Cal Softball vs. Central Michigan (Michigan Regional Game 1) Open Thread

No. 18 Cal (36-16) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (33-18)

Time: 1:30 PM PT

Online Video: WatchESPN.com

Live Stat: Gametracker

Twitter Play by Play: RookieBears1754

Post season starts for the Bears, who finally managed to snap a 9 game losing streak on the very last regular season game. Placed in the Michigan Regional with Central Michigan, Valparaiso, and the 8th seed Michigan, the Bears start the double elimination play first by playing Central Michigan today.

The health of senior ace pitcher Jolene Henderson is pivotal to any and all Cal Softball success this year. While she has been leaned on completely when healthy, Jolene is still recovering from her left knee injury that there is still not a whole lot of news/information about. Will Cal Head Coach Diane Ninemire try to use Jo less and allow Vanessa Alvarez to face the Chips? I think the Bears will probably just let Jo pitch every innings of the post season, provided that she is healthy enough for the workload.

From CalBears.com:

SCOUTING REPORT: CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Last weekend, CMU captured the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title for an automatic bid to the NCAA postseason. The Chippewas have never advanced to the Super Regional stage. CarolAnn Sexauer owns a .329 batting average in all 51 starts with 34 RBI, matched by Brittney Horan’s 34 RBI. The Chippewas will look to Macy Merchant to provide the offensive spark, as Merchant owns a .416 batting average with a team-leading 39 runs. CMU’s ace Kara Dornbos (15-11) owns a 2.47 ERA, followed by Chelsea Sundberg’s (11-5) 2.54 record.

GO BEARS!