The UW-Whitewater women's softball, ranked fifth according to D3softball.com:The Newsletter, opened their season in Clermont, Florida with a 3-0 win over Ripon College.

Box Score

The Warhawks offense heated up right away in the second inning with sophomore third baseman Lauren Rankins (Marengo, IL/Marengo) reaching on a single. Senior catcher Liz Yucuis (S. Elgin, IL/St. Charles East) followed suit with a single of her own and both scored on a triple from senior outfielder Amy Gahl (Beloit/Parkview). Rankins reached on a walk in the fourth and came around to score on a double by senior designated player Nicole Bothun (Fort Atkinson/Fort Atkinson).

The three runs were all the Warhawks would need as sophomore pitcher Jessica Stang (Minnetonka, MN/Minnetonka) held Ripon to just two hits in seven innings. Stang got the win for Whitewater striking out ten while walking just one in the first game of the season.

The Warhawks will play again later today in Clermont, Florida against Farleigh-Dickinson University.

For additional information: UW-W head coach Brenda Volk