No. 18 Titans Softball to Host Blugolds on Friday
OSHKOSH, Wis.—The nationally ranked UW-Oshkosh Titans softball program will open up WIAC play at home on April 14 as they host the Blugolds of UW-Eau Claire. The Titans (23-1, 2-0 WIAC) and Blugolds (10-10, 1-1 WIAC) are set for first pitch at 2 p.m.
This game was originally scheduled for April 15 but was moved forward due to anticipated poor weather conditions.
Both the Titans and Blugolds opened league play on the road. The Titans swept UW-La Crosse for the first time since 2017 and 2018 seasons. The Blugolds opened WIAC play against UW-Stout on April 11, splitting the series with them.
Titan Notes
The Titans moved up the National Fastpitch Coaching Associations top-25 poll, landing at No. 18.
The Titans recorded their ninth shutout of the season, with the sweep of Ripon College on April 11. The Titans have previously recorded nine or more shutouts since the 2001 season eight other times (9-2015, 2021, 2022; 10-2005 and 2017; 12-2008; 13-2006; 16-2007).
In the NCAA ranking summary, last updated on April 11, the Titans lead the nation in ERA (0.70) and win-loss percentage (95.8%).
The Titans lead the WIAC in batting average (.338), fielding percentage (.979), hits (228), walks (81), triples (10), on-base percentage (.411), shutouts (9), and lowest opponent batting average (.177).
The Titans have four individuals in the top-10 for batting averages, led by Hannah Ritter (.487). Sydney Rau (.480), Brianna Davis (.460), and Gabby Buikema (.429) are in the top-10 as Ritter is second in the conference for hits (38). Sophie Wery leads the conference in RBIs with 27 this season. Morgan Rau and Buikema are first and second to lead the conference in walks (18 and 16) while Abby Garceau is second for at bats (80).
Maddie Fink is second in the conference with an ERA of 0.51 while Sydney Nemetz sits at No. 3 with an ERA of 0.69. Nemetz leads the conference with 11 wins as Finks leads with 10 complete games and four shutouts.
Blugolds Notes
The Blugolds are currently on a three-game winning streak and hold a batting average of .314 this season. The Blugolds have an on-base percentage of .375 and 113 RBIs, good for third in the conference. Eau Claire leads the WIAC in stolen bases with 64.
Leading the Blugolds, Chloe Garofalo has recorded a batting average of .481 and 37 hits this season. Madi Zerr has a batting average of .432 and leads the team in RBIs (25).
In the pitchers' circle, the Blugolds have a team ERA of 4.48. Lauren Gamme leads the team with an ERA of 2.88 and is joined by Schultz with an ERA of 4.30.