March 18, 2025 • 16 mins
UND Head Softball Coach Jordan Stevens gives an update on the season.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
And welcome back here on the final edition of twenty
twenty four to twenty five, HOWK Talk, and we're glad
to have you back for our final segment of this season.
As we talk, U and D softball soon to be
playing their regular season games at all, Breckfield and un
(00:22):
D Softball is off to a fantastic non conference start
to de considering they haven't been home at all. Head
coach Jordan Stevens, let's give him a welcome here to
the program.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
He's back in town finally.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Briefly, briefly, this is the time to do laundry and
head back out because the last trip was what eleven
days think? So, okay, you lose track every especially with
the spring forward mixed it there too.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Yep, every day is a Thursday.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Fifteen and fourteen in non conference play with some of
the league play looming. You just were on a road
trip to kind of where he took you through Tennessee.
You know, you played a couple of tennis teams. I
think you were what did were you in Georgia as well?
Speaker 3 (01:03):
At one point? Were we were?
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Not? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
I think so?
Speaker 4 (01:06):
I yeh think we were in Atlanta played Georgia State
and everybody.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
We talked about tennis Seventh League Players of the Week,
Performers of the Week. You and Esoppol had the seventh
League Peak Pitcher of the Week. Yes, that's right, Mikayla
Carr the Peak Pitcher of the Week for the Summit League.
Way to go, Mikayla.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
Second one second one for and you.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
You and I talked in between one of your trips
and you said, you know, it was kind of the
part of the season where some of the pitchers were
struggling a little bit with location. That's where good location
had been struggling. You know, obviously Mikayla here recently must
have really dialed in a little.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
Bit for you. Yes, she did, and you know they
all did. I mean, not that they were bad.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
I just don't think that they were hitting the exact
spot that they wanted to hit. But yeah, she dialed
it in for us and got a I don't even
know what, like what period of time that award was over,
but I know she picked up a win for US
against Tennessee Tech and then did really well. You got
to no decision in a game against Dartmouth and then
came in and saved maybe one or two games over
(02:05):
that break, so she threw really.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Really well.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Jordan, I was going to say, the last time I
think you were here, you were talking about using nine pitchers.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
You're narrow on that down yet, are you still going around?
Speaker 4 (02:18):
Seven of them have seen time okay so far and
you know, you never it's larger pitching staff than we've
ever had. But last time we talked about, like we
really want to try to find a way to use
them as a staff, you know, more a baseball kind
of style where they find some strengths where you have
middle relievers and you have some maybe closers, you have
(02:38):
some wrong with relieve kids and kids that are really
good and starting, and we're starting to find that, you know,
we're starting to find kids that have found a niche
for when they go in the circle and what games
they're able to start and what situations they're coming in.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
So you know, our innings maybe.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Per pitcher are down because they're getting spread out a
little bit more. But I think that we're finding some
more success doing it that.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Well, that's what's this whole preseason.
Speaker 3 (03:01):
Has bottled, right, we're figuring all that out.
Speaker 4 (03:03):
Ye, you hope to you hope that you figured it
out before you before you get a conference game.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
You know, you mentioned that the top of your lineup
bat wise has been very good for good portions of
this non count conference campaign. Has that continued here in
recent weeks?
Speaker 3 (03:18):
It has, you know, it really has. And that's been.
Speaker 4 (03:23):
You know, not a surprise because we saw it throughout
the fall in the early spring. It was just whether
or not we were going to get it when when
the games came around and we're finding some success, you know,
throughout our lineup, but you know, in big situations and
clutch situations, we're finding good barrels and we're swinging at
good pitches.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
And that's been pretty consistent for us.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
I mean, I know that we faced some really good
buzzsaw pitchers and we battled against them, but then the
next very next game we came back and we put
runs up. So it's been pretty consistent, which has been
really good to see because I think that is one
of the big difference makers for the season so far.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Hey, consistent up and down on your lineup. I mean, yeah,
that's that means a lot.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Done.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
It really means a lot if we three and then
what we got after that.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
Right when you can find a pretty consistent lineup, and
they're producing in the order that they're finding some comfort in.
