Softball splits spring break finale

CLERMONT, Fla. – The CUW softball team closed the book on spring break on Thursday with a split to finish the trip with a winning record at 5-4. The Falcons are now 5-6 on the season after a 4-3 victory over Grinnell and a 2-3 loss to Ramapo.

"We played quality opponents and feel good about our progress," said head coach Steve Crook. "Being in close games allow us work through critical situations and I thought that our players improved every day. Our trip has definitely helped us prepare as we transition into the NACC schedule.

Senior Becky Bonnin (Kenosha, Wis.) started the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second inning that scored freshman Krystal Cortes (Aurora, Ill.).

In the third inning, senior Maddie Zazas (Mundelein, Ill.) doubled into the gap in right-center field to score junior Samantha Schloegl (Genoa City, Wis.).

The CUW defense stood firm with a Pioneer on third base in the third and fourth innings and kept them from scoring.

The fifth inning saw the Falcons score two more runs on back-to-back homeruns from Maddie Zazas and sophomore Jenna Pozezinski (Lake Villa, Ill.).

Grinnell landed on the scoreboard with a three-run home run by 2018 All-American Darice Wheeler.

Freshman Gina Followell (Romeoville, Ill.) finished with a career-high nine strikeouts in the victory.

Junior Molly O'Connell (New London, Wis.) led the flock with three hits in game one.

The Blue and White wasted no time scoring in game two with a run in the top of the first inning.

Jenna Pozezinski singled up the middle of the infield to score Samantha Schloegl.

Ramapo responded with a run in the bottom of the first inning.

Freshman Taylor Kuske (Kaukana, Wis.) scored on a double steal in the third inning.

Ramapo would take the game with a run in the third and fifth inning.

Freshman Nicki Becker (Brodhead, Wis.) had four strikeouts in the circle.

The Falcons will fly back to Wisconsin and play Ripon on Wednesday in the new Catalyst Park.