Schaus may sit out as Tigers take on Ivy rivals

When it rains, it pours. This adage doesn't just describe Princeton's schizophrenic weather — it can also be applied to the softball team, whose streakiness this season has been well-documented.

Princeton (13-18 overall, 4-0 Ivy League) comes into this weekend on a four-game win streak — an impressive run that began with two wins against Brown (7-15, 1-3) last Saturday. Of course, the Tigers had lost nine straight before their doubleheader against the Bears. This weekend, Princeton looks to continue its success against conference opponents, with two games each against Harvard (11-9, 2-2) and Dartmouth (6-15, 2-2).

Pitching was the key to the four Orange and Black victories last weekend. Junior starter Kristen Schaus threw 17 dominant innings, including a 10-frame stint in a game that went into extra innings, and was named Ivy League Pitcher of the Week for her efforts.

Meanwhile, Schaus' understudy also pitched quite well. Freshman starter Jamie Lettire, who typically does not strike out many batters, went through several rough patches but threw well in her first action against Ivy opponents. Lettire threw 15 innings and allowed six earned runs, collecting two wins.

The team's hitters, meanwhile, performed just well enough to secure the team's victories. Going into this weekend, however, the offense is looking to better last weekend's 5.3 runs per game.

"We're hoping to improve our play [and] come up hitting better," senior centerfielder Stephanie Steel said.

Steel is one of the Tigers' leaders in batting average, hitting .301 out of the leadoff spot. Unfortunately for Princeton, the team lacks a pure power hitter. Lettire and senior designated player Calli Jo Varner share the team lead in home runs with three each. But the dearth of instant offense increases the need for consistent production throughout the lineup and strong fundamental play.

Thankfully for the Tigers, the pitchers they face this weekend may be a relief compared to the hurlers they saw two weeks ago.

"We faced the best pitchers we'll face this year over break," Steel said. "We saw some top-ranked teams."

Harvard starter Shelly Madick is arguably the best pitcher that Princeton will encounter during this weekend's matchups. Madick has racked up 54 strikeouts in 60.2 innings, and a 5-3 record that belies her stellar 1.15.

The Crimson, however, lacks a starter who can bear a workload the way Schaus does for the Tigers; Schaus has thrown 92 innings already this year. After Madick, three other Harvard pitchers have started at least three games, none with an ERA under 3.7.

The Big Green's starters, however, may be the true targets of opportunity for Princeton's hitters. Starters Stephanie Trudeau and Angela Megaw have 4.06 and 5.28 ERAs, respectively, and together have ceded 160 hits in 138 innings .

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Players who stand to benefit significantly include Steel and sophomore shortstop Kathryn Welch. Hitting in the cleanup spot, Welch currently leads the team in average and production, with a .350 average and 20 RBI.

The Tigers also have another advantage: regular practice. Because the team went on a lengthy road trip during spring break, the players have had little time to practice until this week.

"With this week, we've had a chance to work on getting our fundamentals back," Steel said.

These fundamentals might become more important depending on the health of the pitching staff.

Schaus, widely considered the best pitcher in the Ivy League and the team's unquestioned ace, has experienced soreness in her arm and may miss this weekend's action. With Schaus down, Varner would likely step in and start. Varner posted a 3.32 ERA last year.

Realistically, however, even if the Tigers play without their best starter, there is a good chance the team could exit the weekend undefeated in the South Division and have a clear shot at capturing yet another Ivy title.

After all, it's only fair that a nine-game drought be balanced by an equally long win streak — and that a quiet offense last weekend should be followed by thunderous hitting this weekend.