The Big Ten season has arrived and, after a tough non-conference schedule, Northwestern is ready for the challenge.
In their first 25 games, the Wildcats (12-17, 0-3 Big Ten) faced 11 ranked opponents, including then-No. 1 Arizona State and then-No. 2 California. In comparison, fellow Big Ten teams Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio State and Purdue have played a combined 12 ranked opponents so far
Heading into the Big Ten schedule, the Cats will have to adjust to a new format for conference play. In previous years, series consisted of two games and each Big Ten team played each other during the course of the season. This year, each series will be three games and Northwestern will not face Michigan, Purdue or Penn State.
“We wanted to add more games within our conference play,” coach Kate Drohan said. “With the three-game series this year, it’s a little bit of a new aspect to it so we want to battle every pitch, we want to play tough softball, we want to finish the game well and win every series.”
Coaches and players alike said they are excited to jump into the Big Ten season.
“There’s always this feeling in the atmosphere that comes around when it comes to Big Ten season,” junior shortstop Emily Allard said. “We’re lucky to be in the Big Ten because we’re surrounded by a lot of quality schools.”
“It’s very smart softball (in the Big Ten),” Drohan said. “There’s a combination of power and speed, and we have a rich tradition of strong pitching. I really like the fundamental game in our conference – that coupled with the fact that we have such great tradition.”
After getting their first taste of Big Ten play against conference-newcomer Nebraska last weekend, the Cats begin their second Big Ten series Saturday against Wisconsin. The Badgers (13-10, 2-1 Big Ten) started the season with a better record but have faced lesser opponents, according to the Rating Percentage Index. Wisconsin’s opponents thus far average a No. 97 ranking including four top 25-ranked teams, while NU’s opponents average a No. 69 RPI rating.
NU will have to control Wisconsin on the base paths — the Badgers rank third in the Big Ten in stolen bases.
“Their team is really quick and they like to put the ball in play,” Allard said. “Our defense is going to be key this series for making the plays and wearing them down, (and) lasting longer than they do.”
Freshman pitcher Amy Letourneau said she is confident that the Cats can handle the Badgers’ weapons.
“I expect for us to go up there and to hand it to them and show them what we’ve got,” she said.
