The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team closed out a run of eight straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference games Tuesday with two wins against UW-Stevens Point in a doubleheader at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
The Warhawks (12-12 overall, 5-5 WIAC) took the opener by an 8-0 score in five innings before capping the day with a 7-3 triumph in Game 2.
In the first game, UW-Whitewater tallied six runs in the bottom of the third inning, highlighted by five runs after there were two outs in the frame, to break the game open.
Left fielder
Krista Sbarra (West Chicago, Ill./St. Charles East) started the scoring with an RBI groundout to second base. With two outs, shortstop
Meghan Dunning (Plainfield, Ill./South) singled to score one run. Following back-to-back walks, second baseman
Delaney Becker (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) knocked a two-run single and catcher
Kennedy Cox (Janesville, Wis./Craig) smacked a two-run double to increase the UW-W lead to six.
Pitcher
Mallory Hollatz (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) stranded the bases loaded in the top of the fourth. After a pair of 1-2-3 innings, the Warhawks touched home plate twice in the bottom of the fifth to end the contest. Becker posted another run-scoring hit and first baseman
Kendall Pliner (Mayville, Wis./Mayville) smashed a base hit through the left side to plate the game's final run.
Becker finished with two hits, one run scored and three RBIs. Dunning and third baseman
Brooke Mangler (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) each collected one hit and scored two runs.
Hollatz (5-6) recorded her first shutout of the season, surrendering three hits and three walks over five innings.
In the nightcap, UW-Whitewater broke a 2-2 tie with three runs in the bottom of the third inning and never relinquished the lead.
The Pointers (15-11, 0-4) loaded the bases with one out in the top of the seventh with one run already in. With the tying run at the plate, pitcher
Kate Cleveland (DePere, Wis./Ashwaubenon) registered a strikeout and fielder's choice to get out of the jam and preserve the win.
Rhiann Dick (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) improved to 3-3 on the year by tossing 4 1/3 innings and striking out six. Cleveland earned her first save of the season, striking out three over 2 2/3 frames.
Sbarra totaled three hits and three runs scored, while designated player
Sydney Anderson (Delavan, Wis./Delavan-Darien) generated three hits and three RBIs. Dunning contributed two doubles, one walk, one run scored and one RBI and Mangler finished with one hit, one walk, two runs scored and one RBI.
Pliner reached base three times with one hit and two walks and Cox hit a sacrifice fly to bring home one run.
The Warhawks conclude their 10-game home stand Thursday with a non-conference doubleheader against Carthage. First pitch of Game 1 is slated for 2:30 p.m. at van Steenderen Softball Complex.
