UW-Whitewater took advantage of an infield error to score two runs in the first inning, and then relied on standout reliever Brooke Hock to win the its opening game of the NCAA Division III softball regional tournament at Pella, Iowa on Thursday afternoon.
The Warhawks defeated Bethel (Minnesota) College 2-0 to move into the winner’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament.
The Warhawks (33-8) play host Central (Iowa) College (30-10) in a winner’s bracket game at 11 a.m. Friday. Central defeated UW-Superior 10-2 in its regional opener.
The Warhawks used nifty baserunning and a misplay by the Royals second baseman to take the early advantage they never relinquished.
Freshman Kaitlyn Weidemann walked to open the Warhawks’ first inning. Sophomore Bella Eggert then laid down a perfect bunt, which she beat out without a throw.
Weidemann advanced to third on a deep flyout to left. Eggert then stole second to put runners on second and third with one out. Bethel pitcher Kayla Simaceko then got a crucial strikeout for the second out.
Warhawks first baseman Taylor Koehler hit a hard grounder to second. The ball trickled behind the second baseman, who had to retreat a few steps to retrieve it. By the time she turned back to first, Koehler was near the bag.
Weidemann scored easily. Eggert was just a few yards behind, and she avoided the diving tag attempt of the catcher and scored standing up.
Warhawks coach Brenda Volk, who coaches third, didn’t hesitate to send Eggert.
“There were two outs and the second baseman still hadn’t picked up the ball,” Volk said. “Eggert has good speed.”
That was all the Warhawks needed, thanks to Hock. The sophomore right-hander was called on with the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the fifth after three straight singles opened the inning.
A strikeout, short fly out and a ground out ended the threat. Hock retired the final nine batters she faced for the save.
“Our pitching and defense has been solid the last few games,” Volk said.
UW-WHITEWATER 2, BETHEL COLLEGE 0
Bethel College 000 000 0—0 6 1
UW-Whitewater 200 000 x—2 6 1
Leading hitters—Eggert (W) 2x3, 2B—Kostroski (W).
Pitching (ip-h-r-er-bb-k)—BC: Simaceko L, 6-6-2-0-2-11. W: Anderson W, 4-5-0-0-0-2; Dick, 0-1-0-0-0-0; Hock S, 3-0-0-0-0-2.
NCAA DIVISION III REGIONAL
At Pella, Iowa
(Double elimination)
RESULTS THURSDAY
Game 1—Central (Iowa) College 10, UW-Superior 2.
Game 2—UW-Whitewater 2, Bethel (Minnesota) College 0.
GAMES FRIDAY
Game 3—Central vs. UW-Whitewater, 11 a.m.
Game 4—Bethel vs. UW-Superior, 1:30 p.m.
Game 5—Winner of Game 4 vs. Loser of Game 3, 4 p.m.
GAMES SATURDAY
Game 6—Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5, 11 a.m.
Game 7—if necessary.
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