Softball split on final day of Florida trip

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team was shutout by UW-Superior, 4-0, and then walloped Clarkson, 13-0, in five innings on Friday at the Cape Coral, Fla. Sports Complex.

The speedy Yellowjackets used two RBI bunt singles in the bottom of the second to take a 2-0 lead. Superior then added another run in the third and fifth innings, 4-0.

The Pioneers out hit the Yellowjackets seven to four and couldn't seem to push a runner across home plate after leaving nine on base.

Sophomore Cassie Roach suffered the loss while only giving up four hits in six innings of work.

Junior MJ Patten led the Pioneers with two hits and a walk.

In the Pioneers' final game in Florida, UW-Platteville started the game by batting through the order, putting up seven runs. Sophomore Rachael Strong highlighted the inning with a two-RBI single.

The Pioneers then used four hits in the second inning to extend their lead to 11-0.

UW-Platteville capped off the game with two more runs in the fifth frame.

Freshman Jess Butzen threw a complete game shutout and only allowed one hit while striking out six.

Patten went 4-for-4, while junior Haley Salazar and senior Ellyn Goerdt each tallied three hits.

The Pioneers open their home schedule on Thursday, March 27 against Clarke. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3 p.m.