Illinois at Purdue
Once again, this game could be crucial for the Illini's NCAA hopes. A win here over a team that has won six straight and is still in the Big Ten title hunt would be HUGE for Illinois' stock. After coming up with a win over lowly Iowa, Illinois (18-11, 8-8) is looking to win consecutive games for the first time since winning its first three conference games. The Illini win over Iowa on Saturday, snapped a two-game losing streak.
Demetri McCamey is finally starting to play like the player all Illini fans were envisioning at the beginning of the year. After a disappointing stretch, McCamey has been playing much better recently, averaging 16.5 points the last four games. Over the previous six games, he averaged 8.7 points while shooting 29.3 percent.
The Boilermakers, on the other hand, have been one of the nation's hottest teams. In that six-game winning streak, some of their wins have been over this Illini squad, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State.
JaJuan Johnson had 20 points, a career-high 17 rebounds and seven blocks in their win over the Spartans. Johnson's double-double was his second in four games. He's averaging 20.4 points and 8.1 rebounds this season. As he has been all season, E'Twaun Moore has been his sidekick, pouring in nearly 19 ppg.
Illinois has lost four straight to Purdue and three of its last four visits to West Lafayette. Purdue is trying to sweep the season series against the Illini for a second straight year. Prediction: Sorry Illini fans, Purdue is just too good. 80-70
Showing posts with label University of Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University of Illinois. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Illinois at Ohio State
Illinois at Ohio State
After starting the season 24-0, Ohio State has gone on a bit of a rough patch, losing two of their last three, to Wisconsin and Purdue, on the road. It has been the doings of a red-hot guard that has done them in each time. Jordan Taylor did it for Wisconsin and E'Twaun Moore for the Boilermakers. Now Illinois is hoping a third guard (Demetri McCamey? Brandon Paul?) will cause the Buckeyes some more problems as they head into their matchup in Columbus.
I seem to write this every time, but this game is of importance to the Illini, especially after their loss Saturday to Michigan State. They need at least a split in their final four games (OSU, IA, PUR, IND) to pretty much guarantee them a bid. One problem for the Illini has been winning on the road in conference, as they have dropped five of seven of those contests. Prediction: Ohio State wins 77-70
After starting the season 24-0, Ohio State has gone on a bit of a rough patch, losing two of their last three, to Wisconsin and Purdue, on the road. It has been the doings of a red-hot guard that has done them in each time. Jordan Taylor did it for Wisconsin and E'Twaun Moore for the Boilermakers. Now Illinois is hoping a third guard (Demetri McCamey? Brandon Paul?) will cause the Buckeyes some more problems as they head into their matchup in Columbus.
I seem to write this every time, but this game is of importance to the Illini, especially after their loss Saturday to Michigan State. They need at least a split in their final four games (OSU, IA, PUR, IND) to pretty much guarantee them a bid. One problem for the Illini has been winning on the road in conference, as they have dropped five of seven of those contests. Prediction: Ohio State wins 77-70
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Michigan at Illinois
Michigan at Illinois (Illinois 9.5 favorite)
This game is huge for these two bubble teams, as they both come in needing to win to help improve their stock for the NCAA Tournament. Michigan comes in on a hot streak, having won five of their last six games, while the Illini have lost six of their last nine, including Sunday's game against Purdue, a game they led at halftime by 15.
Unlike other teams fighting for a tournament bid, three of the Wolverines top four players are either freshmen or sophomores. Guard Darius Morris leads the team in both points and assists with 15.4 and seven. Tim Hardaway Jr., sun of legend Tim Hardaway, is having quite the debut season, putting up 13 ppg and pulling down four boards. Zack Novak is scoring 9.3 points and a game and leads the team with six boards a game, while Jordan Morgan is getting nine and four.
Illinois needs to straighten up the ship now, because their time is running out. The main key is getting Demetri McCamey interested in playing basketball again. He seems to disappear in games and that's not what a team is looking for from its senior. Some good things for the Illini is that Brandon Paul, Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard and D.J. Richardson are now playing better and the future does look bright. After scoring in double digits only five times in the teams' first 17 games, Paul has now exploded by scoring in double digits in five of the last eight games, including three 20+ point outings. Prediction: Michigan pulls out a 78-75 road win
This game is huge for these two bubble teams, as they both come in needing to win to help improve their stock for the NCAA Tournament. Michigan comes in on a hot streak, having won five of their last six games, while the Illini have lost six of their last nine, including Sunday's game against Purdue, a game they led at halftime by 15.
