Ripon College Days

The Ripon College softball team was able to overcome injuries to seniors Emily Wehner and Amanda Guay this weekend at the Midwest Conference Classic. The team ended the five game crossover with a sterling record of 4-1.

Wehner missed the entire tournament with a knee injury that she sustained during a game against Lakeland. Guay was able to pitch one game Saturday, but missed a start on Sunday due to a sore arm.

With the injury of Guay, who joined fellow pitcher sophomore Lindsey Quimby on the injury shelf, the team had to lean on sophomore Jen Mueller. Mueller responded brilliantly, winning all 4 games that she was asked to pitch.

"Jen was fabulous," says Assistant Coach Kevin Wopat. "She only gave up 1 earned run in almost 30 innings of work."

Led by Mueller, the Red Hawks defeated Illinois College 4-1 to open up the tournament. They lost the next game to Knox 7-4. Guay was credited with the loss. Ripon closed out the day with a 4-1 win over Grinnell.

Sunday saw the team continue to roll, beating three time defending MWC champion Lake Forest 1-0. Mueller got the win, allowing just two hits. The game marked the first time that Ripon has defeated the Foresters during Head Coach Kelly Witte's tenure at the school.

Mueller followed her impressive victory with another one, as the team beat Monmouth 5-1. The four wins put Ripon in good position to repeat as North Division champions.

"This weekend meant a lot," says junior Rose Reichhart. "The loss to Knox hurt, but we were able to overcome it and win the next three. It really sets the tone for the rest of the conference season."

The team has a big week ahead of it. Conference rival Lawrence University will visit Ripon today at 3 p.m. They will play Marian tomorrow and will travel to Carroll saturday.

"We just need to take things one game at a time," says Reichhart. "If we do that we should do well."

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