Utility player Jenny Tisevich tied the Ohio single-season record for home runs, hitting her fifth of the year Saturday against Akron.
With 13 regular-season games remaining, Tisevich, however, will have her hands full trying to break the record. That is because teammate Erin Chapman has also tied the mark of five home runs this year.
"Those two girls are very important to our team," coach Roanna Brazier said. "It was not a goal of theirs to have these individual records. They are unselfish team players, which is refreshing to see."
Chapman has developed into the kind of all-around player that Brazier can bank on in games. Her on-base percentage of .563 and slugging percentage of .780 both lead the Mid-American Conference. Her .475 batting average is second only to Ball State catcher/shortstop Katie Shea, who is hitting .478. She also is near the top of the MAC in bases per game and walks per game.
Tisevich really hit her groove last weekend, going 6-for-9 with two doubles, two home runs, eight runs batted in and a slugging percentage of 1.556. Her batting average jumped from .233 to .308 after her blistering weekend.
Brazier hopes both stars can stay hot throughout the year, but she knows that the Bobcats offensive attack had plenty of balance to overcome a bad game from her sluggers.
"We have a lot of girls that have hit for power this year that we were not counting on," Brazier said. "Our home runs are spread out and we have been following their lead."
Ohio eyes road win
The Bobcats have stumbled to a 0-5 record away from the Ohio Softball Field, but Brazier is optimistic about the team's chances during a four-game road trip against Cleveland State and Buffalo.
"We need to put all aspects of our game together to get road wins," she said. "Our pitching has been improving every game, and if we couple that with good hitting and defense I think it can be a successful trip."
Brazier said Ohio's troubles away from home could not be linked to a specific aspect of the game.
"Once we get some momentum going, I think we can still be a force in this league," said Brazier. "We are not ready to just lay down. No team can come into a game with us expecting to win, no matter if it's our place or theirs."
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Tim Trainor
