SIUE Baseball team bashed by Golden Eagles, start 0-6

Despite bringing out the rally caps in each game’s ninth inning, the baseball team ultimately fell short in all three of its games this past weekend against Oral Roberts University, leaving its record 0-6.

On Friday, Feb. 20, the Cougars dropped game one, 6-2. Senior pitcher Ryan Daniels received the loss, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing three runs on five hits — increasing his earned run average to 5.87 and record to 0-1.

On offense, the team collected 11 hits — one more than its opponent. However, the Cougars’ downfall came in the form of nine stranded base runners.

Head Coach Tony Stoecklin said the team did not have its best outing in game one against Oral Roberts University.

“I think we could have played better,” Stoecklin said. “I think [Daniels] showed improvement on the mound compared to his first start, but I think overall, we could have played better as a team. We didn’t quit — we kept fighting, but it was hard to overcome some of the mistakes we made earlier in the game.”

The team attempted a late comeback in Friday’s second game, scoring seven runs in the last two innings, before falling short 12-7. Guinn went 1-for-3, grabbing two RBIs off a double in the top of the eighth. Junior infielder Jacob Stewart also doubled in the top of the eighth, later scoring on a wild pitch. Senior first baseman Alec Saikal and junior infielder Collin Book each singled to left field, earning an RBI a piece.

Junior pitcher Jarrett Bednar went 2 1/3 innings, giving up seven earned runs on nine hits, lifting his ERA to 9.45 and record to 0-2.

Stoecklin said a deficit at the beginning of the game hurt the team’s ability to win.

“We got down early and once you get down early like that, it’s hard to overcome. We were down nine, 10 runs and it’s hard to overcome that kind of deficit,” Stoecklin said. “[Bednar] didn’t have as good of command as what he had had the first game. A lot of his fastballs were up — that’s why they had a high hit total against him. It was just a mechanical flaw he is working on, and he’ll be better this week.”

On Saturday, the Cougars were defeated by Oral Roberts University with a score of 13-3. Senior outfielder Nick Lombardo went 2-for-4, with an RBI on a line out to right field in the top of the second. Freshman infielder Mario Tursi earned an RBI on a double down the line in the second. Sophomore outfielder Austin Verschoore reached on an error by the shortstop, scoring senior infielder Chase Green in the top of the eighth.

Sophomore pitcher Mike Miller lasted a mere two 1/3 innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits and two walks, leaving him a record of 0-2 and a 4.76 ERA.

Stoecklin said Miller deserved a better fate than he ended up with.

“I thought he pitched better than what his box score indicated — we didn’t play defense behind him and that didn’t help,” Stoecklin said. “Overall we had 10 hits, but we didn’t score many runs. With 10 hits you probably should have more than three runs. The key to offense is not just hits, but timely hits — you get those hits when men are in scoring position and we didn’t do that very well in the last game of that series.”

Stoecklin said the main thing the team is going to work on this week is the basic fundamentals.

“Pitchers are going to work on their delivery all week, work on their command and spotting their pitches,” Stoecklin said. “[With] the hitters, we’ve spent a lot of time working on situational hitting and two-strike hitting. It’s been difficult because we haven’t been able to actually get outside this week. It’s hard to get better playing baseball when you’re indoors in a small facility, but we’re making due. We’re also focused on our defense — we’re taking a lot of ground balls.”

Stoecklin said despite the losses, the team plans to take this as a learning experience.

“I think we’re in a better place,” Stoecklin said. “I think us starting off slowly like we have has kind of opened everybody’s eyes that it’s not going to be easy. We’re a better team than what our record indicates, but we also have played tough competition — [The University of Oklahoma], [The University of Notre Dame] and [Oral Roberts University] are all traditionally good programs. The key now is how do we deal with being 0-6, and are we capable of putting it behind us and moving forward. We’re looking forward to this weekend — going out and finding a way to get a couple of Ws.”

The Cougars’ next scheduled game against Saint Louis University on Wednesday, Feb. 25, was canceled due to inclement weather. The team will play next at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Article by Caitlin Grove/ Alestle

Via alestlelive.com

SIUE Volleyball extends win streak to five games

The volleyball team continued to dominate as the Cougars improved their winning streak to a season-high five games.

Friday, the Cougars defeated Morehead State University 25-20, 25-21, 25-23.

Junior middle blocker Kristen Torre collected 15 kills and finished the night with a .538 hitting percentage. Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Held and freshman outside hitter Ashley Witt each collected seven kills on the match.

Head Coach Leah Johnson said the team had a great match and clicked from point one.

“I was pleased with how quickly we jumped on at the start,” Johnson said. “The volleyball wasn’t pretty, but our side of the net was determined to try to control the pace and the feel of the game. We also had a really awesome crowd; we had over 400 people here, and the gym was electric.”

Saturday, the Cougars bested Eastern Kentucky University 25-17, 25-27, 25-17, 21-25, 16-14.

Johnson said EKU was tied for second coming into the weekend and to beat a team of that level is impressive.

“I think our team is really understanding how to execute the game plan, put pressure on our opponents and make them respond to us,” Johnson said. “That was a game changer in the second half of the season, but specifically on Saturday.”

The team also celebrated senior night, honoring libero Chelsea Colclasure and defensive setter Haley Norris. During the match, Colclasure collected a season-high 31 digs to contribute to the team’s 90 digs, another season best. Norris also lifted the defense, following Colclasure with 12 digs.

Johnson said it was special to honor Colclasure and Norris for their accomplishments.

“[Colclasure] and [Norris] have had exceptional careers; they have been incredible leaders and mentors for our program,” Johnson said. “Their mark will be left well beyond their time here, and we are very thankful to them for all they have given to us.”

Torre topped Friday’s performance, finishing Saturday’s match with 19 kills, followed by Witt with 10.

The team now holds a record of 14-15 overall and 6-8 in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Cougars finish out their home schedule at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Vadalabene Center against Eastern Illinois University.

Prior to Tuesday’s match, Colclasure will be honored in a ceremony for breaking the SIUE digs record earlier this season. Former record holder Allison Behner will be present to recognize Colclasure for her accomplishment.

Johnson said this is a special event not only for Colclasure, but also for the program as a whole.

“[Colclasure] has been in the exceptional position where she came in and earned a starting position her freshman year, and has competed against other great defensive players in our program to maintain that position all four years,” Johnson said. “Her numbers on the court show why she was a great libero for us. I’m privileged that it was under my watch that Chelsea could meet that goal.”

Article by Caitlin Grove/ Alestle

Via alestlelive.com