Titans Thrash Pioneers, Lions In Season Opener

UW-Oshkosh totaled 27 hits during softball victories over Carroll University and Finlandia University (Mich.) on Saturday (March 1) in Marquette, Mich.

The Titans (2-0) opened their season by posting a .500 batting average in each contest. Haley Bayreuther finished the day 4-for-4, while Tess Fadness went 5-for-6 with four runs batted in.

In the 10-2 win over Carroll, UW-Oshkosh took control with five runs during the fourth inning. The frame was highlighted by a three-run homer from Fadness.

Lindsey Luedke smacked a two-run blast in the third inning. Then in the sixth, she hit another two-run shot – a frozen rope over the left-field wall – to take a 10-2 lead.

Jill Vondrak earned the pitching win after tossing four innings with one earned run and four strikeouts. Natalie Ruechel surrendered 10 runs over 5.1 frames for the defeat.

The 8-0 triumph over Finlandia began with four straight singles by the Titans. Kassie Krueger's RBI grounder through the left side made it a 3-0 score in the first.

UW-Oshkosh tacked on five more runs during the third inning. Krueger and Emily Mallek got on base with singles. Maggie Balke then drove home one with a bunt single. After two outs, Bayreuther ripped a three-run homer to left-center for the first round-tripper of her career.

Making her collegiate debut, Sara Brunlieb took the win with four shutout innings. She allowed just two hits while striking out three.

During the third inning, UW-Oshkosh preserved its shutout with a wild play. Hayden Krueger made a diving catch on a line drive in centerfield. She then fired a high throw over the third baseman's head. Kassie Krueger retrieved the ball and gunned down the runner at home for a double play.

Finlandia's loss went to Alyssa Herman, who allowed eight runs in 2.2 innings.

The Titans face Simpson College (Iowa) and Lakeland College in the Superior Dome on Sunday (March 2).

By Jon Feyen