Titans Continue Softball Season In Florida
UW-Oshkosh faces a pair of nationally ranked softball teams during its 10-game trip from March 23-28 in Clermont, Fla.
The Titans (4-0) open play on Sunday against Hamilton College (N.Y.) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hamilton's lineup features Olivia Gozdz, who hit .472 last season. MIT compiled a 19-14 record a year ago.
Seventh-ranked Luther College (Iowa) meets UW-Oshkosh on March 24. The Norse went 33-11 last season while reaching the NCAA Division III World Series. Luther has a 7-1 record so far in 2014.
Another challenge awaits on March 25, when the Titans meet Wellesley College (Mass.). The Blue posted a 22-14 record last year and return all-conference batters Carly Bresee, Abby Casey and Jayne Ellis.
During its second contest on March 27, UW-Oshkosh meets 13th-ranked University of St. Thomas (Minn.). The Tommies are 3-1 this season after going 41-7 in 2013. Last year, Emily Gregory and Jenna Hoffman each hit 12 home runs. Kendra Bowe received MIAC Pitcher of the Year after totaling a 19-4 record, 1.48 ERA and 100 strikeouts.
The Titans wrap up their southern schedule against Concordia University (Mich.) and the University of Chicago (Ill.) on March 28. Concordia owns a 9-5 record this season.
Lindsey Luedke was named Tournament MVP during UW-Oshkosh's four victories on March 1-2 in Marquette, Mich. Luedke batted .538 with three homers and eight RBI. Haley Bayreuther also hit .636, while Tess Fadness and Katie Koepsel each drove in seven runs.
Senior pitcher Jill Vondrak holds a 2-0 record and 2.33 ERA in three appearances. Freshman Sara Brunlieb has also won her two decisions, marking a 1.27 ERA with five strikeouts.
By Jon Feyen