You know, you know what the kid in front of
you's going to do, you know what the kid behind
you is able to do. You're able to put them
out there a lot and get them to find some
comfort in those positions. And then from a coaching standpoint,
knowing what you're going to get from them every day
(04:30):
in every outing, if finding that consistency has been really big.
And so we've thrown the same kids out there a
lot in a number of in a number of spots,
and I think, you know, them getting all those repetitions
is paying off.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
You got the lineup pretty much down to what you
wanted to be.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
I think.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
So I think there's still a couple that we've got
some good battles going on, but I would I would
say over the last probably ten games, ten twelve games
are one through six has been pretty much.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
The same throughout.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
We've got We've got a couple of battles going on
seven through nine, but you know, any we're just trying
to find kids that get a hot hand. Sometimes sure
can roll for a few games and then if it
doesn't go their way, then we can. We've got some ability,
that's one big good thing. We've got some great depth,
and so if somebody's not able to do it that day,
we're able to put somebody else in.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
And fill the void for that game.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
Jordan, how are you defensively really good?
Speaker 4 (05:28):
I mean, if you look in the Summit Matter, I think,
I mean, we knew that was going to be a
strength of ours. Defensively in our infield, our catchers are
doing a good job. I mean, our outfielders are running
the balls down. I mean, I think we're fielding nine
to sixty six right now, which I still think is
maybe sixth in the Summit League. So the whole league
is defending right now. But I mean nine sixty six
(05:50):
for us is a great improvement. So we'll take we
will take it.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
So Katie Joten transferred in a couple of seasons ago,
already her graduate season, hitting what three ninety or something,
something up there, something up there, and you know, tell
us a little bit about, you know, how she grew
into her role and how now she's kind of a
counted on player and it just kind of because again
(06:14):
she's one of those players that steps in from another
program and has to to you know, really embrace a
new community in a new place. And it seems she's
done that and has really stepped in and really just
thrived in her game.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Oh, I mean honestly from day one.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
I mean she came in and you never know what
you're getting really out of the portal unless you've recruited
the kid going in. But we didn't recruit the kid
before she went to Green Bay. And from day one,
I mean, the kid's a leader. I mean you can
tell that, like people gravitate towards her. She plays the
game so hard every day, Like practice, I mean she
is out there working her tail off, you know, and
(06:50):
and everything. She doesn't take a playoff in any practice,
any game, Like she's always going and so like, I
just love her attitude and her effort and in everything
that we get. And I'm really glad that she's finding
some success this year because I think she got frustrated
last year off But I mean she's always been very
good defensively, like yeah, lockdown at shortstop, but I think she's,
you know, got frustrated a little bit with her offense
(07:12):
last year.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
She still got on base.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
I think she still was maybe second on a team
and on base percentage, but she wasn't getting the hits.
And now now she she made just a slight change
and it's really paying off for so I'm happy to
see that because she definitely puts the work in.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
What kind of slight change are you talking about, Well,
if you've seen that happens so fast, I mean, yeah, if.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
You see Katie hit, she's got a little bit of
a split grip, and I think she made a little
bit of an adjustment with how big of that split
is and then where she's making contact. I think she's
finding more success letting the ball get a little bit
more into her, Like if she hits the ball, well,
she's hitting the ball right center field over like that's
and so that has been not a change, but really
(07:53):
but like she maybe got out front a little bit
too much in her in her senior season and now
the ball's getting back to where it was in her
junior year and she's hitting the ball really well.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Sureing the split grip, is there a.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Lot of that's unique.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
It's really say obviously there's not a lot of it.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
It's really unique.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
But she's I mean, she's been at the top of
our lineup, and she's such a great lead off hitter
and she sees a lot of she's not fooled by
much like in the consistency. I know what I'm gonna get.
