Mount Mary University softball is getting ready for their second home doubleheader of the 2015 season. The Rockford University Regents (2-14) are coming to the Rock Complex in Franklin, Wis. to play the Blue Angels (2-14) Thursday April 2nd with the first game of the doubleheader beginning at 3:00 pm.
The Regents are coming into Thursday's doubleheader on a 10 game losing streak which coincides with the Blue Angels 12 game skid. While both teams are in a rough stretch, the Blue Angels bats have not gone dormant. In the last six games, the Blue Angels are averaging 6.5 hits per contests, to the Regents 2.6.
In the midseason stretch, the Blue Angels have had a lot of production out of the middle of their lineup. Newcomer Ashley Contreras (Fr./College Station, Texas) has been seeing the ball well throughout the season leading the team in extra base hits and total bases, all the while sporting a .304 batting average.
The presence of Katie Edwards (Sr./Mackinaw, Ill.) and Payton Hintz (Fr./Almond, Wis.) have brought solidity to the lineup as both Blue Angels have averages over .350 and on base percentages over .400.
McKenzie Harnack (Fr./Stoughton, Wis.) and Molly Peck (Fr./Milwaukee, Wis.) have shored up the top of the card getting 16 base by balls between the two, and are getting on base at a .286 clip. Meanwhile, Harnack has been leading the team with 10 stolen bases.
In the circle, the Blue Angels have been led by Nikki Festge (Jr./Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Contreras. The two have traded off innings and complete games, Festge with nine and Contreras with seven. All the while cutting their ERA from last season in half to 8.01 so far this year.
The Regents pitching staff has been the team's strong spot. RU trades off innings amongst the staff, but one theme is recurrent, few walks and free passes. As a team the Regents have only given up 24 walks in 16 games. Brittany Bura leads the staff with a 5.44 ERA, and relies on her defense to carry their end.
Following the Regents, the Blue Angels will get ready for a trip to Deerfield, Ill. where they will play Trinity International University on Saturday April 4th with first pitch at 12:00 pm.
