DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - Mother nature postponed the start of week four for the Loras College Softball team, giving them a week to prepare for games against Rober Morris University - Springfield and MacMurray. The weekend of non-conference play will give the Duhawks the opportunity to fine tune a few things before opening Iowa Conference play against Luther College on Tuesday.
HOSCH STEPS UP ON THE MOUND ...
Finishing her freshman season with a 1-1 record, sophomore Erin Hosch took to the mound on Saturday and earned both wins against St. Olaf. Coming on in relief, Hosch kept the bats of the Oles in check giving her team the opportunity to battle back for the wins.
DUHAWKS BLAST FOUR DINGERS ON THE WEEKEND ...
Freshmen Miranda Chapman and Regan Wolverton smashed the first homeruns of their career over the weekend while junior Makaila Haase and senior Katie Serpico also registered dingers on the weekend.
BATS POWER PAST ST. OLAF ...
In the final three innings of play on Saturday, the Duhawks outscored the Oles 23-3 on their way to come-from-behind wins to earn the sweep.
BUILDING MOMENTUM BEFORE CONFERENCE OPENER ...
With doubleheaders against Robert Morris - Springfield and MacMurray the Duhawks will look to build momentum for the Iowa Conference season. The trio of opponents will give Loras the opportunity to fine tune before facing off against conference foe Luther on March 31.
ANGELINI, SCHROEDER EXCEL IN PINCH HITTING ROLES ...
With the Duhawks rallying, sophomore Kat Angelini and junior Emily Schroeder found themselves at the plate with opportunities to notch RBI's. Angelini's first at bat of the weekend came in game one against the Oles. After driving in one in her first at bat, Angelini singled down the right field line for two more RBI's. In the first at bat of her career, Schroeder laced a shot to left field for an RBI-single. Combining to go 4-of-5 on the weekend, Angelini and Schroeder drove in six runs.
STARTING WHERE IT ALL BEGIN ...
Freshman Miranda Chapman earned her first start of the season on the field she played on in high school. The Mount Vernon, Iowa product made her first career start against the Cornell Rams on Friday, blasting her first home run in game two of the doubleheader.
KEYS TO VICTORIES ...
Sitting at 7-9 at the start of week four, certain aspects of the game have proved pivotal in the Duhawks' wins. It sounds trivial but, the number of runs the Duhawks score has been a true-tale sign of their fate through 16 games. All nine of Loras' losses have come when they have scored five or less runs. Additionally, the Duhawks have struggled to win tight contests, losing five games that are decided by two runs or less. Meanwhile, when outhitting an opponent, the Duhawks are an unblemished 6-0 on the season.
TWEAKS IN STARTING LINEUP ...
Over the weekend, head coach Ashley Winter elected to make some changes within her lineup. While sophomore Danielle Stromert seems to be a lock at the top slot in the order, most spots have yet to be claimed. On Saturday, Winter moved freshmen Miranda Chapman and Bria Lenten to different postions, anchoring the middle infield with the young arms. Chapman moved from third to shortstop, while Lenten hopped over to second base, leaving sophomore Cate Paulsen at third. The move showcases the depth and versatility of this year's roster, something Winter and her staff are thrilled about. Time will tell what works for the long term, but one things is for sure - the non-conference season is the time to make the tweaks and try different lineups. With a grueling Iowa Conference schedule, featuring three national ranked opponents, on the horizon, the Duhawks will need consistency going forward.
