Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brian Moser Elisa Waltz makes a miraculous catch at shortstop during the first game of the double header against Wisconsin Lutheran. The Muskies win the game 10-0.

It truly must be a great year to be a Lakeland softball fan, because all the ladies have done this year is win. After leaving their spring training in Tuscon, Arizona on March 16, the team has gone on a 9-0 romp on conference foes and the lone non-conference opponent, MSOE. Their lone conference loss came on Tuesday to Wisconsin Lutheran which ended their streak and left their record at 14-6 and 7-1 in conference.

During this time, every aspect of the team has been firing on all cylinders. In the four double-headers preceding Wisconsin Lutheran, the team hit .371, pitched for a combined earned run average of 2.38, and only racked up nine errors on defense.

On the mound, the Muskies have been spectacular. Ace, Sarah Roberts has been untouchable recently. Since spring training, Roberts has maintained an undefeated record and has also posted two no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game. Through April 9, she is sporting a 1.64 earned run average, .203 opposing batting average, and 37 strikeouts. This outstanding play is a premiere reason for the Muskies' great success this season.

"[Roberts] has pretty good command of the plate inside and outside," said head coach Chad Buchmann. "Anytime you can put the ball over the plate you give us and option and we can move it around. She has really good control. She has put in a position where it is easier to pick up ground balls and bunt and it is harder for [opponents] to get bunts down."

A dominant reason for the Muskies' success this season is also the hot bats that have lit up the competition recently. Rebecca Schuettpelz is second in conference in the batting average category, currently with an outstanding average of .524. The junior is also slugging .667 and carrying a .588 on base percentage.

Not far behind her in the rankings is young KC Blahnik. The freshman is swinging the bat hard earning her a .480 average, .740 slugging percentage, and .587 on base percentage. She has also lit up the base paths with seven stolen bases.

"Mentality wise, [Blahnik] is like a senior," said Buchmann. "Nothing shakes her when she gets up there. She can steal a base. She hits the ball for power. She can bunt. She is a 'yes coach' player and whatever [our coaching staff] says she just absorbs. She is just outstanding."

After dropping a game to Wisconsin Lutheran on Tuesday 8-4, the Muskies look to rebound with conference victories over upcoming Alverno College and Rockford College.

"We got a bulls-eye on our backs," said Buchmann. "Once [a team] starts winning games, people are like, 'when you go there you have to bring your A-game.' We have done well at home. It is time to take our show out on the road."

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