DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - After fininshing opening weekend with a sweep of Crown, the Loras College Softball team travels to Tuscon, Arizona. Taking part in the Tuscon Invitational Games, the Duhawks will play games against Baldwin Wallace, Staten Island, Cedar Crest, Edgewood, Marian, and Alfred.
STROMERT NAMED CHAMPPION OF THE WEEK ...
A stellar opening weekend earned sophomore center fielder Dani Stromert Champpion of the Week honors, presented by Champp's. Through four games, Stromert leads the Duhawks in batting average (.444), on base percentage (.667), runs scored (4), and doubles (2). Her impressive opening weekend in the batter's box was equally matched with her play in center field. Making her debut in center, Stromert gunned out two runners at home with perfect throws to the plate.
LEADOFF HITTING, CLUTCH FOR DUHAWKS ...
The leadoff hitter reached base successfully 9-of-17 times for the Duhawks on opening weekend, good enough for a .529 on base percentage. Led by the patience and poise at the plate of sophomore Dani Stromert's .667 on base percentage and .444 batting average, both team-highs.
FOUR DAYS, EIGHT GAMES ...
Getting in as many games as possible, the Duhawks are set to play eight games in four days while in Arizona. With as many as three games in one day, Loras will be tested. Stiff competition and a full slate will test the Duhawks depth and versatility.
DUHAWKS LEVEL THROUGH OPENING WEEKEND ...
It was clear that the young Duhawk squad was nervous in their season opening double header against St. Kate's. Falling a tight 1-0 contest to open the season, the Duhawks valiant comeback effort fell short in game two, 6-5. A new start on Saturday found an experienced squad, even if just two games under their belts, with patience and better pitch selection. After striking out 16 times on Friday, the Duhawks only tallied one strikeout on Saturday on their way to two impressive wins over Crown. Senior Holly Klein and junior Makaila Haase earned the wins on the mound.
PITCHING SHINES ON SATURDAY ...
Senior Holly Klein, junior Makaila Haase, sophomore Erin Hosch, and freshmen Sarah Benavides and Emma Corkill all got time in the circle this past weekends. Klein started two games, striking out eight while allowing just two (unearned) runs. Haase bounced back from a rough outting to pitching six innings of one-run ball on the way to her first win of the season. Hosch and Benavides each showed promise, entering the game in relief. Making her Duhawk debut on Saturday, Corkill fanned four, while giving up just one hit in two inning of work. All in all, the pitching staff looks to be on the right track.
NEW FACES ON THE COACHING STAFF ...
Since the end of the 2014 season, the Duhawks have added a pair of experienced coaches. Overseeing the pitchers and catchers is Kevin Schuchmann, a softball pitching clinician since 1996. Schuchmann brings a new perspective with an analytic mind that has really challenged the Duhawks pitching staff this offseason. His ability to work one-on-one with both pitchers and catchers has bee a great addition to the staff. Joining Schuchmann and the rest of Winter's coaching staff is Lynn Heitkamp. After working in the high school ranks, Heitkamp joins the staff to work with slap hitters and outfielders. Collectively, a refreshed coaching staff with different perspectives is primed for the 2015 season.
DUHAWKS PICKED SEVENTH IN IOWA CONFERENCE ...
After finishing on the outside looking in at the end of the 2014 season, the Duhawks were tabbed to finish seventh in the Iowa Conference, just short of qualifying for the conference tournament. With a talented incoming class that features freshmen Miranda Chapman and Bria Lenten joining the expereinced veterans, the Duhawks have the team to make a charge into Iowa Conference postseason play.
CRYSTAL CLEAR HIGH-DEFINITION ...
For the fans that are unable to attend home games, they'll be treated to a first-class ticket to the first high-definition online stream produced by Loras College Athletics. During the offseason, thanks largely in part to an anonymous donation, the Loras College Athletic Communications Department upgraded its hardware and technology and will now provide high-definition broadcasts of its home contests all season long. To watch, simply go to: www.duhawks.com/live
FOLLOW @LORASSOFTBALL THIS SEASON ...
Keep track of the Duhawks 2015 season by following them on Twitter (@LorasSoftball and @LorasAthletics). Be sure to follow the Duhawks over the course of the season and keep up to date on everything Loras Softball.
