Softball comes alive at the plate, taking Wisconsin-Platteville in both games

St. Louis- Fontbonne University softball took on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers at Westminster College after the home of the Griffins (ABC Field) was deemed unplayable.

Game 1

The first two and a half innings included 15 outs through 17 batters, with one walk and one hit by pitch from Fontbonne sophomore pitcher Madi Leonard. The Griffins opened up after Pioneer pitcher Keri Treml returned the favor, hitting Emily Smith who also stole second and walking Lindsay Schaefer. Sarah Cerutti reached on a fielder's choice, moving Smith to third. With two outs, Marissa Simon singled, scoring Smith, following by another single by Cassi Glixman, bringing Cerutti acrosse home plate. Jessie Pratt contributed with the third single of the game, scoring both C. Glixman and Simon as Fontbonne led 4-0 after three.

The Griffins scored on a single by Smith allowing Cara Hargate to advance home in the fourth. Pioneer Lisa Karau ripped a home run in the top of the sixth, but Fontbonne secured the final run in the bottom half of the inning when Caitlin Nappier singled to score Courtney Kraus. All runs were scored with two outs in each inning.

Leonard recorded the win in her five and two thirds innings of work with seven strikeouts and allowing only one hit (the homerun), taking her season record to 2-2. Fontbonne stole five bases in the 6-1 win. Treml recorded the Pioneers' first loss in their season opener.

Game 2

The second game held considerably more offensive excitement for fans as the Pioneers opened the first with a two-run home run and the Griffins answered with a run in the bottom of the first. Wisconsin-Platteville scored three more run in the top of the second followed by five Griffin points on the scoreboard for a Fontbonne 6-5 advantage. Another Pioneer home run and single gave the Pioneers a 7-6 lead but Fontbonne counter-acted in the same inning tying the game at seven. The Pioneers added one run in the top of the fourth and three in the top of the fifth for an 11-7 lead. Griffin bats opened up in the bottom of the fifth with seven hits, two walks and three stolen bases. C. Glixman hit a three-run home run, pulling Fontbonne within one, when Kraus scored on a double steal with Cerutti to tie the game once again. A Hargate single and Nappier double gave Fontbonne a 13-11 lead after five innings. But the Griffins weren't finished as Hargate homered in the sixth for two RBI's, and the final score of 15-11.

Lindsay Shaeffer started the game, pitching three innings while giving up eight hits and seven runs. Kourtney Von Behren gave up six hits in her one and one third inning of work. Michelle Boyer relieved Von Behren, picking up her first collegiate win.

Cerutti hit two doubles with Hargate and Nappier contributing one double apiece. Nine stolen bases in all, with Cerutti stealing three of those.

The Griffins are off until their Spring Break trip in Florida next week. Please check the online schedule for specific days, times, and audio links.