Softball | April 20, 2015
DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - In the hunt for an Iowa Conference tournament bid, the Loras College Softball team travels to Waverly, Iowa on Tuesday for a critical Iowa Conference match up with the Knights before making a short trip to Platteville, Wisconsin to take on the University of Wisconsin - Platteville Pioneers on Wednesday.
KLEIN'S MASTERPIECE NOT ENOUGH TO OVERCOME STORM
Senior Holly Klein tossed six innings of two-run ball while striking out four and allowing four hits. Unfortunately for Klein and the Duhawks, Loras' offense pushed across one run, dropping game one 2-1. In game two, the Storm carried an early lead through til the end despite a valliant comeback effort by the Duhawks as Loras dropped game two, 5-3.
DUHAWKS BURNED BY MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Loras has had plenty of opportunities to knock in runs when it count but have not been able to get the job done, stranding 257 runners on base through 32 games, or eight per game.
WINTER RETURNS TO HER ALMA MATER
During her softball playing career with the Knights, she was a first team All-Iowa Conference selection in 2008 and a two-time second team pick as a first baseman. In her final season, Winter hit .400 and was in the top five in the IIAC in batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage, runs and homeruns. In addition to her time on the diamond, Winter was also a four-year member of the Knights volleyball team where she was a first team All-Iowa Conference selection each season from her middle hitter position. As a senior, Winter was the league MVP and first team All-American.
FACING OFF AGAINST THE KNIGHTS
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.
SENIOR DAY ON THE HORIZON
With the final game of the 2015 schedule set to take place on Saturday when the Duhawks host Coe, Loras will recognize the contributions of a special group of seniors. The senior trio of Kaite Serpico, Nora Zerante, and Holly Klein feature some of the top talent to play under head coach Ashley Winter. Most known for her bat, Serpico boasts a .369 career batting average with 12 home runs and 104 RBI to her credit. A balanced senior class, each player is best known for a diffrent facet of the game. Klein has made her career in the circle, where she has thrown 298.0 innings on her way to 17 wins and 19 complete games. Striking out 176 in 80 appearances, Klein owns a .399 career ERA. Rounding out the talented senior class is Zerante a strong backstop for the Duhawks over the course of her career. The offensive game of Zerante has played a significant role for the Duhawks this season. Posting career-highs in nearly every statistical category, Zerante ranks 35 nationally in walks per game (0.93).
VYING FOR A POST SEASON BERTH
With a pair of Iowa Conference doubleheaders on this week's slate, the Duhawks have a chance to make claim to one of the final spots in the Iowa Conference Tournament. Luther is the lone team to lock up a spot while Loras sits on the outside looking in at 3-7. With Wartburg three games behind them, and a few teams slightly ahead of them, this week's s match ups are must-wins in order for the Duhawks to return to the postseason. Missing the conference tournament a season ago, very few players on the 2015 squad have experienced playoff softball.
RIVALS COME TOGETHER TO STRIKEOUT CANCER
Loras and University of Dubuque joined forces last week, taking part in their fourth annual Strikeout Cancer game. Working together to raise awareness, the crosstown rivals raised over $1,600 to benefit the American Cancer Society.
