The MSU softball team's tour against in-state competition continues with a nonconference doubleheader against Oakland today.
The Spartans (29-13 overall, 8-5 Big Ten) have already faced Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Central Michigan, with games against Detroit-Mercy and Michigan still ahead. They are 3-0 thus far.
"I think it's our responsibility as a Big Ten school to spread the game across the state," head coach Jacquie Joseph said. "Some teams might take an arrogant viewpoint of that, but I make it a point to play all the in-state Division I teams."
This was scheduled to be MSU and Oakland's (17-20-1) third and fourth meetings of the season. The April 9 contests between the teams were canceled due to inclement weather.
Oakland southpaw Nicole Marzano is the ace in the Grizzlies' bullpen. She has posted a 1.79 ERA with a 5-3 record and hasn't allowed a home run.
"Part of that is likely due to schedule," Joseph said. "But it's still a great accomplishment. I'm not going to tell my team about it. I don't want them going up to the plate thinking home run."
Although Oakland is a part of a small conference - the Mid-Continent Conference - it is not afraid to take on opponents from the power conferences. The Grizzlies have played against teams from the ACC, SEC and Big East conferences, as well as other teams from the Big Ten. They are 2-5 in those contests.
Oakland's pitching staff will have a hard time slowing down the Spartans' offense. MSU has five everyday batters hitting .300 or higher, led by senior center fielder Sandy Lewis' .363 batting average. Senior right fielder Tiffany Wallace has hit safely in 14 straight games.
"I haven't been thinking about it at all," Wallace said. "I've just been waiting a lot more for pitches, and if I'm in a situation where I have to swing, I've been connecting."
MSU will counter Marzano and senior right-hander Julie Anderson (8-9, 2.16 ERA) with its young guns.
Freshman right-hander Katie Joosten will make just her third start of the season. In six appearances, Joosten is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 18 2/3 innings of work.
"I want to rest Beech for the weekend if possible," Joseph said. "I'm also trying to get Katie some playing time so I can see some improvement out of her."
Sophomore right-hander Stephanie Christner (7-5, 2.20) is coming off with consecutive wins over conference foes. This is Christner's first season in the Big Ten. After struggling early, she has adjusted to the higher level of competition, and says she is ready for today's contest.
"I'm just gonna go out and try to hit my spots," she said. "And as a team, we're just gonna go out and play our game and hope to get some wins."