I know I'm gonna get a great at bat from her,
regardless of what the result is.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
I know what's going to be a quality about.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
So you're not trying to put the hands again.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Knock on wood House.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Health of the squad, I mean, pretty good to the bottom.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
It's a it's a lot when you're when you're traveling
and trying to take care of yourself and you're on
the road for long stretches, and boy do I know that.
When you and he men's basketball did a long stretch
back in November into early December, I was like, this
is tough on me. I I know it's young people
recover a little bit better, but but they handle when
(08:54):
it pretty good and their bodies are holding up.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Okay, yeah for the most part.
Speaker 4 (08:58):
I mean I did tell them I think we hit
a certain point there maybe after week three going into
week four, that we.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Really did look tired. And I understand.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
It and I get it, and we were just you know,
we were just a step slow. Our slings were just
just a little hair behind, and that's so I thought
we were just wearing down a little bit. But from
an overall health standpoint, we're good. I mean, sickness always
comes in when you're on the road that much. That's
always a thing. But I think, you know it's as
spring break wrapped up, we got back to it, and
(09:30):
I've really been really happy with our first two practices
back home.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
What the energy has been great. I think they're excited
to get going. Have you ran into some buzz saws
on the mound? I mean they yeah, yeah, for sure. Yeah.
I mean Rutgers no hit us. I mean that kid
was legit.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
And I always tell our girls, like if I can
see the ball moved from the coaches box, she's good. Yeah,
she's good. She's got some dirty stuff. And she was
throwing some nasty stuff that day. And and the interesting thing
about that game is we had our pitcher had a
no hitter through six, so they were dueling no hitters
through six. She no hit us in the seventh. They
(10:10):
got a bunt single in the seventh. That was the
only hit of the game. It was a bunt single,
and I mean it was a great, great softball game.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
And we just went quick.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
Yeah yeah, I mean I think I think they had
sixteen strikeouts. We had thirteen strikeouts. Like nobody was hitting anything.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
It was really I mean, who'd you have thrown?
Speaker 4 (10:29):
We had all break throwing in that game. Well, but
we faced some really good ones.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
You know.
Speaker 4 (10:34):
We had a kid from Watford that had like an
zero point six oero point seven ERA and we've got
we put seven up on her, and so it's that's
what I mean. It's been impressive from our offense, Like
when we do get beat, we're able to rebound against
quality pitching, and I think that has set us up
good for the Summit because there's nothing in the Summit.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
League that we've not seen. Speaking you want to see
for sure for sure.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
Speaking of the Seventh League, you start in Bermilion here
this weekend again South Dakota team that was seventeen and eleven.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
And they're none good. They're doing well and.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
They're doing really well and expected to be a part
of the conversation as well. What do you anticipate with
the Coyotes from what do you know about them?
Speaker 3 (11:11):
I mean, they it seems like they've had the same
kids for four years at least.
Speaker 4 (11:15):
Yeah, So like there's there's not gonna be any surprise
for sure, but they're playing well, like, and so we're
trying really not to get too wrapped up and who
the opponent is going to be be And we've really
focused in our first thirty games of like just really
try to do what we do well and stick with
that and not worry about who's over there. And so
(11:37):
hopefully that will continue. I know, everybody knows everybody in
the Summer League, and so that's a little bit harder
to do. Like, even though we're not really talking about
the opposing pitchers too much, our kids know who we're
gonna go face, like, they know what to expect. We
just don't want to make it that big of a deal, right, Like,
we know what we're gonna see, we know what to
expect from them. They're gonna pitch it well, they're gonna
(11:59):
try to score just a few to out beat it.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
So you're talking about everybody going to go against in
the Summit League, you've probably already seen.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Yeah, with the exception of some places have to have
somebody new. Well, Omaha's got a transfer pitcher, But we
we were in the same tournament as them early on,
so we got we got to see her. Kansas City,
I think is the newest pitching staff. Everybody else pretty
much returns a lot of a lot of people, so
(12:29):
there's not going to be a lot of surprise other
than maybe Kansas City's pitching staff.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
And I guess we got to see what a quick
snowfall would be and what it would happen to All
breck Field. I'm assuming that turn it's already gone.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
Yeah, yeah, So you know, when they.
