The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team opened their home slate in dominating fashion, defeating the Carroll Pioneers 7-1 in game one of the double-header.

In what was a pitching duel early in the game, both offenses could not drive any runners home, leaving a total of six runners on base before the fourth inning. However, in the bottom of the fourth, the Warhawk offense provided a huge spark for junior pitcher Josie Hammen, who would go six innings and record the win. 

With two outs, senior outfielder Auburn Roberson drew a walk, advancing a runner into scoring position. With the Warhawks looking to get the scoring started, head coach Brenda Volk made an adjustment, sending out three straight pinch hitters. This is an uncommon occurrence, but one the Warhawks capitalized on. As UW-W loaded the bases, senior outfielder Liv Ybarra drew a walk to score the first run and force Pioneer starting pitcher Makayla Wall out of the game. The next pinch hitter, freshman outfielder Ellery Stoltz, lined a base hit into center field, driving two runners in and extending the Warhawks lead to 3-0. On the next pitch, freshman infielder Rachel Radish blasted a 3-run home run into left field, her first of the year. 

“A key factor today was that all of the players who came off the bench to serve as pinch hitters and runners got the job done,” Volk said.  

Carroll responded with a home run of their own, but the scoring outburst from Whitewater was too much to overcome. Freshman outfielder Natalie Muellner brought in sophomore outfielder Erin Grimsley in the bottom of the fifth to extend the Warhawks’ lead to 7-1.

The Warhawks kept the 6-run lead to the end of the game, taking the Pioneers down.

“Everybody did their part on and off the field. We showed up to get a job done and we did it,” Roberson said.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Warhawks secured two outs before the game was delayed due to inclement weather, then cancelled due to field conditions.

The Warhawks are now looking to sustain the momentum built in the first game.

“We have to continue building on what we did today,” Roberson said. “We’ll treat every game the same, stay confident and play for the name on the front of the jersey.” 

The Warhawks are back in action Tuesday, April 7, against Augustana College.