The Wildcats went on the road last weekend for a three-game series against Central Arkansas and also traveled to Lubbock for a non-conference game against Texas Tech.
ACU was able to muster a victory in the series opener vs UCA 4-0. Senior Peyton Hedrick hit her 45th career home run in the game, and Breagan Hamilton tripled down the left field line to bring in three more runs for the 4-0 final.
Senior Hannah Null picked up her 17th win this season. Unfortunately, the Bears tough defense stole the second game, as a home run by Cylla Hill of UCA and lock-down pitching from Rachel Haberman powered the 3-1 win into fruition.
“If we can just carry that relaxed confidence over into the rest of conference we will finally show up as the team we know we can be,” Hamilton said. “I’m very confident that going into the conference tournament we will have every chance in the world to win the whole thing as much as any other team there.”
Null lost her second straight in the 5-2 finale in Conway, dropping to 17-13 on the season. The Bears bats muscled them past the Wildcats as they piled on 8 hits to ACU’s 5. The loss dropped ACU to 21-23 while UCA moved on to 26-23
“Moving forward we need to continue improving on our offense,” senior Alyson Bishoff said. “This last week a bunch of strides were made and that is great. We need to continue to make adjustments and be versatile as an offense.”
Freshman Calie Burris pitched in the second game of a home-home series with Texas Tech. The Wildcats won an 11-10 thriller at Poly Wells Field last month, but fell short Tuesday in Lubbock 10-2. The Red Raiders jumped out to a 7-1 lead and rode the momentum of pitcher Kassidy Scott to the big win.
Looking to snap a three-game losing streak this weekend, Bishoff said the Wildcats need to be ready for anything.
“Defensively we need to just be ready,” Bishoff said. “Be ready for the play to come. Be ready for an scenario that could come before the pitch is made. This mentality gives you as a defensive player an edge because then you are ready for any play, and you know where you need to be regardless of what happens.”
The Wildcats finish the regular season at Stephen F. Austin and will prepare for the conference tournament next. A win this weekend will clinch a spot for ACU.
