Whenever Marian University of Wisconsin’s softball team has a need for speed, it turns to sophomore right fielder Erin Cowe.
Cowe’s abilities were on display recently as she was named the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference’s Player of the Week for April 22.
The 2023 Stagg graduate led the Sabres to four wins by going 10 for 15 with 10 RBIs and six runs. She also had three multi-hit games on the week, including the first four-hit game of her career in a 13-4 win over Alverno on April 17.
“This season, I feel as though my softball IQ has gotten plenty better,” Cowe said. “Being knowledgeable of situational hitting allowed me to drive in those 10 runs. … Plus, simple things like knowing what pitch I hit best and recognizing it in the box, sets me up for success.”
So do Cowe’s skills on the bases. She leads the Sabres with 12 stolen bases in 14 attempts. On the season, Cowe is batting .310 with a team-best 24 runs. She’s tied for second in hits with 36 and third in RBI (11).
“Physically, my speed helps me out a ton,” Cowe said. “Being a slapper, base hits can be simple ground balls to the infield that we are just fast enough to beat out.
“This puts a lot of pressure on the defense and being in the position to steal keeps them on their toes.”
The overall progression Cowe has made this season has been noticed by Marian coach Tony Draves.
“Erin has made a lot of improvements on a great freshman season,” he said. “She’s being more selective at the plate and does a better job of fighting through difficulty compared to her freshman year.
“She’s a very talented player and a great teammate. Erin is an excellent athlete with great speed on the bases who puts a ton of pressure on defenses this year in a variety of ways. She is also a hoot in the locker room who always supports her teammates and keeps them loose.”
“Whether we are playing a very strong team or before any games, I like to make sure everyone is calm and a little less nervous than they were before,” Cowe said. “Playing while being super-tense or on edge can be pretty difficult, so the best thing to do is crack jokes and make sure everyone is comfortable.”
● Webster (Mo.) right fielder Ryan Hartz was chosen the Baseball Hitter of the Week by the Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for April 14.
The freshman from Brother Rice went 9 for 19 in a five-game span, batting .478. He also homered twice and drove in nine runs.