SCOUTING THE PIONEERS    
UW-Platteville opened its season in a similar fashion to Loras, playing a series of 10 contests at the PFX Spring Games in Clermont, Fla. The Pioneers went 0-10 on the week, and they have yet to collect a win this season. Key returners for UW-Platteville this season include the sister duo of senior Carley Rote and sophomore Crystal Rote. Last season, they combined for 39 runs, 63 hits and nine homeruns. The Pioneers also return an All-WIAC selection in junior pitcher Jess Butzen. Last season Butzen led the team with 54 strikeouts on the mound.

SCOUTING THE BLUEJAYS    
Elmhurst is off to a 7-6 start as they are in a transition phase this season, looking to fill the spots of six starters lost to graduation. Senior Stephanie Hintz has stepped up in the infield, recording 77 putouts and one error on 78 chances. A strong returning starter for the Bluejays behind the plate is senior Brianna Thompson. Thompson fills a defensive role for the team as catcher, but also leads with a .472 batting average and 13 RBIs.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS    
Iowa Wesleyan is 6-10 this season and recently split a doublheader against Grinnell. The Tigers lost two all-conference selections to graduation last season, forcing them to turn to their younger members. Leading the team in hitting is freshmen pair of Michaela Brewer and McKenzie Copher. Through seven games Copher has a .636 batting average. McKenzie has played and started in 13 games, posting a .381 batting average and eight RBIs.

CONFERENCE PLAY AROUND THE CORNER    
After an action packed spring break trip to Florida, the Duhawks will benefit from another week's worth of games before their conference opener against Wartburg on Tuesday, April 5. The Iowa Conference boasts two ranked competitors in Luther at No. 7 and Central at No. 18. Under new leadership, Simpson is receiving votes early in the season. One team that has yet to crack the rankings is Coe, who has sprinted out to a fast start at 14-2.

MAJEWSKI ERUPTS IN FLORIDA HEAT     
After starting her collegiate career with four hits in her first five at-bats, freshman Nicole Majewski validated her spot on the varsity roster during the team trip to Florida, hitting .542 (13-for-24) and stealing five bases. Eighteen of her 29 at-bats have come from the nine hole in the lineup, where she has 12 hits. 

HITTING AS A UNIT    
Five members of the Loras squad sit at 10 or more base hits after 10 games this season. Forty-nine of the team's 110 hits have come from freshmen, led by Nicole Majewski, who has 17. Behind the freshmen are the juniors and seniors, who have combined for 43 hits as a group. Compared to their opponents, the Duhawks have allowed two more hits than they've earned.

FIELDING OPINIONS    
The Duhawks have two flawless fielders this season in seniors Ashlee Hoffmann and Makaila Haase. Hoffmann has a .982 fielding percentage, accumulating 54 putouts on 55 chances. Joining her, Haase has been a true utility player, getting it done at the plate, in the field and on the mound. Her two errors on the year are split between when she is pitching and when she is at first base.

FRESHMAN STANDOUTS    
The young members of the softball roster are quickly finding their rhythm and place on the diamond. One standout in particular, Megan Larson, has had an explosive start to the season. The Huntley, Ill. native has had two multiple hit games and is riding a seven-game hitting streak.