Week In Review:
For the second time in her career, senior outfielder Bridget Schade was named the MIAA Hitter of the Week after her performance during the six games that fell in the week of March 6 through March 12. Schade hit .421, earned an on-base percentage of .522 and slugged 1.053. Since March 6^th, the 'Dogs have finished with a 6-2 mark, including a split series against conference foe Lincoln (Mo.) University. Truman swept non-conference opponent Maryville (Mo.) University after a doubleheader against Lindenwood (Mo.) University was rained out.
 
Week At A Glance:
Truman will hit the road and head to Emporia, Kan., then St. Joseph, Mo. for back-to-back conference doubleheaders this upcoming weekend. On Friday, the 'Dogs will take on Emporia (Kan.) State University with a 1:00 pm first pitch. Then on Saturday, Truman will compete against No. 10 Missouri Western State University. Scheduled start is also 1:00 pm.
 
Scouting the Competition:
In 58 total contests between the two, the Hornets hold a 33-25 record over the Bulldogs. As of Wednesday, Emporia State is off to a 4-0 record in the MIAA and a 12-6 record overall. The Hornets are led primarily by Tricia Vogel, who has posted a .339 batting average through 18 games along with leading the team in hits and RBI's with 20 and 15. After tossing a no-hitter against Southwest Baptist this past week, junior Karley Schmelzer earned the MIAA Pitcher of the Week honors for Emporia.
 
The 10^th-ranked Griffons have started the season with a 21-4 overall record and remain perfect in the MIAA with a 5-0 record. Kirksville native Jackie Bishop provides strong support at the mound for Missouri Western, as the sophomore has earned a 1.11 ERA and an 11-1 record. She has pitched 81.0 innings and has struck-out 114 batters. Bishop's ERA is ranked 6^th in all of Division II and she was named MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2011. Truman will look to gain the edge on the Griffons as both teams are tied at 32 wins apiece against each other.

Current Weather Forecast:
The National Weather Service has forecasted a high of 79 on Friday with partly sunny skies along and a 20% chance of precipitation. It is also expected to be windy on Friday. On Saturday, it is forecasted to be 76 degrees with a 20% chance of rain.

MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll:
The Truman Softball squad was selected seventh in the MIAA Coaches poll released early February. The 'Dogs tallied up 39 points to come in six points ahead of Pittsburg (Kan.) State and Washburn (Kan.).

Crushing Stats At The Plate…:
Truman is continuing to lead the MIAA in batting average, runs scored, slugging percentage, on base percentage, homeruns, total bases and on top of all of that…they're second in doubles and hits.
 
Here's how they stand in the league:

• .329 Batting Average (.020 higher than 2^nd)
• .507 Slugging Percentage (.069 higher than 2^nd)
• .386 On Base Percentage (.017 higher than 2^nd)
• 120 Runs Scored (one more than 2^nd)
• 22 Homeruns (two more than 2^nd)
• 302 Total Bases (18 more than 2^nd)
• 38 Doubles (12 behind 1^st)
• 196 Hits (five behind 1^st)

 
 
Top Ten Lists:
Three members of the Bulldog squad have crept up onto three of Truman's all-time top ten lists.

• Mary Manley started the 2012 campaign tied for eighth all-time for career doubles with 27. This season thus far, she has added four to her total, bringing her up to 31 doubles. She has passed Bulldog Kristen Roberts and has moved to 6^th all-time. She sits one behind LeAnn Paul and Loni Wedemier and four behind Jen Wright, who is fourth on the list. Kristi Bredbenner is on top the list with 55.
• Laura Miller started this season at ninth on the all-time stolen bases list with 34. This season, she has tacked on six more. This puts her tied of 2011 graduate Alex Weber with 40 and three behind Jessie Shelman. Christen Belcher is the record holder by a landslide, stealing 153 bases while at Truman.
• Starting the season with 78 appearances and adding 11 since, Ashley Rotkvich has moved up to third on the all-time appearances in Truman history. She surpassed Breanna Wonderly and Britni Buford for third on the list this past week. Jen Hulsopple is on top of the list with 132 appearances.

 
Up Next:
Next weekend, the Truman women's softball team will continue their set of road doubleheaders with a pair of conference games against Pittsburg (Kan.) State University on Friday, March 23 and two more conference games against Missouri Southern State University on Saturday, March 24. On Friday, first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm and on Saturday; it's scheduled for 3:00 pm.