Unlike other teams fighting for a tournament bid, three of the Wolverines top four players are either freshmen or sophomores. Guard Darius Morris leads the team in both points and assists with 15.4 and seven. Tim Hardaway Jr., sun of legend Tim Hardaway, is having quite the debut season, putting up 13 ppg and pulling down four boards. Zack Novak is scoring 9.3 points and a game and leads the team with six boards a game, while Jordan Morgan is getting nine and four.
Illinois needs to straighten up the ship now, because their time is running out. The main key is getting Demetri McCamey interested in playing basketball again. He seems to disappear in games and that's not what a team is looking for from its senior. Some good things for the Illini is that Brandon Paul, Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard and D.J. Richardson are now playing better and the future does look bright. After scoring in double digits only five times in the teams' first 17 games, Paul has now exploded by scoring in double digits in five of the last eight games, including three 20+ point outings. Prediction: Michigan pulls out a 78-75 road win
Monday, November 8, 2010
Illinois Preview
To say that the University of Illinois' Men's Basketball team has been under some major scrutiny since its title game appearance would be putting things nicely. Bruce Weber has been criticized for not winning an NCAA Tournament game since 2006 or poor recruiting (which has drastically changed in the past two years), fans have been unkind to Coach Weber. Until this year that is. Pretty much the entire team returns for the 2010-2011 season and Weber adds a trio of recruits who will see major playing time.
Backcourt: The leader of the backcourt, and the entire team, is returning first-team All-Big Ten point guard Demetri McCamey. McCamey led the nation in assists per game, averaging 7.1 dimes per contest. He will lead what is a very young backcourt, one that features two sophomores, two freshmen and a redshirt freshmen. Luckily for the Illini, the two sophomores, D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul, both saw extensive action last season. Richardson was named co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Paul can play numerous positions, ranging from the point to apparently the power forward position, Weber said. He played with one of the lower-level USA Basketball teams this summer and will look to improve on his 7.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg averages from a year ago. Richardson averaged 10.5 ppg last season.
Weber's two incoming freshman include a younger brother of one of the 2005 stars as well as a McDonald's All-American. Crandall Head, Luther's brother, is coming off of a knee injury, but if he is at full strength, and it has been reported he is, he should play a big role for the team. Jereme Richardson, the McDonald's AA is possibly the biggest recruit Weber has had. He got his commitment after Richmond played his first game of high school.
Frontcourt: As deep as the Illini are in the backcourt, they are just as much so in the frontcourt. The team returns multiple starters and others who have seen tons of playing time. Mike Davis returns at one forward after leading the Big Ten in rebounding with 9.2 per contest. He will be pushed by sophomore Tyler Griffey, who came on strong at the end of last season. Because of the depth, Bill Cole, a team captain, might see him role reduced. Mike Tisdale returns at the center position after averaginf 12 ppg and six rpg. But he will be pushed by freshman Meyers Leonard, a seven-foot blue-chip recruit, who has great handles, hops and runs the floor well for a big man.
Schedule: The team is going to be quite tested by the time conference play rolls around. They start the season in the Coaches vs Cancer Classic, where the potential final four teams could feature the Illini, Texas, Maryland and Pittsburgh. They also host North Carolina in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. They travel to Seattle to play Gonzaga and play Missouri in the Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis. In mid-January, the Illini have a three-game stretch where they travel to Wisconsin and host Michigan State and Ohio State. A month later, they have back-to-back games at MSU and OSU
Backcourt: The leader of the backcourt, and the entire team, is returning first-team All-Big Ten point guard Demetri McCamey. McCamey led the nation in assists per game, averaging 7.1 dimes per contest. He will lead what is a very young backcourt, one that features two sophomores, two freshmen and a redshirt freshmen. Luckily for the Illini, the two sophomores, D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul, both saw extensive action last season. Richardson was named co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Paul can play numerous positions, ranging from the point to apparently the power forward position, Weber said. He played with one of the lower-level USA Basketball teams this summer and will look to improve on his 7.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg averages from a year ago. Richardson averaged 10.5 ppg last season.
Weber's two incoming freshman include a younger brother of one of the 2005 stars as well as a McDonald's All-American. Crandall Head, Luther's brother, is coming off of a knee injury, but if he is at full strength, and it has been reported he is, he should play a big role for the team. Jereme Richardson, the McDonald's AA is possibly the biggest recruit Weber has had. He got his commitment after Richmond played his first game of high school.
