Pioneer softballers shutout, but split against Duhawks

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team defeated the Loras College Duhawks 9-0 in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday, and fell 12-7 in the second game of the match-up to host Loras in Dubuque, Iowa.

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Pioneer softballers shutout, but split against Duhawks
March 30, 2016

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team defeated the Loras College Duhawks 9-0 in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday, and fell 12-7 in the second game of the match-up to host Loras in Dubuque, Iowa.

Junior pitcher Jess Butzen earned the shutout win in the first game, holding Loras to just three hits the entire game with a strong Pioneer defense behind her.

The Pioneers started the game strong, logging six of their nine runs in the first inning alone off a handful of Pioneer singles and a big three-run double by senior Keeley Schultz at the end of the inning.

After scoring three more runs in the top of the fifth, the game was called after five innings, the Pioneers earning the undeniable win.

With the game tied 5-5 after two innings in the second game, the Pioneers responded in the top of the fourth with a sophomore Brooke Posey two-run homer to right center field to bring the score to 7-5 after four innings.

The Duhawks flew ahead in the bottom of the fifth off a grand slam to center field. After three more RBIs by Loras in the fifth and sixth innings, the Pioneers couldn't quite close the gap, and fell 12-7.

The Pioneers return to doubleheader action for the first home game of the season on Thursday, March 31 against University of Dubuque at 3 and 5 p.m.

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