TOPEKA, KS  --  Miner Softball will be in Kansas the next two days, competing at the Washburn Invitational. Their schedule includes games against #13 Central Oklahoma, Washburn, Missouri Western State, and Newman.
 
About the Bronchos
Central Oklahoma has climbed twelve spots in the NFCA poll since the Miners face them earlier this month. They are 9-2 this season and have outscored opponents 26-2 in their last two games.
Terin Ritz continues to be a key contributor to the Bronchos both at the plate and on the mound. She is second on the team in ERA with 2.07 and leads the team in batting average with .464. The Bronchos' leading pitcher in ERA is Shelby Beard, whose 0.46 ERA is the best in the MIAA. The team has made life difficult for opposing pitchers, boasting the third best on base percentage in all of Division II.
 
About the Ichabods
Washburn is 7-4 and have won their last two in a row, including a 10-1 victory over Oklahoma Baptist at the Raising Cane's Festival over a week ago. The host school has the MIAA's current leader in home runs, with Kate Ediger recording four so far this season.
 
The Ichabods rely heavily on junior pitcher Sadie Walker, who has started seven of their eleven games this year. Pitching has not been the team's strong suit so far this season though, as they hold a team ERA of 3.72 that is 9th in the MIAA.
 
About the Griffons
After starting the season 2-5, Missouri Western has taken their last three straight games, including a statement victory over then #11 Angelo State on February 8th. Sydney Rader is the Griffons' go to pitcher, having pitched a conference-high 35.2 innings so far this year.
 
The Griffon's batting average leader is Mackenzie DaVine who has a .484 batting average and .742 slugging percentage. DaVine has not gotten much help at the plate though, with only one other member of the team batting above .300 through the first ten games.
 
About the Jets
The Newman Jets have the worst record of the Miners' opponents this week, going 2-8 this season. Their previous game was one of their two wins this season, taking game 2 of a doubleheader against East Central 3-2.
 
The Jets have struggled in the pitching game this season, allowing teams to hit at a 6.32 ERA. Their leading pitcher is Kinyon DeCorte who has a 4.36 ERA. Meanwhile, Gianna Navarro and AJ Borja are the team's batting leaders, with Navarro leading the Jets in batting average (.387) and Borja recording the most runs this season with 10.
 
About the Miners
After an 0-9 start to the season that included games against some of the best teams in the country, the Miners will look to get back on track at this weekend's Washburn Invitational. The Miners are still seeking to find some rhythm to their pitching game, currently ranking 13th in the conference in allowed batting average with .367.
 
S&T has shown significant promise at the plate so far this season, especially from Taylor Nelson (Jefferson City, MO/Phillips Exeter Academy) who as a .353 batting average and 2 home runs in 17 at bats. Nelson and Keira Jones (Richmond Hill, GA/Richmond Hill) are currently tied for the second most home runs in the GLVC with two apiece and have played a significant role in the Miners ranking third in the conference for home runs this season.
 
What's Next
The Miners will be at the Branson Showtime Classic on Friday and Saturday for another four game tournament before playing their first home games of the season in a doubleheader against Drury on March 9th.
 
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