Frontcourt: As deep as the Illini are in the backcourt, they are just as much so in the frontcourt. The team returns multiple starters and others who have seen tons of playing time. Mike Davis returns at one forward after leading the Big Ten in rebounding with 9.2 per contest. He will be pushed by sophomore Tyler Griffey, who came on strong at the end of last season. Because of the depth, Bill Cole, a team captain, might see him role reduced. Mike Tisdale returns at the center position after averaginf 12 ppg and six rpg. But he will be pushed by freshman Meyers Leonard, a seven-foot blue-chip recruit, who has great handles, hops and runs the floor well for a big man.
Schedule: The team is going to be quite tested by the time conference play rolls around. They start the season in the Coaches vs Cancer Classic, where the potential final four teams could feature the Illini, Texas, Maryland and Pittsburgh. They also host North Carolina in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. They travel to Seattle to play Gonzaga and play Missouri in the Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis. In mid-January, the Illini have a three-game stretch where they travel to Wisconsin and host Michigan State and Ohio State. A month later, they have back-to-back games at MSU and OSU
Friday, November 5, 2010
Weekend Preview
Wow talk about a lot of awesome games between ranked teams!
Big Ten games
Illinois @ Michigan
Both teams come in at 5-3, so a win earns them bowl eligibility. The road game starts a streak of three away games in the Illinois' last four contests. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is coming off of a week which saw him be named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week. He completed 16-of-20 passes for 195 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 118 yards on 21 carries.
After starting the season 5-0, the Wolverines have lost their last three contests, with all being Big Ten games. They'll be looking to get back on the saddle against the Illini and as always, will look for Denard Robinson to lead them.
Illinois wins if...Scheelhaase plays as well as he has been lately. He seems to be flourishing as he becomes more comfortable in the college game. If they stop Robinson, they have a real chance of leaving with a win.
Michigan wins if...it shuts down the Illinois running game and it goes back to what was working the first five games of the year.
Northwestern @ Penn State
Joe Paterno can join John Gagliardi and Eddie Robinson as the only college football coaches to record 400 career victories, and he can become the first man in Division I-A/FBS history to do so. Who will they choose as their quarterback tho? Rob Bolden is back from a concussion, but Matt McGloin did well in his first start. Rumor is both will play.
Dan Persa, on the other hand, is coming back home. Growing up a Penn State fan and going to games at Beaver Stadium, he had grown up wanting to play for the Nittany Lions, but was passed up in the recruiting game. It will be his first start in State College and it comes at a time where the 'Cats are looking to get their mojo back.
Penn Stats wins if...it doesn;t let the thought of Paterno's 400th win get in the way. Choosing a quarterback is vital too. Both are good, but who will take the reigns.
Northwestern wins if...Persa is Persa. He was amazing for most of the Indiana game, but then suffered what seemed like a concussion. If he is over that and the emotions of his homecoming don't take over, the Wildcats might n Paterno's quest for 400.
National Games
TCU @ Utah
3 vs. 5. Last time the two will face as Mountain West foes. Undefeated. Chances at a National Title. That's all that's at stake in the game between these bitter rivals. It's the Mountain West's premier matchup, the first on league history pitting two ranked top-10 teams and one that will go a long way in deciding not only a conference champion but also who will remain a potential BCS buster. TCU has never won in three trips to Salt Lake City, including a 13-10 loss in 2008 that eventually propelled the Utes to a BCS bowl game -- knocking off Alabama in the Sugar -- and landing the Frogs in the Poinsettia Bowl, where they beat Boise State.
The Frogs are averaging nearly 41 ppg, while the Utes nearly 46. TCU has the top-ranked defense in the nation and is giving up just eight points per game. They've given up 16 points total in the last five games. They will have to shut down a Utes team that averages 450 yards per game. Oh yea, their defense is pretty good too.
TCU wins if...it shuts down the dynamic Utah offense. Their defense is tops in the nation, but their offense is just as great. Led by Andy Dalton, the team has been whooping everybody all year.
Utah wins if...it can score. They boast a good defense too and if they can stop the Horned Frogs, they might walk away with a win.
Big Ten games
Illinois @ Michigan
Both teams come in at 5-3, so a win earns them bowl eligibility. The road game starts a streak of three away games in the Illinois' last four contests. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is coming off of a week which saw him be named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week. He completed 16-of-20 passes for 195 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 118 yards on 21 carries.
