The UW-Whitewater softball team is off to a great start so far this season, starting off with a 19-3 record. The main catalyst for their success has been their dominant pitching, both starting and in relief. Headlining the pitching this year are sophomore Josie Hammen and Madie DeBennette.
Hammen has been having a dominant season, posting a 1.79 ERA, a 7-1 record, and a team-leading 38 strikeouts. Hammen recently just pitched her best game of the season in the first game of the doubleheader against Elmhurst Thursday, pitching a complete game allowing five hits, no earned runs, no walks, and recording five strikeouts. Hammen also had six shutout outings this season in her 11 appearances. The defense plays a huge role in Hammen’s successes as well.
“I have so much confidence in their ability to get any ball that is hit to them.” Josie Hammen said on the defense. “I know that we have each other’s back if anyone makes a mistake, and I don’t get worried when someone gets a hit. The trust and confidence everyone has for each other builds our team chemistry on the field, and you can see it when we play.”
Madi DeBennette has had a great season for herself as well. DeBennette is posting at 1.86 ERA along with 23 strikeouts and a 6-1 record. As the season goes on, DeBennette gets better. In the second game of the doubleheader Thursday against Elmhurst, she pitched six innings, allowing one hit, no runs, and recorded three strikeouts. DeBennette pitched 4.1 innings, allowing four hits, no walks, and a season high eight strikeouts in the second game of the doubleheader against Augustana Saturday.
“I find my success in the people around me.” Madi DeBennette said. “I know that my team around me always has my back and that allows me to play more freely and confidently.”
The rest of the staff has been terrific as well. Rhiann Dick has been a reliable starter all year, posting a 2.12 ERA, a 3-0 record, and 24 strikeouts. The bullpen is led by Brooke Hock, recording a 1.31 ERA, a 2-1 record, and 17 strikeouts. Karman Rowe has been good as well, having a 1.31 ERA with a 1-0 record and eight strikeouts. Despite Ava Kostecki only appearing in two games, she was productive in the 2.2 innings pitched as she has yet to allow a run on the year.
“We feel very fortunate to have so many options to choose from.” Head Coach Brenda Volk said on the pitching staff. “Everyone has to be ready to go at any given moment. Even if they come in to just pitch to one batter, one inning, or multiple innings.”
The pitching staff looks to continue their dominance into WIAC play as they open conference action on the road at UW-Oshkosh on Wednesday, April 16. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m., with game two to follow at 4 p.m. UW-Whitewater will then return home their conference home opener against UW-Eau Claire on Saturday, April 19, with game times again set for 2 and 4 p.m.
