KSU to open NCAA softball tourney against Notre Dame

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By David Carducci

Record-Courier staff writer

A trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan to play in the NCAA Softball Tournament's regional rounds is more than just the icing on the cake to Kent State's Mid-American Conference championship season.

When the Golden Flashes (44-10) take on Notre Dame (37-20-1) in opening-round play Friday at the University of Michigan, they will play with the goal of "making some noise in the tournament," according to KSU coach Karen Linder.

"We are not just happy to be there," said Linder. "We are going with a purpose."

The Flashes clinched their second NCAA Tournament berth in three years Saturday with a win over Ohio University in the MAC championship game, completing a perfect 4-0 week in the league tournament.

Along the way, they enjoyed complete-game victories by aces Kylie Reynolds and Gabrielle Burns, and they won thrillers in extra innings against arch-rival Akron and on a late-inning grand slam by Jamie Fitzpatrick against Ball State. They also played perfect defense, going error-free in the four victories.

With a school-record 44 wins to take to Ann Arbor, KSU looks the part of a team that is capable of going deep into the tournament.

"We want to be an impact team," said Linder. "If somebody comes in saying 'Who is Kent State?', we want to prove that we are for real. I think we have the pitching staff to do it, and I think we have the defense to do it. I also believe in our kids offensively. We've put the bat on the ball against some really good pitchers."

Kent State, Notre Dame, Wright State (33-24) and regional host Michigan (48-6) make up the foursome of teams assigned to Ann Arbor. Michigan is the No. 4 overall seed in the 64-team NCAA field.

The winner of the double-elimination weekend will advance to the NCAA Super Regional on May 23-24.