After starting the season 5-0, the Wolverines have lost their last three contests, with all being Big Ten games. They'll be looking to get back on the saddle against the Illini and as always, will look for Denard Robinson to lead them.
Illinois wins if...Scheelhaase plays as well as he has been lately. He seems to be flourishing as he becomes more comfortable in the college game. If they stop Robinson, they have a real chance of leaving with a win.
Michigan wins if...it shuts down the Illinois running game and it goes back to what was working the first five games of the year.
Northwestern @ Penn State
Joe Paterno can join John Gagliardi and Eddie Robinson as the only college football coaches to record 400 career victories, and he can become the first man in Division I-A/FBS history to do so. Who will they choose as their quarterback tho? Rob Bolden is back from a concussion, but Matt McGloin did well in his first start. Rumor is both will play.
Dan Persa, on the other hand, is coming back home. Growing up a Penn State fan and going to games at Beaver Stadium, he had grown up wanting to play for the Nittany Lions, but was passed up in the recruiting game. It will be his first start in State College and it comes at a time where the 'Cats are looking to get their mojo back.
Penn Stats wins if...it doesn;t let the thought of Paterno's 400th win get in the way. Choosing a quarterback is vital too. Both are good, but who will take the reigns.
Northwestern wins if...Persa is Persa. He was amazing for most of the Indiana game, but then suffered what seemed like a concussion. If he is over that and the emotions of his homecoming don't take over, the Wildcats might n Paterno's quest for 400.
National Games
TCU @ Utah
3 vs. 5. Last time the two will face as Mountain West foes. Undefeated. Chances at a National Title. That's all that's at stake in the game between these bitter rivals. It's the Mountain West's premier matchup, the first on league history pitting two ranked top-10 teams and one that will go a long way in deciding not only a conference champion but also who will remain a potential BCS buster. TCU has never won in three trips to Salt Lake City, including a 13-10 loss in 2008 that eventually propelled the Utes to a BCS bowl game -- knocking off Alabama in the Sugar -- and landing the Frogs in the Poinsettia Bowl, where they beat Boise State.
The Frogs are averaging nearly 41 ppg, while the Utes nearly 46. TCU has the top-ranked defense in the nation and is giving up just eight points per game. They've given up 16 points total in the last five games. They will have to shut down a Utes team that averages 450 yards per game. Oh yea, their defense is pretty good too.
TCU wins if...it shuts down the dynamic Utah offense. Their defense is tops in the nation, but their offense is just as great. Led by Andy Dalton, the team has been whooping everybody all year.
Utah wins if...it can score. They boast a good defense too and if they can stop the Horned Frogs, they might walk away with a win.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
NCAA Softball Tournament Part 2
The next Regional may be the most balanced. The Missouri Regional has three teams in the top 20 RPI rankings.
Regional # 9: Hosted by the University of Missouri
Missouri - Coming off of a dream season that saw them make the College World Series, the Tigers will be hosting a Regional for the second year in a row and will be joined by Illinois, DePaul and Creighton. Illinois and DePaul were in Missouri's Regional last year as well. Missouri is coming off of a loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game, but has won 10 of its last 13 games and 19 of its last 22.
The Tigers have faced 15 NCAA Tournament teams, including Alabama, Arizona and Michigan, amongst others, in non conference play, going 13-11 against those foes. While the record may not be sparkling, the team did take two-of-three from Alabama, split with Arizona and defeated Michigan. Most of their struggles came as they were trying to recover from the loss of star pitcher Chelsea Thomas for the season, but they have obviously regrouped nicely and ended the regular season on a high note.
After losing some of their big boppers from last year, one would have thought that the offense would not be as prolific as last year. But thanks to a junior transfer and a couple freshmen that has turned out not to be true. Rhea Taylor, as she has been her first two years, continues to be the table setter for the Tiger offense, leading the entire Big 12 with a .455 average and 41 steals. Taylor has 134 career steals in three years, a Mizzou record. Freshman Jenna Marston is only two players below with a .389 average and 55 RBI. Ashley Flemming and Marla Schweisberger are tied for the lead in home runs with nine, while frosh Nicole Hudson has eight, Taylor seven and Marston five.
