University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Loyola
Panthers Split Doubleheader With Ramblers
5/3/2014 1:00:00 AM | Softball
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa softball team split a pair of games with the Loyola University Ramblers this afternoon at Robinson-Dresser Field.
UNI (27-19 overall, 13-12 MVC) plated two runs late in game one but fell to the Ramblers (22-28 overall, 11-13 MVC), 5-2. The Panthers bounced back in game two picking up a 4-2 victory.
UNI was able to collect six hits in game one putting runners in scoring position on five separate occasions. It wasn't until the seventh inning that UNI was able to generate a run. Down to its final out, Julia Hunter took the plate and reached base on a fielding error. Caitlin Wnek followed with a two-run homer to right, her sixth on the season, to narrow the deficit to 5-2. The home run also tied the Panthers single-season record for home runs by a team at 52, a mark that was set in 2009.
Jamie Fisher started the game in the circle and was charged with the loss. Fisher (16-13) tossed six innings where she faced 30 batters and allowed five runs on three hits.
The bats came to life early in game two for the Panthers plating a pair of runs in second inning. Micalla Rettinger sparked the offense by stepping into a pitch making her way to first base. Kristin Lock followed up with a single down the left field line to put Rettinger in scoring position. A single to the left side from Julia Hunter allowed Rettinger and Lock to score giving UNI a 2-0 advantage.
The Ramblers evened the score in the top of the fourth but the Panthers were quick answer back in the bottom of the frame. Hunter again got the bats going by working the count for a walk. Back-to-back defensive errors from the Ramblers allowed Caitlin Wnek and GIna Brown to reach base safely while Hunter scored. A single from Rikki Alcaraz allowed Caitlin Wnek to score extending the Panther lead, 4-2.
Chelsea Ross started the contest and picked up her 11th win on the season. Ross (11-6) went the distance tossing a complete game where she allowed two runs on five hits and fanned nine opponents.
The Panthers will take the field again tomorrow afternoon at 12 p.m. for game three against the Ramblers.
The 2014 senior class will be recognized after the game for all of the hard work and dedication they have contributed to the UNI softball program throughout their careers at UNI.
