Hoeppner throws Pioneers’ first no-hitter since 2008

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On a perfect afternoon for softball at Neumann Family Field, Pioneer freshmen Ashton Hoeppner put herself in the UW-Platteville record book by becoming the eighth pitcher in program history to throw a no-hitter and the first since Maggie Mediicott in 2008.

Hoeppner (11-8) struck out eight Warriors while walking two in the Pioneers 11-0 five inning win over Wisconsin Lutheran. Along with being the first no-hitter for UW-Platteville in the last 11 seasons, it was the first no-no thrown in the WIAC this year.

In game two of the doubleheader four UW-Platteville pitchers combined to give up just two hits in a 7-3 Pioneers' victory. Kylie Ackerman threw three innings in her first start of the season, giving up two hits and striking out a pair. Michaela Ward, Kate Snook, and Abby Burns teamed up to throw hitless ball over the final four innings.

Offensively, after a slight rearranging of the batter order, the 3-4-5 hitters of Rachel Martin, Jessy Tanel, and Shannon Gaul combined to go 14-of-19 in the doubleheader with 13 runs batted in. Gaul and Cayleen Ryan each hit their second homerun of the season in game two.

The Pioneers continue their fight for a spot in the WIAC playoffs on Thursday as they travel to UW-La Crosse for a doubleheader with the Eagles. First pitch is 2 p.m. at North Campus Field.