Northwestern Wildcats Returning Home

There is snow on the ground, but as usual, my mind is on softball. The Northwestern Wildcats are scuffling a bit with a 6-5 record in Big Ten Conference play, but they are 23-13 overall and playing exciting ball.

Sophomore pitcher Morgan Newport leads the staff with a record of 10-5 and a 3.87 ERA. She also has one save. Last season, Newport had 6 starts and 22 relief appearances, while also getting 5 starts at Designated Player.

Newport's development has been a big part of the success of the Wildcats, but it comes as no real surprise. In high school, she was a star on the mound and at the plate. In high school, she never hit below .411, while also tossing a no-hitter among her many pitching gems.

The Wildcats return to Evanston on Friday to open a 3 game series with Ohio State, followed by a single game with Green Bay. The Buckeyes are 5-4 in Bg Ten Conference play and 24-8 overall. The series will be a tough one for the Wildcats, but one that they can take. Winning 2 out of 3, then beating Green Bay would push the Wildcats up in the standings.

There are 16 total games left before the Big Ten Conference playoffs. Nine of those games are with Rutgers, Wisconsin and Iowa, teams below the Wildcats in the current standings.

The fans are coming out in good numbers to see exciting collegiate softball. The main stands were filled during their last home series against Nebraska. They rewarded Purple Nation by taking 2 of the 3 games.

The weather forecast for this weekend is a bit warmer and I will be out at Sharon J. Drysdale Field to cheer for the Wildcats. As a freelance reporter, I don't have to be unbiased. Go Cats!