The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women's softball team opened the 2008 season with a doubleheader split, losing to Keene State (NH) 6-4 and defeating SUNY-New Paltz 6-0 Friday, March 21 in Fort Myers, Florida.
Keene State 6, UW-W 4
box score
In the first game, against Keene State, the Warhawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Amy Gahl scored on an RBI single by Suzanne Gersich. Keene responded by scoring three runs in the bottom of the first and two more runs in the second inning.
In the sixth inning the Warhawks cut the deficet to two on a two-out, two-run home run by Gahl, but the Owls responded with a run to put the score at 6-3. Lauren Rankins hit a home run for Whitewater in the top of the seventh to put the final margin at two.
Gahl led the Warhawks batting 2-4, scoring two runs, and contributing 2 RBI's. Gersich finised 2-4 and Rankins went 1-3. Jennie Patnode, Allie D'Amato, and Mo Scata led the Owls with two hits each.
In three innings Jesse Harmeyer allowed eight hits and five runs, for UW-W, while striking out three. Nikole Schulty allowed two hits and one run for the Warhawks in her three innings out of the bullpen. Ashley Nicolson went the distance for the Owls, allowing seven hits, while striking out three and walking one.
UW-W 6, SUNY-New Paltz 0
box score
In the second game of the day, Ashley Smith and Gersich scored on a two-run double by Schulty to put the Warhawks on the board in the first inning.
In the third inning Gersich brought Smith home on an RBI single to put the Warhawks up 3-0.
In the fouth inning the Warhawks added three more runs to put the final margin at 6-0. Megan Brennfleck hit a single to start the inning and scored on an RBI double by Rankins. Rankins later scored on an RBI triple by Amanda LeBeau.
The Warhawks were led by Gersich, who went 3-3, and Smith who scored two runs in two at bats. Dianna Frisbie pitched four innings for UW-W and allowed one hit while striking out six. Jessica Stang pitched the last three innings and added four more strikeouts for the Warhawks.
Brittany O'Hara took the loss for New Paltz by allowing seven hits, six runs, one walk and striking out three in four innings.
The Warhawks will compete against UW-Superior and Alverno College on Saturday, March 22, in Fort Myers, FL. The Warhaks take on the Yellow Jackets at 9 am and the Inferno at 1 pm. The Warhawks home opener will be April 2, at 3 pm against Lawrence University.
For more information:
UW-W Coach Brenda Volk: 262-472-1145
http://www.uwwsports.com/index.asp?path=softball
