Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Rachael Knapp's loss was Central Michigan's gain.
Knapp, a senior pitcher, has been nothing short of brilliant throughout her senior season, a little lighter on her feet, a lot heavier in her impact on the game.
She has led the Chippewas to their first Mid-American Conference regular-season softball championship since 2004 and the No. 1 seed in the league tournament, which begins on Wednesday. They open against eighth-seeded Western Michigan at 1 p.m. The championship game is slated for Saturday.
CMU is seeking its first MAC tourney title since 2013, and just its second since 2002.