We wanted to drive down to Lafayette this weekend and watch (from DFW) but with the rainy forecast we did not attend, but followed the game on GameTracker. I don't feel like you get a true picture of the game just seeing the result of the plays on Gametracker so it would have been interesting to be there, but what jumped out to me was in the UIC game this morning. Shaw looked good through 4 innings, gave up a couple hits in the 5th without damage and then they started to hit her in the 6th. Looper needs to switch up pitching sooner. When they got the second hit (no one had scored yet) in the 6th you need to make a change. Not that she's not throwing well, but their batters are finding success and you need to mix it up. I think this is very important with a freshman. Leaving her in there you open her up to confidence issues if UIC continues to see success at the plate. Especially when you have Riding, Yoways, Ihle who all can come in and get outs. At this point, use them all. You need six outs before they score 4 runs. Mix them in. But Looper waits until they've put runs across and its a tight situation to switch. It's also tough on the pitcher you bring in to try and close in a tight situation. I'd think the pitcher would be more comfortable with a little cushion verses the pressure of coming in up 1 with bases loaded (or maybe two on- cant remember). In my opinion Looper has never been good at knowing when to mix things up.
After UIC brought in their ace we didn't get a hit and only one off of ULL. Today was frustrating.
Sorry, to rant. I know the team plays hard and I'd like to see them succeed. Here's hoping they come to College Station next week and turn it on verses very good Tulsa and A/M teams and Butler.
As always, Go Hawks.