SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (May 11, 2022) – The Loyola University Chicago softball team is now in the postseason as they will play the University of Evansville Purple Aces in the opening round of the Missouri Valley Conference Championships. This is the second time in as many years the Ramblers will play the Aces in the opening round of the tournament. 
 
The Ramblers are coming off one of their best seasons in recent history, securing 10 conference wins following their series against Indiana State. The last time Loyola had double-digit wins in Valley play was in 2014 when it had 11 wins. 
 
Loyola comes into this contest as the highest, No. 8 seed while the Aces hold the ninth seed. This makes the Ramblers the home team in this neutral contest.  
 
LAST TIME OUT
As mentioned above, the Ramblers ended the regular season in a series against the Sycamores of Indiana State. The Maroon and Gold fought hard throughout the weekend, but it wasn't enough to take the series as they went 1-2 against the Sycamores. 
 
ANALYZING THE ACES
University of Evansville finished the regular season playing a series at Valparaiso. During that time, the Aces lost two of its three games against the Beacons. 
 
Izzy Vetter has been the biggest asset to this team. She is one of the best pitchers in the country, registering 178 strikeouts this season, which is second in the Valley and 43rd in the NCAA. She also keeps her opponents at bay, averaging 5.76 hits per game.
 
This Evansville offense records plenty of doubles. The Aces are No. 1 in the Valley and 34th in the NCAA for doubles, registering 68 doubles so far this season. 
 
The seniors are two of the biggest offensive contributors for Evansville. Jessica Fehr and Mackenzie McFeron have the highest batting averages on the team, sporting .309 and .296 batting averages, respectively. 
 
Sydney Weatherford works right alongside Vetter as the two with the lowest ERA's on this team. Weatherford boasts a 3.34 ERA as a freshman while senior Vetter has a 4.03. Vetter has 178 of the team's total 240 strikeouts. 
 
On defense, the team has a .954 fielding percentage, which is also a full percentage point lower than its opponents, who have a combined .965.
 
WHEREABOUTS
This contest between the Ramblers and Aces will kick off the Missouri Valley Conference Championships in Springfield, Missouri. Missouri State is playing host as all games of the tournament will be played at Killian Sports Complex. Live stats and a live stream will be available for this game.