Speaker 4 (12:44):
Would have given us an extra hour, we probably could
have practiced out there today.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Well, it's it's exciting to know that you and Dappoles
had a great non conference. We know that the Summit
League schedule is upon us. It goes quick does We're
going to have a great time out at All breckt
All all spring long when we have our home games
and it's around the corner. Thank you for coming out
and getting us an update on you, Andy shop Ball,
have a great rest of your season. You and the
(13:11):
softball coach Jordan Stevens joining us here fantastic as what
a great night we've had again, thanks to everyone at Hugo's.
The official grocery store of University of North Dakota Athletics.
Thanks to Christy, your entire team, and uh you know
again all everybody here at Hugos makes us feel so
very welcome and especially inside the five oh six. But
(13:33):
Mel and her team are always there for us.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Thank you, Mel. Happy birthday, Happy.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Mel, Happy happy thirtieth All right, fifty oh? Come on?
So I also want to thank Chris Hunter, she's our
producer back at the Flagship Studios just down the street.
And to Tracy. Those two do an excellent job of
making sure this show goes off without a hitch. To
all our affiliates and to those affiliates in Fargo as well.
(13:59):
They never miss a beat to make sure that I'm
on top of it. Becky, Derek, jack Al, all those
folks down there in Fargo really appreciate all that you
do day in and day out to make sure our
affiliate network is carrying what we need to. So big
thanks to them. Thank you to all those listeners out
there tuning us in into those that have been able
to swing in and check us out throughout the season
(14:20):
and be at this show live, we thank you so
very much as well. And also one last big thank
you here tonight. Thank you to Sheila. Perfect attendance on
the season, that's awesome, every show that is so incredibly good.
She ends up being our most loyal fan time and
(14:42):
time again, always brings the best to our show.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
She's got him.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
She's got every jersey that's ever been made, probably for
you indie hockey, and she sports a different one every week.
I'm pretty much sure of it. So again this week
we've got you indie hockey down in Saint Paul, Save travels.
Everybody that's going on that one, certainly that's big. Good luck.
Both Friday and Saturday, you'll be able to catch all
the action on the Fighting Hawks Radio Network. Tim Hennessey
(15:09):
Darren Looker on the call coverage beginning with the bud
Light Undie Hockey three game show at seven. Well, we're
gonna plan on that Friday night, and we're hoping and
Saturday night as well. And then of course you and
Ensemble down in South Dakota coach Jordan Stevens, You indie Tennis.
They're making their way on the road as well, with
big matches coming up here in the near future as well,
(15:29):
down in Omaha against Omaha and crighton just around the corner.
So safe travels to everybody involved with that, so again
to all our teams, to everybody that came along the
way and joined us out here live, to all the
partners and sponsors, and most importantly h Goos at the
five oh six Pub, we thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Tim.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Did you have a fun year?
Speaker 3 (15:48):
Yeah, it was good. I was here.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
I don't think I was here for a couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
For football you kind of wait to get into it
a little bit, but that's it. Yes, venue for it's
been perfect, Yeah, absolutely perfect.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
It has been true.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Again.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Oh, thank you well to everybody out there, Thank you
for joining us all season long. That's going to do
it for this twenty twenty four to twenty five season
of Hawk Talk. We love you, We love you all right.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
Talk sel Energy Center Friday nights.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
It's gonna be a lot of fun. Thank you everybody.
Have a great night, and we'll see you next year
with more Hawk Talk of the Fighting Hawks Radio Network
And welcome back here on the final edition of twenty
twenty four to twenty five, HOWK Talk, and we're glad
to have you back for our final segment of this season.
