Rote leads the Pioneers sweeping 25th-ranked UW-River Falls

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Freshman Carley Rote used two game-winning hits to lead the University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team over 25^th-ranked UW-River Falls sweep in its opening conference doubleheader, 3-2 (8 innings) and 3-0 on Saturday at Pioneer Stadium.

Rote recorded the walk-off hit in game one and then blasted a two-run home run in the first inning which proved to be enough in the night cap.

GAME ONE: UW-Platteville 3, UW-River Falls 2, 8 innings

River Falls broke the scoreless game in the top of the fifth inning on a two-run home run. Colleen Lowe led the Pioneers half of the inning with a single up the middle and was pinch ran by Lisa Karau who scored a batter later on a wild pitch, 2-1.

Colleen Lowe came through in the bottom of the seventh with a leadoff triple to right field and scored a batter later on a ground out tying the game up at 2-2.

The Pioneers didn't waste any time when they got their chance in the eighth inning. Becca Lowe led the frame off with a single and advanced to second on a throwing error by the shortstop. A sacrifice bunt put Becca Lowe on third and with the Pioneers with their final chance Rote drilled a walk-off hit through the left side.

Jeni Freiburger scattered nine hits and only allowed two runs in her eight-inning complete-game victory.

GAME TWO: UW-Platteville 3, UW-River Falls 0

The Pioneers used their momentum from game one to put themselves on top of the Falcons in the first inning. Rote blasted her second career home run giving UW-Platteville a 2-0 lead.

Molly Rice led the third inning with a single and scored a batter later on a RBI double by Ashlen Folkers, 3-0.

Senior Melissa Anderson gave up two of the Falcons' three hits in the fourth inning and would get out of the inning unscathed.  Anderson finished the complete-game shutout with seven strikeouts.

The Pioneers return to action on Sunday at Pioneer Stadium with a doubleheader against UW-Stout starting at 3 p.m.