April 13, 2007

GREEN BAY, Wis. - After having missed the last two weeks of action due to poor weather conditions, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay softball team hopes to get back on the diamond this weekend as it travels to defending Horizon League tournament champion Youngstown State. The teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader beginning at noon Central time Saturday followed by a single game at 10 a.m. Sunday.

The Phoenix leads the all-time series with the Penguins 12-7. The teams split a pair of meetings in Green Bay last season.

UW-Green Bay (9-10, 1-2 Horizon League) has had its last five games, all scheduled to be played at home, wiped out because of either snow or cold temperatures. A three-game series against UIC was cancelled last weekend, while a doubleheader against Minnesota that was scheduled for this Wednesday has been pushed back to next Tuesday. The Phoenix hasn't played since taking one of three games at Cleveland State March 31 and April 1.

Freshman Katie Cooney has stepped into a leadership role right away, topping the team with a .364 batting average and 12 RBI while also posting a 4-2 record and a 2.77 ERA in the pitcher's circle. Classmate Melani Niederer went 4-for-8 with two doubles and knocked in a pair of runs in the series against Cleveland State. The Phoenix ranks atop the Horizon League with a .959 team fielding percentage so far this season.

Youngstown State (8-11, 2-2) is coming off a doubleheader sweep at the hands of Pittsburgh at home Tuesday. The Penguins are sporting a team batting average of .294, led by junior McKenzie Bedra who paces YSU with a .390 average, five home runs and 21 RBI. In the circle, Karlie Burnell sports a 6-4 record with a 2.79 ERA.