As we talk, U and D softball soon to be
playing their regular season games at all, Breckfield and un
(00:22):
D Softball is off to a fantastic non conference start
to de considering they haven't been home at all. Head
coach Jordan Stevens, let's give him a welcome here to
the program.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
He's back in town finally.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Briefly, briefly, this is the time to do laundry and
head back out because the last trip was what eleven
days think? So, okay, you lose track every especially with
the spring forward mixed it there too.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Yep, every day is a Thursday.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Fifteen and fourteen in non conference play with some of
the league play looming. You just were on a road
trip to kind of where he took you through Tennessee.
You know, you played a couple of tennis teams. I
think you were what did were you in Georgia as well?
Speaker 3 (01:03):
At one point? Were we were?
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Not? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
I think so?
Speaker 4 (01:06):
I yeh think we were in Atlanta played Georgia State
and everybody.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
We talked about tennis Seventh League Players of the Week,
Performers of the Week. You and Esoppol had the seventh
League Peak Pitcher of the Week. Yes, that's right, Mikayla
Carr the Peak Pitcher of the Week for the Summit League.
Way to go, Mikayla.
Speaker 4 (01:23):
Second one second one for and you.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
You and I talked in between one of your trips
and you said, you know, it was kind of the
part of the season where some of the pitchers were
struggling a little bit with location. That's where good location
had been struggling. You know, obviously Mikayla here recently must
have really dialed in a little.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
Bit for you. Yes, she did, and you know they
all did. I mean, not that they were bad.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
I just don't think that they were hitting the exact
spot that they wanted to hit. But yeah, she dialed
it in for us and got a I don't even
know what, like what period of time that award was over,
but I know she picked up a win for US
against Tennessee Tech and then did really well. You got
to no decision in a game against Dartmouth and then
came in and saved maybe one or two games over
(02:05):
that break, so she threw really.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Really well.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Jordan, I was going to say, the last time I
think you were here, you were talking about using nine pitchers.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
You're narrow on that down yet, are you still going around?
Speaker 4 (02:18):
Seven of them have seen time okay so far and
you know, you never it's larger pitching staff than we've
ever had. But last time we talked about, like we
really want to try to find a way to use
them as a staff, you know, more a baseball kind
of style where they find some strengths where you have
middle relievers and you have some maybe closers, you have
(02:38):
some wrong with relieve kids and kids that are really
good and starting, and we're starting to find that, you know,
we're starting to find kids that have found a niche
for when they go in the circle and what games
they're able to start and what situations they're coming in.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
So you know, our innings maybe.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Per pitcher are down because they're getting spread out a
little bit more. But I think that we're finding some
more success doing it that.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Well, that's what's this whole preseason.
Speaker 3 (03:01):
Has bottled, right, we're figuring all that out.
Speaker 4 (03:03):
Ye, you hope to you hope that you figured it
out before you before you get a conference game.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
You know, you mentioned that the top of your lineup
bat wise has been very good for good portions of
this non count conference campaign. Has that continued here in
recent weeks?
Speaker 3 (03:18):
It has, you know, it really has. And that's been.
Speaker 4 (03:23):
You know, not a surprise because we saw it throughout
the fall in the early spring. It was just whether
or not we were going to get it when when
the games came around and we're finding some success, you know,
throughout our lineup, but you know, in big situations and
clutch situations, we're finding good barrels and we're swinging at
good pitches.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
And that's been pretty consistent for us.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
I mean, I know that we faced some really good
buzzsaw pitchers and we battled against them, but then the
next very next game we came back and we put
runs up. So it's been pretty consistent, which has been
really good to see because I think that is one
of the big difference makers for the season so far.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Hey, consistent up and down on your lineup. I mean, yeah,
that's that means a lot.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Done.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
It really means a lot if we three and then
what we got after that.
