Wildcats conclude HAAC schedule, look forward to playoffs

Recruiting has been one of the keys to the success. Windle was well aware he had to bring in high school players who knew what it took to win at the next level. Freshmen Maggie Holmberg and Erin Greenwood combined for 18 victories on the mound. Sophomore Heather Gruber finished the season with six victories.

“I think the freshman class we brought in this year, in general, has helped change the atmosphere,” Windle said. “All of them come from winning programs, so they understand what it takes to win games. The two freshman pitchers have done a great job this year. Without them, we wouldn’t be in this position. Heather Gruber has also put together another solid season after leading our squad last year with 15 victories.”

Windle’s Wildcats have broken school records for home runs in a season (28), strikeouts by a pitcher (258) and are on the verge of breaking the all-time mark for wins in a season of 28.

“I don’t know if we’ve truly had a complete game where we’ve dominated both at the plate and on the rubber,” Windle said. “We’re hopefully waiting to see that all come together during conference tournament time.”

The Wildcats are coming off a doubleheader loss at Central Methodist University on Sunday afternoon and will return to action at 3:35 p.m. Wednesday against Washburn University in Topeka. The Wildcats will be host to their final regular-season home game at 2 p.m. April 22 against Bellevue (Neb.).

Notes: Depending on the outcome of other HAAC games, the Wildcats could drop to fifth place in the conference standings or move up to third place.

2011 Softball Standings