The Miami University softball team continues season play Friday and Saturday as they take on Eastern Michigan University and Central Michigan University, both on the road. This is the first year since 1998 the RedHawks have entered MAC play with a record above .500.

Freshman outfielder Jordan McElroy, the team's leading hitter, said this season's games have been a chance for the team to get better going into MAC play.

"Because our games so far have been outside MAC play, we took those games and used them to practice to get ready for our MAC season" McElroy said. "We all have worked hard to do well this season, and we hope to show it. In practice we have been working on defense, and we hope that that can help us throughout MAC play."

The RedHawks play a doubleheader Friday against Eastern Michigan, who enters the series with a 10-15 record.

"We have been focusing a lot on our game and sharpening-up our play," senior infielder Alexis Javier said. "Our talk has centered on Miami softball in preparation for conference. We know that we have to play our A-game because every team is out to compete for a championship now. We have set goals for ourselves and while non-conference games have prepared us, we know that this weekend is ultimately the start of what we have been working for."

After the doubleheader Friday, the RedHawks continue their Michigan tour with a trip to Mount Pleasant to face off against Central Michigan.

"When looking at the MAC, Central Michigan is picked to win their side of the conference," McElroy said. "Our coach has told us that we have to go into every game like it is our last and play with all we have. It is important to get off to a good start in conference play, and we hope to do that this weekend."

The games against the Chippewas begin at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.