce Big 10 football games?
Paul
ps any info on recruits for next year?
I had not followed the women's softball this year, but had seen the note about the team winning the conference tournament and going to the NCAAs. I ended up watching the game on Friday and the end of the game on Saturday. Despite not winning either of the very tight games, it was great to see the team play hard and with a lot of class. They represented the university and themselves extremely well.
The previous note about the announcers "pulling" for VU was interesting, but I think that the effort and persistence of the VU womens' team earned their respect.
In a broader context, I think that the overall athletic department should be commended for raising the level of many of the "non-basketball" programs and getting them to be competitive at the Horizon League (and to some extent national) levels. This is not an easy task when the school has an enrollment of ~4000 and does not have the same level of funding as larger schools. As alums, we're always very proud to see Valpo teams make it to the higher levels while retaining their class and representing the university well.
I had work Friday night for the Louisville game, but Saturday night I watched the game at my brother's while watching my nephew. My mom was there, and she not being a huge sports fan, even was caught up in the action. She said something that really I didn't believe, but it proved true..."Maybe getting that double play will get them in gear to get some runs?" Sure enough, she was right, and I scoffed at her for it before the comeback started. Luckily, I can go back and watch the Louisville game on ESPN3, but it was an awesome season for the women's softball team. I went to many games for the team when they were at Kirchoff Park prior to the softball field being built in 2003-2004, then went to some games there. To see the growth of this program over these 12 years has been awesome, and I can't wait to see what recruits Coach Stevens brings in over the coming years. I still talk with some of the softball players I knew in my college days, and we've all been very impressed with the quality and substance of Valpo softball.
I think the throwing error by Ichiyama-Drewry that just slipped out her hand, it happens, got the game going in the wrong direction and they couldn't overcome it. Just a bit more confidence and experience for the underclass(wo)men should go a long way for next year. Hopefully they can replace a lot of the talent.
Great tribute to these women on the VU Athletic site. A must read for all.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11825/crusader-softball-enjoys-historic-2012-season/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11825/crusader-softball-enjoys-historic-2012-season/)
I think that making the NCAAs has alreadfy paid off. Read about the latest additions! VERY impressive!
http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11853/crusaders-announce-three-more-additions-for-2013-season/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2011-12/11853/crusaders-announce-three-more-additions-for-2013-season/)
Very smart to bring in a junior pitcher after losing three senior pitchers. It will allow for our FR pitcher(s) to get acclimated to the game, without being counted on as the go-to person right away