Pioneers split pair in season opener

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball team (1-1) opened the 2020 season with a 2-0 shutout over Nebraska Wesleyan (0-1) before dropping game two 5-0 to the University of Dubuque (1-1) in the Rochester Dome.

In game one's shutout against the Prairie Wolves, junior Ashton Hoeppner (1-0) sat down five and allowed just one hit and one walk over the seven innings. 

The Pioneers tallied 10 hits and just one error in the season opener with senior Rachel Bonnell going 3-for-3 at the plate with one RBI while sophomore Rachel Plautz and junior Abby Burns each recorded two hits.

Nebraska Wesleyan's Ashlee Mayorga ended Hoeppner's no-hitter in the top of the fifth inning with a single to shortstop. 

Kailey Meyer (0-1) took the loss for the Prairie Wolves and pitched six innings, allowed two runs on 10 hits and struck out seven.  

In game two, despite out-hitting Dubuque 10-6, the Pioneers could not overcome an early lead and 5-0 deficit. 

Designated player, sophomore Dallas Cavegn, went 2-for-2 at the plate in game two while Plautz was 2-for-4. 

Kaylin Featheringill led the Spartans to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second with a double to right field scoring two runs. Another run in the third and two in the bottom of the sixth put the Spartans in a comfortable 5-0 lead with one inning remaining.

Burns (0-1) took the loss for the Pioneers and pitched just more than three innings while  striking out four, walking one, and allowing four hits and three runs. 

Lexi Schmidt (1-0) pitched a complete game and struck out just one Pioneer, walked one, and allowed 10 hits. 

The Pioneers will wrap up their opening trip on Sunday, March 1 with games schedule for 10 a.m. and noon in the Rochester Dome.