Speaker 4 (04:07):
Right when you can find a pretty consistent lineup, and
they're producing in the order that they're finding some comfort in.
You know, you know what the kid in front of
you's going to do, you know what the kid behind
you is able to do. You're able to put them
out there a lot and get them to find some
comfort in those positions. And then from a coaching standpoint,
knowing what you're going to get from them every day
(04:30):
in every outing, if finding that consistency has been really big.
And so we've thrown the same kids out there a
lot in a number of in a number of spots,
and I think, you know, them getting all those repetitions
is paying off.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
You got the lineup pretty much down to what you
wanted to be.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
I think.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
So I think there's still a couple that we've got
some good battles going on, but I would I would
say over the last probably ten games, ten twelve games
are one through six has been pretty much.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
The same throughout.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
We've got We've got a couple of battles going on
seven through nine, but you know, any we're just trying
to find kids that get a hot hand. Sometimes sure
can roll for a few games and then if it
doesn't go their way, then we can. We've got some ability,
that's one big good thing. We've got some great depth,
and so if somebody's not able to do it that day,
we're able to put somebody else in.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
And fill the void for that game.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
Jordan, how are you defensively really good?
Speaker 4 (05:28):
I mean, if you look in the Summit Matter, I think,
I mean, we knew that was going to be a
strength of ours. Defensively in our infield, our catchers are
doing a good job. I mean, our outfielders are running
the balls down. I mean, I think we're fielding nine
to sixty six right now, which I still think is
maybe sixth in the Summit League. So the whole league
is defending right now. But I mean nine sixty six
(05:50):
for us is a great improvement. So we'll take we
will take it.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
So Katie Joten transferred in a couple of seasons ago,
already her graduate season, hitting what three ninety or something,
something up there, something up there, and you know, tell
us a little bit about, you know, how she grew
into her role and how now she's kind of a
counted on player and it just kind of because again
(06:14):
she's one of those players that steps in from another
program and has to to you know, really embrace a
new community in a new place. And it seems she's
done that and has really stepped in and really just
thrived in her game.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Oh, I mean honestly from day one.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
I mean she came in and you never know what
you're getting really out of the portal unless you've recruited
the kid going in. But we didn't recruit the kid
before she went to Green Bay. And from day one,
I mean, the kid's a leader. I mean you can
tell that, like people gravitate towards her. She plays the
game so hard every day, Like practice, I mean she
is out there working her tail off, you know, and
(06:50):
and everything. She doesn't take a playoff in any practice,
any game, Like she's always going and so like, I
just love her attitude and her effort and in everything
that we get. And I'm really glad that she's finding
some success this year because I think she got frustrated
last year off But I mean she's always been very
good defensively, like yeah, lockdown at shortstop, but I think she's,
you know, got frustrated a little bit with her offense
(07:12):
last year.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
She still got on base.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
I think she still was maybe second on a team
and on base percentage, but she wasn't getting the hits.
And now now she she made just a slight change
and it's really paying off for so I'm happy to
see that because she definitely puts the work in.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
What kind of slight change are you talking about, Well,
if you've seen that happens so fast, I mean, yeah, if.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
You see Katie hit, she's got a little bit of
a split grip, and I think she made a little
bit of an adjustment with how big of that split
is and then where she's making contact. I think she's
finding more success letting the ball get a little bit
more into her, Like if she hits the ball, well,
she's hitting the ball right center field over like that's
and so that has been not a change, but really
(07:53):
but like she maybe got out front a little bit
too much in her in her senior season and now
the ball's getting back to where it was in her
junior year and she's hitting the ball really well.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Sureing the split grip, is there a.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Lot of that's unique.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
It's really say obviously there's not a lot of it.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
It's really unique.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
But she's I mean, she's been at the top of
our lineup, and she's such a great lead off hitter
and she sees a lot of she's not fooled by
much like in the consistency. I know what I'm gonna get.
