The 2015 softball season is coming to an end for Mount Mary University. As it closes out, the Blue Angels (7-21) are preparing for their last home games against Rockford University (5-27). The home finale is set for April 22nd at the Rock Complex in Franklin, Wis. with first pitch set for 3:00 pm.
The series between the Blue Angels and the Regents since joining the NCAA is pretty lopsided with RU leading 8-0. But with the Blue Angels big steps taken this year, the tides may just be ready to change.
On paper the two teams look pretty even. Down the list the Regents have a 6.20 ERA, .240 batting average, .297 on base percentage, .315 slugging percentage and opponents are hitting .391 against them. The Blue Angels have a 6.99 ERA, .236 BA, .330 OBP, .322 SLG while opponents are hitting .383 against MMU pitchers.
While the teams look quite similar on paper, the game will be separated by execution and standout individual performances. Ashley Contreras (Fr./College Station, Texas) has been giving a surplus of standout performances as she recently took home the Association of Division III Independents Softball Player of the Week Award.
The rookie has been on a hot streak both pitching and hitting. Most recently Contreras gave the Blue Angels their first NCAA complete game shutout performance when she spaced out six hits and struck out eight.
Hitting has really taken a big jump this season, four Blue Angels are in the top 15 in AD3I in BA and hits. Of the 17 homeruns hit by AD3I teams this season, Mount Mary University softball is responsible for nine; Katie Edwards (Sr./Mackinaw, Ill.) leads with four HR.
If the Blue Angels can win the doubleheader on Wednesday, they would tie the MMU record for most wins in a softball season since joining the NCAA.
After the Regents, the Blue Angels will get ready for their final games of the season against Maranatha Baptist University (1-22). The 2015 finale will be on Friday April 24th in Watertown, Wis. with first pitch set for 3:00 pm.
