Koepsel Collects Three Homers In Titan Sweep

Katie Koepsel (So. • Oak Creek) smashed three home runs as UW-Oshkosh took both games of a doubleheader with UW-Superior on Monday (April 15) in Platteville.

In the opener, Koepsel launched a game-tying homer and a grand slam for the lead to win, 9-5. The Titans (15-5/2-0 WIAC) then used Koepsel's three-run shot in the second inning to take the rain-shortened second contest, 6-3.

UW-Superior (9-16/0-8 WIAC) obtained RBI doubles from Whitney Brugman and Ashley Martin to take a 3-1 lead in game one.

UW-Oshkosh entered the day with seven home runs this season, but the Titans connected for six more today. Kaelyn Hogan (Sr. • Greendale) and Emily Mallek (So. • Plover) each hit one to left field to keep the score close.

The Yellowjackets responded with some power of their own in the fifth frame. Brugman and Elle Niemela belted solo shots to go ahead, 5-2.

The contests were played on a turf football field because of wet conditions throughout Wisconsin. With home plate in the corner of the end zone and a temporary fence set up 70 yards away, the Titans tested their new dimensions. Koepsel's first long ball was to straightaway centerfield and tied the score at 5.

During the sixth, UW-Oshkosh followed Hogan's hustling double with a walk and infield single. Koepsel then found the sweet spot and delivered her grand slam over the fence, over the sideline and halfway up the bleachers on the hill.

Courtney Wautier (Sr. • Brussels) allowed three earned runs over seven innings for her 10th victory of the year. Amanda Le Bard gave up the final four runs in 1.1 innings, after Nicolle Gross went 4.2 frames with five runs allowed.

Jill Vondrak (Jr. • Westchester, Ill.) went the distance – five innings – as the Titans ended the nightcap with help from a steady downpour. She allowed three earned runs on six hits.

The Titans came from behind again, utilizing their powerful middle of the lineup. Tess Fadness (Jr. • Eau Claire) ripped a run-scoring single in the first and a solo homer in the second. Koepsel's second-inning homer gave her three round-trippers in four at-bats. It also provided UW-Oshkosh with a 4-1 lead.

Sally Linzmeier posted a RBI single in the fourth, but Vondrak held the Yellowjackets in check the rest of the way.

Le Bard started and took the defeat with four ER in 1.2 frames. Gross then pitched 2.1 innings and allowed one run.

UW-Oshkosh hosts UW-Whitewater (20-1) tomorrow at YP.com Park for its home opener.

By Jon Feyen