Softball slips in shortened doubleheader at UW-Stout

MENOMONIE, Wis. -- On a wet and windy morning, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team fell, 5-3, in a rain-shortened contest to UW-Stout on Sunday. Due to the inclement weather, the first game was called after six innings and the second game was postponed.

As the grounds crew tried valiantly to keep the field in a playable condition, Stout jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning.

The Pioneers were given an extra out in the top of the fifth, and took full advantage of the opportunity. Senior Ellyn Goerdt tied the game, 2-2, with a two-out two-RBI triple. Stout then made a pitching change, and the fresh arm didn't affect sophomore Carley Rote, as she delivered a RBI single to give the Pioneers a 3-2 lead.

The Blue Devils answered with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the fifth. Stout drew three walks to open the frame A Pioneer miscue allowed Stout to tie the game, 3-3, and then with a wild pitch gave the Blue Devils the lead, 4-3. Stout added an insurance run off a sacrifice fly.

The Pioneers were put down in order in the sixth, and the umpires made the decision to call the game due to weather after six innings. Freshman Jess Butzen suffered the loss in the tough playing conditions and only allowed one earned run and five hits. Freshman Chelsey Walker recorded three of the Pioeners' five hits.

The Pioneers end the regular season with a 16-23 record and will next play in the WIAC Tournament, scheduled for May 2-4. A location and opponent will be determined in the next few days.