UMAC Game of the Week: Crown vs. Wisconsin-Superior - Softball
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each week during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
The Matchup
Saturday, March 30 - Crown College at University of Wisconsin-Superior, softball, 1 and 3 p.m. in Superior, Wisconsin
***UPDATE***
Games were postponed and completed on March 31. Wisconsin-Superior won both games by scores of 9-5 and 11-6.
What's at Stake
- Playoff Performers - In each of the last three seasons, both squads have qualified for the UMAC postseason. In 2016, Wisconsin-Superior captured tournament glory to advance to the NCAA postseason. The Yellowjackets have gone 0-2 in each of the last two years. Crown bowed out early in 2016 in a single-elimination game, but has won one game in each of the last two tournaments. Both will look to be postseason performers again in 2019.
- Opening day - Saturday marks the beginning of the 2019 UMAC softball season with a lot on the line to get an early lead in the standings in games that should impact the playoff picture down the line. This series is the only doubleheader slated for the weekend that includes two postseason teams from last year.
Previously in Action
- Crown split with Macalester College in St. Paul Wednesday evening. The Storm won the opener 8-7 before falling 4-3 in the second game.
- Wisconsin-Superior was last in action Friday as it wrapped a spring break trip that yielded just one victory. The Yellowjackets suffered a pair of 6-2 losses to Tufts College and Framingham State University.
Need to Know
- Postseason streak - Crown has now qualified for four-straight UMAC tournaments after finishing seventh in 2014. Prior to the 2014 season, the Storm hadn't won a game since 2009.
- New leadership - The Yellowjackets are operating under new leadership this season as AD Nick Bursik took over the program in an interim role this fall.
Players to Watch - Crown
- Olivia Christopherson, So., P - Overall Stats: 7.34 ERA, 68.2 IP (1st), 53 SO, 5 wins
- Zoe Roberts, Jr., IF - Overall Stats: .388 avg., 26 hits (1st), 21 runs (1st), 20 RBI, 67 AB (1st), .522 slg.
- Larissa Vik, So., IF - Overall Stats: .264 avg., 14 hits, 15 runs, .547 slg, 10 BB, 29 TB, 3 HR
Players to Watch - Wisconsin-Superior
- Tiffany Kirk, Fy., IF/OF - Overall Stats: .304 avg., 17 hits, 10 runs, .20 TB, .361 on-base
- Amanda Kishish, Jr., P - Overall Stats: 3.32 ERA, 20 SO, 2 wins
- Ashley Taipale, Jr., P/OF - Overall Stats: .316 avg., 12 hits, 19 TB, .500 slg., .422 on-base
This game will be a "can't miss." Keep up with the
live stats for the big game. Get in on the action by interacting on social media (#UMACgotw).
2018-19 Game of the Week Archives