The UW-Whitewater softball team split a doubleheader Wednesday, defeating the University of Southern Maine 10-1 and falling to Fontbonne 3-1 in the National Training Center spring games played in Clermont, Florida,

Southern Maine Recap

Box Score

The Warhawks posted runs in three of five innings in the shortened game due to the run rule including a four-run third and five-run fourth. Five UW-W hitters recorded two hits in the game including Sarah Fisher (Greenfield/Greenfield), Mimi Ramirez (Chicago, IL/Trinity), Haley Krueger (Beach Park, IL/Waukegan), Laura Eichenold (Elmwood Park, IL/Trinity) and Jordyn Gaza (Mundelein, IL/Carmel Catholic). Lauren Rankins (Marengo, IL/Marengo) and Eichenold had three RBI's a piece and Krueger added two more.

Right hander Sammy Kessler (Northbrook, IL/Glenbrook North) picked up the complete game win on the mound going five innings while allowing just one run on seven hits.

Fontbonne Recap

Box Score

Fontbonne was aggressive on the base paths in the first tallying three steals that led to a run and a 1-0 lead after the top of the first.

UW-W answered with a run of its own in the bottom of the inning. Amanda Mertes (Des Plaines, IL/Elk Grove) started the inning with a lead-off single up the middle but was out at second on a fielder's choice in the next at bat. Lauren Rankins (Marengo, IL/Marengo) drew a walk to move Mimi Ramirez (Chicago, IL/Trinity) ahead a base to second. Ramirez tagged on a dropped fly ball in foul territory to advance to third and crossed home after a second fly ball was dropped in fair territory.

With the game knotted at 1-1, Fontbonne used a walk and a home run over centerfield to score two and take the 3-1 lead which proved to be the deciding factor in the game.

Lefty Jessica Stang (Minnetonka, MN/Minnetonka) took the complete game loss on the mound for the Warhawks, her first of the season. Stang allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six and walking five.

Whitewater moves to 8-2 this season.

UW-W will wrap up play in the NTC spring games Thursday with a doubleheader scheduled for 9:30 and 11:30 (ET) against Bowdoin College and Buffalo State, respectively.

For additional information:  Brenda Volk, UW-W coach