Softball team claims two more victories, receives homefield advantage in tourney

Heading into their doubleheader against Beloit College last Friday, the Ripon College softball team knew that in winning one of the two games they would clinch homefield advantage for the Midwest Conference tournament starting May 1. If they accomplished this task it would be the first time in school history Ripon would host the event, and give them a leg up on the competition while in search for their second MWC championship in as many years.

"Hosting the MWC tournament was one of the goals that we set as a team in the beginning of the year," says senior pitcher Andrea Knorr. "We are really pulling together as a team and I know playing at home (would) make everyone comfortable and play their best."

In the first game of the day Ripon wasted no time at the plate, as the Red Hawks' first batter, senior Natalie Geenen, tripled to right field. After a walk to sophomore Ashley Kirst, Geenen scored on a wild pitch by Buccaneer pitcher Katy Sandt. Junior Jackie Reichhart then slapped a hit to center field to score Kirst, as Ripon went up early, 2-0.

Beloit scored their first run in the third frame, but in the bottom of the fourth Ripon would explode offensively.

The inning began with a single by sophomore left fielder Megan Sockness, and a barrage of hits would ensue. Geenen, Kirst, and Reichhart would all hit singles and record RBI's, with Reichhart sending two Ripon runners home. By the time the inning was over, Ripon had five runners cross home plate and led 7-1.

Pitching for the Red Hawks was Knorr who was able to win her ninth game of the season. She surrendered only three earned runs on seven hits, including six strikeouts in six innings of work.

With the victory the Red Hawks solidified homefield advantage for the tournament, but had one last regular season game to play.

In the second game Ripon was able to once again come out of the gates swinging. In the first inning Geenen reached on an error, and was soon after bunted over to second by Kirst. Reichhart then stepped up to the plate and rocketed a double to left center, easily scoring Geenen. Knorr singled to right soon after, scoring Reichhart and putting the Red Hawks up 2-0.

The rest of the game was completely dominated by sophomore pitcher Brittnee Peotter. Ripon would only manage to score one more run in the contest, but it would not matter as Peotter went the distance, giving up no earned runs, only two hits, and striking out an impressive ten batters to capture her ninth win of the season.

Peotter now has 106 strikouts on the season, setting a new school record, and breaking Knorr's record of 96 from a year ago.

Having the opportunity to host the MWC tournament was exciting as well as relieving to Red Hawk players.

"Finishing off the season with two wins to secure homefield advantage is everything," says Sockness. "Being here and playing on the field that we practice on every day, knowing every little thing about the field makes the team that much more comfortable."

The MWC tournament will be held this Friday in Ripon. The teams and times are to be determined.