The teams with the two best records in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League face off this week in Sulphur, La. in a three-game series beginning on Thursday.
The Volts (2-1) are coming off a loss in their final game of their last series, and the Bandits (2-1) are riding high off an 8-0 victory over the Talons.
If the Volts hope to continue surging, they’ll need to do the following this weekend against the Bandits.
KEY #1: Work as a staff in the circle and keep the ball in the park
The Bandits’ offense brings a lot of pop. They currently lead the league in home runs, slugging percentage, and total bases. Bubba Nickles-Camarena hit two bombs in three games, and the team has four total.
To minimize the Bandits’ power, head coach Kelly Kretschman will need to utilize a variety of Volts pitchers in all three games. The good news for her is that she knows she has a versatile group of arms that boast the best ERA (1.67) after one weekend of games.
KEY #2: Keep doing what you’re doing at the plate
A big reason for the Volts’ success in their games against the Blaze was their ability to score runs in a variety of ways. After the first series, they lead the league in batting average, on-base percentage, and runs scored.
They were able to do that with a little bit of power, but more so, timely hitting and shaking things up. For example, in Game One, a sacrifice bunt and single put the Volts ahead in extra innings, and a three-run home run added insurance.
In game two, both Sierra Romero and Kelsey Stewart-Hunter bunted for hits to get a rally going. And the team in purple and green went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
This week, they’ll have to do it against a staff that features Lexi Kilfoyl, who was 2-0 last week after throwing five innings, allowing only five hits and striking out four to boast a 1.40 ERA.
KEY #3: Shift the momentum back
At this level of softball, everyone is excellent. Therefore, you have to be able to shift the energy and momentum in your favor. The Bandits run-ruled 8-0 in their last game. The Volts lost. After two out of three well-played games, this will test their ability to regroup in order to be ready for a Bandits team whose bats seem to have caught fire.
First pitch of the series is set for June 14th at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2. The game will be played at McMurry Park in Sulphur, LA. LSU Head women’s basketball coach, Kim Mulkey will be throwing out the first pitch of the first game.
Maria Trivelpiece is currently the Director of Video Communications and Reporter at the American Athletic Conference and a softball color analyst. Trivelpiece was an outfielder at Fordham University and still stays involved with the game through coaching and covering the sport. You can follow her on X M_Trivelpiece or Instagram @_mariatrivelpiece
