Rutgers softball looks to bounce back with weekend series against Indiana
The Rutgers softball team is hitting the road for the second week in a row, this time traveling to Bloomington, Indiana, for a three-game series over the weekend against Indiana. The Scarlet Knights (23-15, 1-5) are looking to bounce back after being swept by Nebraska last week.
Not only did Rutgers begin a losing streak while facing the Cornhuskers (25-9, 5-0), the program also broke some individual streaks. Both junior shortstop Kyleigh Sand and graduate student utility Gabrielle Callaway had their multi-game hit streaks snapped in game three against Nebraska.
Despite their unfavorable outing last weekend, the Knights still are having a productive season. Sand and Callaway have been some of the most consistent players in the program this season, batting .422 and .388, respectively.
Sophomore outfielder Kayla Bock has also been making a positive impact on the team, especially as of late. Bock is showing a lot of improvement from her freshman season where she hit .202 in 43 games. In 34 games this season, she has improved to a .309 average.
The last time Rutgers and the Hoosiers (19-10, 2-4) met was in March 2021. The game went to extra innings, with Indiana taking the 6-5 victory in the bottom of the 11th. In the all-time series, the Knights have ended up on top in 11 of the 24 games they have played the Hoosiers.
Indiana is coming off a series loss against Wisconsin, dropping the rubber match 6-2 on Sunday. Both teams are out to strengthen their records with this weekend's schedule.
The Hoosiers have some intimidating players in their lineup, including Cora Bassett. Bassett has a .441 average so far this year, having started all 29 games with the Hoosiers this season. She leads the team in batting average, has recorded 10 home runs and currently holds a six-game hitting streak.
Brianna Copeland is another notable player. Copeland is a big piece for Indiana both at the plate and in the pitching circle, hitting .400 with 20 RBIs and keeping a 4.61 ERA with seven wins.
The two opponents will take the stage tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in Bloomington. Saturday night's game will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network at 7:30 p.m., with tomorrow's and Sunday’s matches available on Big Ten Network+.
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