Rote sisters, other key players return for 2016 season

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. —University of Wisconsin-Platteville head softball coach Lee Negrelli, who is in her fifth season of coaching the Pioneers, and the UW-Platteville softball team will return seven letter winners, including three starters, for the 2016 season.

Two of those players include sisters Carley Rote and Crystal Rote, Carley returning for her senior season with the Pioneers and Crystal coming back for her second season. Together, the Rote sisters combined for 39 runs, 63 hits and nine homeruns in the 2015 season.

Also returning for the Pioneers is All-WIAC honoree Jess Butzen, a Neenah, Wisconsin native coming back for her junior season as one of the top pitchers for the Pioneers. Last season, Butzen recorded 54 strikeouts in a total of 14 complete games pitched, averaging nearly four strikeouts per game.

Another key pitcher returning for the Pioneers is junior Jordan Schimke, a Lublin, Wis. native who played in only three complete games, but recorded one save and the lowest ERA of the UW-Platteville pitchers with 4.57.

Senior Sycamore, Illinois native Keri Treml will also play a big part in the Pioneers' success this season, returning as both a pitcher and utility player for her final season as a Pioneer. As a junior, Treml started in 12 games and recorded a 3-9 record, including one save and 17 strikeouts for the 2015 season.

The Pioneers will kick off their season at Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri on March 12 before heading to Clermont, Florida for the PFZ Spring Games March 19-23. When the Pioneers return home, they will go head-to-head with Loras College on Wednesday, March 30 at 3 p.m. in Dubuque, Iowa.

Written by: Carly Willman, University Information and Communications, 608.342.1194, willmanc@uwplatt.edu