I know I'm gonna get a great at bat from her,
regardless of what the result is.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
I know what's going to be a quality about.
Speaker 2 (08:24):
So you're not trying to put the hands again.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Knock on wood House.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Health of the squad, I mean, pretty good to the bottom.
Speaker 1 (08:34):
It's a it's a lot when you're when you're traveling
and trying to take care of yourself and you're on
the road for long stretches, and boy do I know that.
When you and he men's basketball did a long stretch
back in November into early December, I was like, this
is tough on me. I I know it's young people
recover a little bit better, but but they handle when
(08:54):
it pretty good and their bodies are holding up.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Okay, yeah for the most part.
Speaker 4 (08:58):
I mean I did tell them I think we hit
a certain point there maybe after week three going into
week four, that we.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Really did look tired. And I understand.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
It and I get it, and we were just you know,
we were just a step slow. Our slings were just
just a little hair behind, and that's so I thought
we were just wearing down a little bit. But from
an overall health standpoint, we're good. I mean, sickness always
comes in when you're on the road that much. That's
always a thing. But I think, you know it's as
spring break wrapped up, we got back to it, and
(09:30):
I've really been really happy with our first two practices
back home.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
What the energy has been great. I think they're excited
to get going. Have you ran into some buzz saws
on the mound? I mean they yeah, yeah, for sure. Yeah.
I mean Rutgers no hit us. I mean that kid
was legit.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
And I always tell our girls, like if I can
see the ball moved from the coaches box, she's good. Yeah,
she's good. She's got some dirty stuff. And she was
throwing some nasty stuff that day. And and the interesting thing
about that game is we had our pitcher had a
no hitter through six, so they were dueling no hitters
through six. She no hit us in the seventh. They
(10:10):
got a bunt single in the seventh. That was the
only hit of the game. It was a bunt single,
and I mean it was a great, great softball game.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
And we just went quick.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
Yeah yeah, I mean I think I think they had
sixteen strikeouts. We had thirteen strikeouts. Like nobody was hitting anything.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
It was really I mean, who'd you have thrown?
Speaker 4 (10:29):
We had all break throwing in that game. Well, but
we faced some really good ones.
Speaker 3 (10:34):
You know.
Speaker 4 (10:34):
We had a kid from Watford that had like an
zero point six oero point seven ERA and we've got
we put seven up on her, and so it's that's
what I mean. It's been impressive from our offense, Like
when we do get beat, we're able to rebound against
quality pitching, and I think that has set us up
good for the Summit because there's nothing in the Summit.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
League that we've not seen. Speaking you want to see
for sure for sure.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
Speaking of the Seventh League, you start in Bermilion here
this weekend again South Dakota team that was seventeen and eleven.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
And they're none good. They're doing well and.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
They're doing really well and expected to be a part
of the conversation as well. What do you anticipate with
the Coyotes from what do you know about them?
Speaker 3 (11:11):
I mean, they it seems like they've had the same
kids for four years at least.
Speaker 4 (11:15):
Yeah, So like there's there's not gonna be any surprise
for sure, but they're playing well, like, and so we're
trying really not to get too wrapped up and who
the opponent is going to be be And we've really
focused in our first thirty games of like just really
try to do what we do well and stick with
that and not worry about who's over there. And so
(11:37):
hopefully that will continue. I know, everybody knows everybody in
the Summer League, and so that's a little bit harder
to do. Like, even though we're not really talking about
the opposing pitchers too much, our kids know who we're
gonna go face, like, they know what to expect. We
just don't want to make it that big of a deal, right, Like,
we know what we're gonna see, we know what to
expect from them. They're gonna pitch it well, they're gonna
(11:59):
try to score just a few to out beat it.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
So you're talking about everybody going to go against in
the Summit League, you've probably already seen.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Yeah, with the exception of some places have to have
somebody new. Well, Omaha's got a transfer pitcher, But we
we were in the same tournament as them early on,
so we got we got to see her. Kansas City,
I think is the newest pitching staff. Everybody else pretty
much returns a lot of a lot of people, so
(12:29):
there's not going to be a lot of surprise other
than maybe Kansas City's pitching staff.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
And I guess we got to see what a quick
snowfall would be and what it would happen to All
breck Field. I'm assuming that turn it's already gone.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
Yeah, yeah, So you know, when they.
