Around the Bases: Softball set for home opener Saturday
MEQUON, Wis. – After playing its first 14 games at neutral sites, including the last 10 on a spring trip to Florida, the Concordia University Wisconsin Softball team is set for its 2017 home opener Saturday. The Falcons will host Northland College and UW-Platteville at the CUW Softball Field.
THE BASICS
- Who: Concordia Wisconsin (9-5); Northland (0-14); UW-Platteville (2-10)
- When: Saturday, March 25, 2017 – 10 a.m. (Northland) and 2 p.m. (UWP); Note: Northland and UWP will play at noon.
- Where: CUW Softball Field
LIVE COVERAGE
- Every home softball game will feature live stats. New this year, live video will be available for home games, weather permitting. If there is a strong chance of rain or other weather issues, CUWFalcons.com may pull to broadcast to protect streaming equipment. Live links can be found on the CUW Softball Schedule.
DIGITAL GAME PROGRAM
- A digital game program can be found here. Limited printed programs (one-page front-and-back) will be available at the field. In addition, fans can download the digital game program at cuwfalcons.com/programs.
ABOUT THE TEAMS
- CUW: The Falcons are off to a solid start this season, posting a 9-5 record in 14 neutral site games. Junior Emily Brekke (1.78 ERA) has pitched well thus far with four wins and three saves. Senior Lexi Holsten has paced the offense with a .425 average and 13 runs scored.
- Northland: Northland has struggled this season, falling in its first 14 games. One of those came against the Falcons, as the two met on February 25, a 13-1 contest. The LumberJills are scheduled to play Friday in a twinbill at MSOE.
- UW-Platteville: UW-Platteville owns a 2-10 record this season with wins over Augsburg and MacMurray. The Pioneers and Northland will also meet Saturday, playing a noon contest. Senior Thianna Wagner leads UWP with a .360 average and 11 RBI.
AROUND THE BASES
1) The Falcons have played well in their home openers, sweeping doubleheaders in each of the past three seasons. Over the past two years, CUW is an impressive 24-4 in games play on their home field.
2) CUW has featured a balanced lineup this season with three players having already scored 10 or more runs. In addition, the Falcons have nine players who have touched home six times or more.
3) Brekke has been a workhorse in the circle for the Falcons this season. She has thrown 59 out of a possible 91 innings and has started eight games.
4) Usually, the leadoff batter is known as a table setter and perhaps not as someone who drives in a lot of runs. Maddie Zazas has the ability to do both as she has scored nine runs this season but leads the team with 16 RBI. Zazas has four extra-base hits and has stolen five bases.
