Over the years, Kate Drohan has built Northwestern softball into a contender. Now, she looks for win #500. Photo via TribLocal.com

When Northwestern softball takes the field on Wednesday afternoon against the Loyola Ramblers, NU head coach Kate Drohan will be looking for her 500th career win, all of which have come with her at the helm of the Northwestern program.

Drohan has been one of the most successful coaches in Big Ten history, taking Northwestern to the Women’s College World Series in both 2006 and 2007. Under Drohan’s leadership, Northwestern has qualified for 10 NCAA Tournaments, including last season. As well, the Wildcats have advanced to the regional championship round 6 times in Drohan’s 15 years. During her tenure as Northwestern’s head coach, Drohan has finished with an above .500 Big Ten record all but once. The ‘Cats are currently 10-7 in the Big Ten.  

While Northwestern’s 19-23 overall record this season may not be overly impressive, the ‘Cats have played one of the toughest schedules in the country, and are c0ming off an impressive weekend sweep of Michigan State. Amy Letourneau has led the Wildcats this season, hitting .354 at the plate, while also pitching 123 innings with an ERA of 3.30. Letourneau has pitched in 30 of Northwestern’s 42 games this season. Andrea Filler has been another standout at the plate for the ‘Cats, hitting .347 with 48 RBIs, tied for tops on the team with Letourneau. 

Wednesday’s game with Loyola will be a chance for the Wildcats to continue the momentum heading into a crucial Big Ten series against Wisconsin this weekend. 

For the Ramblers, Wednesday’s contest represents a chance to get back on track. Loyola had lost 10 straight games before defeating Illinois State last Sunday. Loyola will battle conference foe Indiana State today before traveling to Evanston tomorrow. Erica Nagel and Brooke Wyderski pace the Ramblers offensively, with each batting over .400. Wyderski has driven in a team-high 32 RBIs. 

Will Greer and Austin Miller will have the call of Wednesday’s game for WNUR Sports on the station’s Rabble page. The pregame show will start at 3:50 PM CT, with first pitch scheduled for 4:00.