Pioneers vs. Augustana
March 26, 2009
Tera Burr is UW-Platteville's only senior softball player and has more career hits than the rest of her teammates combined, but instead of seeing the youth, the Pioneers' all-American sees the potential.
"Whenever I've played, I've never looked at age," said UWP's career leader in almost every offensive category. "We're all on the same team. We're teammates, and age has nothing to do with this game or the skill level. There's a bunch of talented girls out there, and this is a very skilled team. I'm very excited to be a part of it."
The young Pioneers opened the home season Thursday with 11-1 and 10-2 losses to a tough Augustana (Ill.) squad. UWP dropped to 2-8 on the year, while the Vikings improved to 13-3.
"It's always hard to lose at home," Burr said, "but it was the first time out, and I thought the girls communicated together. I think we'll do well. We're getting a feel for each other, and that's what it's all about right now. The team is bonding, and you can tell that on the field."
The Pioneers led both games after one inning. Burr tripled down int he first and scored on Jordan Johnon's sacrifice bunt. The Vikings, however, answered with three in the second and ended with 11 runs and 14 hits. Karlee Quaritsch smacked a two-run home run in the fifth for the Vikings.
Burr walked in the second game and scored after Augustana misplayed Megan Pozezinski's bunt attempt. Brittany Stezskal brought Pozezenski on another bunt attempt. Augustana, however, scored seven in the third inning, with Qauritsch hitting another home run.
Augustana's Erica Aten allowed just one hit in six innings, a third-inning Burr single.
The Pioneers are scheduled to play Beloit Saturday at noon, but the games may be moved to Friday night because of predicted inclement weather. The website will be updated Friday with any changes.
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