By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
Fleharty Family Field will host the MIAA softball tournament this week today through Saturday. FHSU clinched their spot in the tournament at the last moment of the regular season, triumphing over Nebraska-Kearney and securing the No.9 seed in the 10-team tournament.
As a ninth seed, the Tigers will face No. 8 Emporia State in a preliminary round to determine who will play against No. 1 Central Oklahoma in the quarter finals. The Tigers played Emporia twice in the past season and have a 1-1 record against the Hornets. With the home crowd’s support, the Tigers will attempt to knock Emporia out and move on in the tournament.
The win over the Lopers last week broke a seven-game losing streak for the Tigers, and they will try to use this win to build new momentum, which is important for head coach Adrian Pilkington.
“I think it’s all about momentum, and the best part about getting into the conference tournament is it’s anybody’s game, so making sure we’re going out there and just trying to play our best every single game, because it’s another brand new season. You open it right back up,” she said.
This is the third time in a row that the Tigers have qualified for the conference tournament, and the sixth under the guidance of Pilkington. Last year, FHSU won their first round matchup and hope to repeat that achievement today.
Two teams in the tournament are nationally ranked. Central Oklahoma, as the first seed, is ranked No. 4 nationally, and Pittsburg State, the second seed, is ranked No. 24. The Bronchos and Gorillas are the teams to beat in the tournament. However, senior pitcher Morgan Schmidt is confident in the Tigers’ ability to win against every team in the home tournament.
“I’m very confident in this team. We have a young team, and we had a great start to the first half of our season, so I’m hoping that we keep it going and stay strong,” she said. “And any team in our conference is beatable. We just have to play to our full potential.”
This will be the first time Hays will host the tournament, and the Tigers will try to take advantage of the home fans’ support. Pilkington said she is excited about what the team can achieve.
Senior catcher Madison Pierce was named to the All-MIAA second team this year and will attempt to lead the Tigers to success. Pierce said she will do whatever it takes to help her younger teammates prepare for the tournament, as this will be Pierce’s third tournament appearance.
FHSU plays ESU at 3 p.m. today at Fleharty Family Field. The winner will advance to play UCO at 11 a.m. tomorrow.