The Kentucky Wesleyan softball team will travel on the road for a double-header against Maryville in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon. The first game will begin at 2 p.m., with the second game starting at 4. The Panthers will also play a double-header on Sunday against McKendree. The first game will begin at noon, with the second game to follow at 2 p.m. The Panthers lost their first two games of the 2016 campaign on the road against Bellarmine two weeks ago.
Head Coach Miles Mallette spoke on the first two games of the season. "We didn't come out and play very well. We didn't make any adjustments. They had a really good pitcher, who is a top 50 player in the nation. We were anxious to get after her, and she threw really well against us. She also pitched in the second game, and we just didn't make the proper necessary adjustments."
Samantha Marksbury and Courtney Lockwood are both hitting .400 from the plate, which leads the Panthers offense. They both have connected on two hits in five appearances at the plate. Autumn Grady and Jessica Carmon both hold ERA's of 0.00. They have both pitched two innings each this season.
Maryville is 4-2 on the season, and is coming off of a two game sweep over Keiser University. Ashley Marks and Wendy Macias lead the Saints offense with batting averages of .476 and .474. Macias is also 3-0 on the mound with an ERA of 3.00. Alex Flasch, who is hitting .389 for Maryville, has hit three homeruns this season.
Mallette on the double-header against Maryville: "It's going to be interesting. We are playing on Lindenwood's field which is all turf, which will be a little bit different than what we are used to. I think our pitching will be ready, our defense will probably be tested with the turf, but our offense should be fine."
McKendree is currently 2-8 this season. The Bearcats have two batters who are hitting over .400 this year. They are also 1-1 in home games this season.
Mallette discussed what the team needs to improve on the most. "We have to be able to adjust in games. We have good players, but we have to adjust to the pitchers, and the umpire's strike zone."
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