The Tiger pitching staff took a big hit in mid-March when ace Chelsea Thomas went down with an arm injury. After the injury sophomore Kristin Nottelman and senior Jana Hainey were thrown into the fire more than they had originally planned. Nottelman brings a 19-7 record to the tournament and Hainey checks in at 10-2. Nottelman has struck out 135 hitters on the year.
Illinois - Illinois is making its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and second straight (both in Columbia). The Illini are 5-6 all-time in the tournament, going 4-2 and reaching the Regional Final in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. That year the 48-team field consisted of eight six-team regionals and was prior to the era of the Super Regionals. Illinois has the fewest losses (6) of any team in the tournament, tied with Washington and Michigan. The Illini have won 16 of their last 17 games. The only loss in that stretch has come to DePaul. The Illini won 12 straight prior to that meeting and ended the season winning four in a row.
The Illini have faced nine NCAA Tournament teams, compiling a 4-6 record against those teams. The team was scheduled to face Regional opponent Missouri in the Missouri Invitational, but the game was cancelled due to weather. Of the Regional opponents they have only faced DePaul, whom they lost to on May 6th.
Illinois is led by three hitters who are all hitting above .400. Danielle Zymkowitz leads the team in average at .421 and has swiped 35 bases. Meredith Hackett provides the power for the Illini, knocking 15 round trippers and leading the team in RBI with 55. Hollie Pinchback and Ashley Conrad add nine homers each and the aforementioned three are three of five players who have over 30 RBI.
Monica Perry and Pepper Gay make up a formidable 1-2 punch on the mound. Perry has gone 23-5, while Gay has a 16-1 record. Perry has struck out 163 and boasts a 2.30 ERA, while Gay has struck out 105 and has a 1.53 ERA.
DePaul - DePaul is headed back to the "Show-Me State" for the NCAA Championship tournament.
Last year, the Blue Demons advanced to the NCAA regional finals before losing to Missouri 1-0 on the Tigers' home field. This is the fourth-straight NCAA tournament appearance for DePaul and 13th in the last 14 years. They have a 1-0 record against Illinois in NCAA tournament play and are 3-1 against Missouri. They have never played Creighton in the NCAA tournament.
This year the Demons have played a total of 13 tournament teams and gone 10-12 against them. One of those 10 wins, however, includes a victory over the defending champs Washington Huskies. They also have a win over 16th seeded Hawaii.
Sam Plese leads a Demon offense that has six players hitting over .300, with a .356 average. The offense is pretty balanced however, as three hitters have over 30 RBI. All three lead DePaul in homers as Tara Voss leads the team with nine and Becca Heteniak and Brittney Yniguez have seven each.
As with other teams, the Demons have a solid two pitchers leading their staff. Heteniak is also a stud on the mound and if she gets hot, it will be tough for teams to beat DePaul. She leads the team in wins (20), ERA (1.77) and strikeouts (204). Her partner in crime, Bree Brown, has had a nice coming out party in her freshman year, going for an 16-5 record and 2.43 ERA. She adds an impressive 186 strikeouts.
Creighton - Creighton makes its 12th NCAA Tournament appearance when it travels to Columbia, Mo., for regional play this weekend. The Bluejays are making their sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last eight years and the seventh under head coach Brent Vigness.
Creighton is 23-5 over its last 28 games after starting the season 14-16. They are 2-8 against NCAA Tournament opponents this year.
Regional # 9: Hosted by the University of Missouri
Missouri - Coming off of a dream season that saw them make the College World Series, the Tigers will be hosting a Regional for the second year in a row and will be joined by Illinois, DePaul and Creighton. Illinois and DePaul were in Missouri's Regional last year as well. Missouri is coming off of a loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game, but has won 10 of its last 13 games and 19 of its last 22.
The Tigers have faced 15 NCAA Tournament teams, including Alabama, Arizona and Michigan, amongst others, in non conference play, going 13-11 against those foes. While the record may not be sparkling, the team did take two-of-three from Alabama, split with Arizona and defeated Michigan. Most of their struggles came as they were trying to recover from the loss of star pitcher Chelsea Thomas for the season, but they have obviously regrouped nicely and ended the regular season on a high note.
After losing some of their big boppers from last year, one would have thought that the offense would not be as prolific as last year. But thanks to a junior transfer and a couple freshmen that has turned out not to be true. Rhea Taylor, as she has been her first two years, continues to be the table setter for the Tiger offense, leading the entire Big 12 with a .455 average and 41 steals. Taylor has 134 career steals in three years, a Mizzou record. Freshman Jenna Marston is only two players below with a .389 average and 55 RBI. Ashley Flemming and Marla Schweisberger are tied for the lead in home runs with nine, while frosh Nicole Hudson has eight, Taylor seven and Marston five.
