Softball | April 17, 2015
DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - With the 2015 season winding down, the Loras College Softball team squares off against the Simspon College Storm on Saturday in Iowa Conference play. Currently sitting in a three-way tie for the final two spots in the conference tournament, Saturday afternoon's tilt will lend the upperhand to either the Duhawks or the Storm with the last week of conference play on the horizon. With each team sweeping their last opponent, the Duhawks look to knock off the Storm, building momentum for a strong finish to an exciting 2015 campaign.
DUHAWKS RETURN THE FAVOR, SWEEP EAGLES
Being swept by Edgewood at the Tuscon Invitational Games left a sour taste in the Duhawks' mouths. Loras entered Tuesday's rematch with a chip on their shoulders, and used the extra motivation to push them to a sweep of Edgewood on their home field. Loras scored in the opening frame of both games and added insurance runs late to take the games 5-1 and 3-2. With senior Holly Klein and junior Makaila Haase dealing on the mound, the Eagles' bats had difficulty stringing together hits. Senior Katie Serpico shined in the batter's box, carrying much of Loras' offensive load.
STROMERT RECEIVES PAIR OF ACCOLADES
A position change that made her the leader of the outfield and hitting leadoff for the Duhawks this season has helped boost the play of sophomore Danielle Stromert this season. A phenomenal freshman campaign, Stromert has shown significant strides this season. Reaching base safely in 30 consecutive games, Stromert has shown patience in the batter's box and willingness to do whatever the team needs. With three home runs on the season, two of which came this past weekend, Stromert has bolstered her game with a powerful bat. Leading the Duhawks to a split last weekend, Stromert garnered Iowa Conference Softball Postion Player of the Week Special Mention and Loras College Champpion of the Week Honors.
CRUNCH TIME IN IOWA CONFERENCE PLAY
As the 2015 season continues, the Duhawks have three Iowa Conference series left on the slate. Saturday against Simpson is followed by a midweek battle with the Wartburg Knights before closing out the conference slate at Faber-Clark Field against Coe. Heading into the home stretch, the Duhawks sit at 3-5 in conference play, tied with Simpson and Coe. Currently on the outside looking in, the next three series have an added importance in terms of Loras' postseason goals.
PITCHING POSTS IMPRESSIVE OUTINGS IN WISCONSIN
Senior Holly Klein and junior Makaila Haase shined in Loras' sweep of Edgewood on Tuesday. Surrendering just three runs over 14 innings of work, the tandem combined for 11 strikeouts. WIth a plethora of pitches working for the veteran arms, senior catch Nora Zerante had a full selection to choose from as Loras' pitching kept the Eagles' batters off-balance. A team that scored 21 runs in two games against the Duhawks a month ago, was held at bay behind the duos stellar outings in the circle.
ZERANTE GETTING THE JOB DONE, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY
Coming into the 2015 season, there was little doubt that senior Nora Zerante would be a standout backstop for the Duhawks' pitching staff. The Chicago Heights, Illinois native, lived up to the expectations this season, adding a pair of dimensions to her game. Displayed in the Duhawks' wins over Edgewood, Zerante threw out a pair of runners to help Loras get out of jams. More impressive however, is Zerante's improvements in the batter's box. Boasting a career-best .500 on-base percentage, Zerante ranks ninth in the conference.
FOUR GAME ROADTRIP CONTINUES IN INDIANOLA
Tuesday's bout with the Eagles opened a four-game roadtrip for the Duhawks. Loras continues their time away from Faber-Clark on Saturday in Indianola, Iowa before taking on Wartburg in Waverly, Iowa on Tuesday and UW-Platteville on Wednesday.
