The University of Akron Athletics
Softball opens 10-game homestand Friday against Buffalo
April 03 | Softball
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Video: Zips Softball with Julie Jones
AKRON, Ohio -- After a strong opening weekend to Mid-American Conference play, Akron is set to begin a 10-game homestand this weekend when it hosts Buffalo and Kent State.
The Zips return to Lee R. Jackson Field to welcome UB for a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 1 p.m., followed by single games against crosstown rival Kent State on Saturday (2 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.).
Akron (15-6, 2-0 MAC) is coming off of a series sweep of Eastern Michigan last weekend, winning both contests against the Eagles by a 2-1 margin. Due to field conditions, both games were played at a neutral site at the University of Michigan's Alumni Field.
Erin Seiler was named MAC East Pitcher of the Week on Monday for her performance against EMU, marking the second time this season she has earned the award. Seiler threw two complete game victories to improve her record to 9-2 in the circle this season, allowing just one earned run in a combined 14.0 innings of work.
In Saturday's outing, Seiler did not allow a runner past second base and retired the last eight-straight batters she faced. On Sunday, Seiler struck out eight without giving up a walk in seven innings.
Freshman Alyssa Nicholas launched her second home run in as many weeks against Eastern Michigan. Senior Jessica Schneider still leads the team with a .364 batting average and is riding an eight-game hitting streak. She has reached base safely in 13-straight games. As a team, the Zips are ranked second in the country this week in stolen bases per game at 2.76.
Buffalo (15-14, 0-0 MAC) will be playing its first conference games this weekend after being forced to cancel competition due to weather last weekend. The Bulls split a doubleheader at Canisius on Tuesday, falling 8-7 in eight innings and rebounding with a 6-3 victory in round two. Outfielder Holly Luciano leads UB with a .349 average at the plate and 22 RBI. Tori Speckman is UB's ace in the circle, carrying a 10-8 record and a 2.13 ERA.
Kent State (14-14, 0-2 MAC) dropped its first two league games a week ago to Miami (Ohio) by scores of 9-2 and 4-3 in nine innings. The Golden Flashes are scheduled to play a doubleheader at Ohio on Friday before traveling the short distance to Lee Jackson for the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge. Freshman infielder Maddy Grimm paces KSU with a team-high 28 hits and a .322 batting average. The Zips are likely to see Emma Johnson (7-7) in the circle. Johnson has an ERA of 2.22 and has struck out 95 batters on the season.
Live stats and video streaming will be available for all of Akron's games this weekend and can be accessed via the softball schedule page. Bill Morgan will provide play-by-play and commentary as part of the webcast.
