The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team extended its win streak to seven games Sunday afternoon with consecutive victories over Wisconsin Lutheran in a non-conference doubleheader at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
The Warhawks (10-4 overall) took the opener, 8-2, before ending the second game by run rule after five innings by a 17-0 score.
In Game 1, pitcher
Kate Cleveland (DePere, Wis./Ashwaubenon) allowed only one earned run in her complete-game win, scattering five hits over seven innings with three strikeouts to improve to 4-2 on the season.
UW-Whitewater broke a 2-2 tie with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a solo home run by centerfielder
Meghan Dunning (Plainfield, Ill./South) and a two-run single up the middle by shortstop
Sophia Kinjerski (Maribel, Wis./Denmark).
The Warhawks plated two more in the fifth on a run-scoring double to right center by Dunning and a Warrior error. Pinch hitter
Kendall Klatt (Kildeer, Ill./Mundelein) knocked a solo homer down the left field line with one out in the sixth to add to the lead.
Kinjerski finished 2-for-4 in the game with three runs batted in, and Dunning posted two hits, two runs scored and two RBIs. First baseman
Kaleigh O'Brien (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge) continued her success at the plate with two hits.
In the second game, UW-Whitewater totaled 12 hits and took advantage of four errors by Wisconisn Lutheran (6-8).
The Warhawks plated eight runs in the bottom of the second inning to break the game open, punctuated by a three-run homer to left center by Dunning. Right fielder
Taylor Briehl (Spring Green, Wis./River Valley) also homered for UW-W, sending a two-run shot out to left field in the third inning and finishing 2-for-2 with two runs scored and three RBIs.
Right fielder
Vera Pflugradt (Lake Zurich, Ill./Stevenson) posted two hits, two runs scored and one RBI, and Dunning collected two hits, two runs scored and three RBIs. Left fielder
Krista Sbarra (West Chicago, Ill./St. Charles East) registered one hit, one walk, two runs scored and one RBI.
Kathryn Kinsella (Chicago, Ill./Loyola Academy) tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits and a pair of walks while striking out three. She earned her first career win with the performance.
UW-Whitewater begins Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition April 8 at UW-Stevens Point. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2 p.m.
