Softball picks up first win at NTC Spring Games

CLERMONT, Fla. - After going winless over their first four games at the NTC Spring Games, the Concordia University Wisconsin softball team split a pair of games on Monday morning, losing 4-2 against Frostburg State University (Md.) before earning a 10-6 victory over Williams College (Mass.).

The win against Williams was the Falcons' first victory in six games in the Sunshine State, and head coach Steve Crook hopes it serves as a springboard for the rest of the week.

"The team has been pressing, but after converting on a few key bunts and hits, they relaxed," Crook said. "We have a well-balanced team and hopefully this win will help their confidence at the plate."

Against Williams, the Falcons (3-7) produced an offensive outburst that sparked a four-run third inning and a three-run fifth.

The Ephs had a rally going in the seventh inning, but senior Danielle Burke (Burlington, Wis.) came on in relief to slam the door with the help of a pair of strikeouts.

At the plate, junior Cara Landherr (Waukesha, Wis.) went 3-for-4 with a double, while freshman Jessica Liszka (Lindenhurst, Ill.) and junior Abbie Goetsch (Grayslake, Ill.) each chipped in with a trio of RBIs. Senior Sarah Cochran (Bloomington, Ill.) also had a strong game, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

"Jessie (Liszka) and Sarah Cochran have had consistently good at-bats and are really leading our offense," Crook said. "Chelsie Strosina (Senior/Burlington, Wis.) has been very solid at catcher as well."

In the day's first game against Frostburg State, CUW (3-7) found themselves down 4-0 heading into their final at bat after the Bobcats scored three runs in the sixth inning.

The Falcons didn't go away quietly, however, scoring two runs in the seventh before stranding the bases loaded.

Liszka went 2-for-4 at the plate, and was at the heart of the Falcons' comeback attempt in the seventh inning with an RBI double along with a run scored.

Burke started on the mound for CUW, giving up four runs (three of them earned) on four hits while striking out three.

The Falcons will have off on Tuesday, but will be back on the diamond Wednesday, when they'll take on Kean University (N.J.) at 1 p.m. before facing Western New England University (Mass.) at 3 p.m.