The Tiger pitching staff took a big hit in mid-March when ace Chelsea Thomas went down with an arm injury. After the injury sophomore Kristin Nottelman and senior Jana Hainey were thrown into the fire more than they had originally planned. Nottelman brings a 19-7 record to the tournament and Hainey checks in at 10-2. Nottelman has struck out 135 hitters on the year.
Illinois - Illinois is making its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and second straight (both in Columbia). The Illini are 5-6 all-time in the tournament, going 4-2 and reaching the Regional Final in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. That year the 48-team field consisted of eight six-team regionals and was prior to the era of the Super Regionals. Illinois has the fewest losses (6) of any team in the tournament, tied with Washington and Michigan. The Illini have won 16 of their last 17 games. The only loss in that stretch has come to DePaul. The Illini won 12 straight prior to that meeting and ended the season winning four in a row.
The Illini have faced nine NCAA Tournament teams, compiling a 4-6 record against those teams. The team was scheduled to face Regional opponent Missouri in the Missouri Invitational, but the game was cancelled due to weather. Of the Regional opponents they have only faced DePaul, whom they lost to on May 6th.
Illinois is led by three hitters who are all hitting above .400. Danielle Zymkowitz leads the team in average at .421 and has swiped 35 bases. Meredith Hackett provides the power for the Illini, knocking 15 round trippers and leading the team in RBI with 55. Hollie Pinchback and Ashley Conrad add nine homers each and the aforementioned three are three of five players who have over 30 RBI.
Monica Perry and Pepper Gay make up a formidable 1-2 punch on the mound. Perry has gone 23-5, while Gay has a 16-1 record. Perry has struck out 163 and boasts a 2.30 ERA, while Gay has struck out 105 and has a 1.53 ERA.
DePaul - DePaul is headed back to the "Show-Me State" for the NCAA Championship tournament.
Last year, the Blue Demons advanced to the NCAA regional finals before losing to Missouri 1-0 on the Tigers' home field. This is the fourth-straight NCAA tournament appearance for DePaul and 13th in the last 14 years. They have a 1-0 record against Illinois in NCAA tournament play and are 3-1 against Missouri. They have never played Creighton in the NCAA tournament.
This year the Demons have played a total of 13 tournament teams and gone 10-12 against them. One of those 10 wins, however, includes a victory over the defending champs Washington Huskies. They also have a win over 16th seeded Hawaii.
Sam Plese leads a Demon offense that has six players hitting over .300, with a .356 average. The offense is pretty balanced however, as three hitters have over 30 RBI. All three lead DePaul in homers as Tara Voss leads the team with nine and Becca Heteniak and Brittney Yniguez have seven each.
As with other teams, the Demons have a solid two pitchers leading their staff. Heteniak is also a stud on the mound and if she gets hot, it will be tough for teams to beat DePaul. She leads the team in wins (20), ERA (1.77) and strikeouts (204). Her partner in crime, Bree Brown, has had a nice coming out party in her freshman year, going for an 16-5 record and 2.43 ERA. She adds an impressive 186 strikeouts.
Creighton - Creighton makes its 12th NCAA Tournament appearance when it travels to Columbia, Mo., for regional play this weekend. The Bluejays are making their sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last eight years and the seventh under head coach Brent Vigness.
Creighton is 23-5 over its last 28 games after starting the season 14-16. They are 2-8 against NCAA Tournament opponents this year.
Creighton leads the MVC with a school-record 66 home runs this season. Renae Sinkler has an impressive 24 home runs, which is fourth in the nation and is enjoying the greatest offensive season in Creighton history, as she also owns school-records with 58 runs, 58 RBI and 144 total bases this season.
The Bluejays are led by a pitcher, Tara Oltman, who has been one of the best pitchers in the nation all four of her years as a starter. She enters the postseason with school and MVC career records in wins (118), strikeouts (1,076), appearances (185), starts (141), complete games (126) and innings (1,049.2). She was named the MVC Tournament MVP, going 4-0 with a 0.72 ERA, pitching every inning of the event. Oltman has a 22-12 record, 1.62 ERA and 281 strikeouts on the year.
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