Speaker 4 (12:44):
Would have given us an extra hour, we probably could
have practiced out there today.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Well, it's it's exciting to know that you and Dappoles
had a great non conference. We know that the Summit
League schedule is upon us. It goes quick does We're
going to have a great time out at All breckt
All all spring long when we have our home games
and it's around the corner. Thank you for coming out
and getting us an update on you, Andy shop Ball,
have a great rest of your season. You and the
(13:11):
softball coach Jordan Stevens joining us here fantastic as what
a great night we've had again, thanks to everyone at Hugo's.
The official grocery store of University of North Dakota Athletics.
Thanks to Christy, your entire team, and uh you know
again all everybody here at Hugos makes us feel so
very welcome and especially inside the five oh six. But
(13:33):
Mel and her team are always there for us.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Thank you, Mel. Happy birthday, Happy.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Mel, Happy happy thirtieth All right, fifty oh? Come on?
So I also want to thank Chris Hunter, she's our
producer back at the Flagship Studios just down the street.
And to Tracy. Those two do an excellent job of
making sure this show goes off without a hitch. To
all our affiliates and to those affiliates in Fargo as well.
(13:59):
They never miss a beat to make sure that I'm
on top of it. Becky, Derek, jack Al, all those
folks down there in Fargo really appreciate all that you
do day in and day out to make sure our
affiliate network is carrying what we need to. So big
thanks to them. Thank you to all those listeners out
there tuning us in into those that have been able
to swing in and check us out throughout the season
(14:20):
and be at this show live, we thank you so
very much as well. And also one last big thank
you here tonight. Thank you to Sheila. Perfect attendance on
the season, that's awesome, every show that is so incredibly good.
She ends up being our most loyal fan time and
(14:42):
time again, always brings the best to our show.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
She's got him.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
She's got every jersey that's ever been made, probably for
you indie hockey, and she sports a different one every week.
I'm pretty much sure of it. So again this week
we've got you indie hockey down in Saint Paul, Save travels.
Everybody that's going on that one, certainly that's big. Good luck.
Both Friday and Saturday, you'll be able to catch all
the action on the Fighting Hawks Radio Network. Tim Hennessey
(15:09):
Darren Looker on the call coverage beginning with the bud
Light Undie Hockey three game show at seven. Well, we're
gonna plan on that Friday night, and we're hoping and
Saturday night as well. And then of course you and
Ensemble down in South Dakota coach Jordan Stevens, You indie Tennis.
They're making their way on the road as well, with
big matches coming up here in the near future as well,
(15:29):
down in Omaha against Omaha and crighton just around the corner.
So safe travels to everybody involved with that, so again
to all our teams, to everybody that came along the
way and joined us out here live, to all the
partners and sponsors, and most importantly h Goos at the
five oh six Pub, we thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Tim.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Did you have a fun year?
Speaker 3 (15:48):
Yeah, it was good. I was here.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
I don't think I was here for a couple of weeks.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
For football you kind of wait to get into it
a little bit, but that's it. Yes, venue for it's
been perfect, Yeah, absolutely perfect.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
It has been true.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Again.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Oh, thank you well to everybody out there, Thank you
for joining us all season long. That's going to do
it for this twenty twenty four to twenty five season
of Hawk Talk. We love you, We love you all right.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
Talk sel Energy Center Friday nights.
Speaker 1 (16:21):
It's gonna be a lot of fun. Thank you everybody.
Have a great night, and we'll see you next year
with more Hawk Talk of the Fighting Hawks Radio Network
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