Howlett, Rudiger, Weaver Also Listed
Syverson Leads NCAA in Sacrifice Hits

June 26, 2007

Falcon softball player Breamber Syverson (Sr., Prescott, Wis.) led the NCAA Div. III in sacrifices hits in 2007.

Third baseman Emily Howlett (Jr., Eagan, Minn.), shortstop Mindy Rudiger (So., Menomonie, Wis.) and pitcher Jessalyn Weaver (Fr., Eagan, Minn.) were also among statistical leaders.

Syverson, who earned honorable mention to the 2007 All-WIAC team, had 24 sacrifices in 44 games and averaged .55 per game. In 2006 she finished fifth in the NCAA Div. III in sacrifices with 19. Syverson batted in the No. 2 spot in the lineup. She played and started all 44 games. She finished fourth in hitting with a .306 average. The left-handed slap hitter led the Falcons, and the WIAC, in sacrifices and stolen bases (17). She scored 25 runs and had six RBI. Syverson had a .349 on-base percentage. Syverson finished the year with a .954 fielding percentage. She was named the team's Player of the Week on April 30. She had one multiple RBI game and 10 multiple hit games. Syverson had two games with five at bats and five times scored two runs in a game. She had three hits in a 13-6 win over Superior on April 25 and a game-high two RBI in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on May 4. Syverson had a seven game hitting streak during the season.

Weaver, a right handed pitcher, finished the season with four saves and finished seventh in that category in the NCAA. Weaver appeared in 11 games and pitched 25.1 innings. She had a 1.93 ERA with a 1-1 record. She struck out seven and walked 10. Weaver was named the team's Pitcher of the Week on April 30 when she picked up her first collegiate win, a 14-7 decision over UW-Whitewater. Weaver appeared in three games during the week. She pitched six and two-thirds innings and allowed 11 hits and four runs; three were earned. She struck out two and walked three.

Howlett, who was named to the first All-WIAC teams in 2006 and 2007, finished 20th in hitting and 40th in toughest to strike out in 2007. She hit .478 and struck out just four times in 138 at bats. She struck out only once in every 38.5 times at bat. Howlett led the Falcons in hitting. She also led the team in hits (66), doubles (15), slugging percentage (.746) and on-base percentage (.490). She was second in RBI (33) and tied for the team lead in triples (2). Howlett had three sacrifice flies, stole one base and had a .945 fielding percentage. She played and started 42 games and batted third in the lineup. Her 15 doubles set a school single season record. Howlett was second in hits, doubles and total bases in the WIAC. She had a game high six at bats and four hits in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on May 4. She scored two runs in a game nine times and a game high four RBI in an 11-2 win over Hamline on April 6. Howlett had 10 multiple RBI games and led the Falcons with 22 multiple hit games. She had a 10-game hitting streak and was named the team's Player of the Week on March 5 and March 19. In the four games at the WIAC Tournament, she was 12-17 at the plate for a .706 average. She scored three runs, hit one home run and had four RBI.

Rudiger, who was named to the first All-WIAC team in 2007 and earned honorable mention in 2006, was 30th in home runs per game (.27). She the team's lead off batter the entire season. She played and started all 44 games. She was second in hitting with a .384 average. She led the team in at bats (146), runs (46), home runs (12) and RBI (37). Rudiger finished with a .705 slugging percentage and a .461 on-base percentage. She stole six bases and had a .891 fielding percentage. She was second on the team in doubles (12) and hits (56). Rudiger finished in a tie for first in home runs and second in runs scored in the WIAC. She set a UWRF record with 12 homers. She led the Falcons with 11 multiple RBI games and had 17 multiple hit games. Rudiger was named the team's Player of the Week on March 12, March 26, April 9 and April 23. She had a game high six at bats and four hits in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on April 6. She scored four runs in a game twice and had five RBI in a game twice. Rudiger had a four game hitting streak during the season. In the four games at the WIAC Tournament, she was 8-16 at the plate for a .500 average. She scored five runs, had one double and two homers. She had five RBI.

The Falcons finished 32-12 overall and 11-5 in the WIAC. The 32 wins is a school record, breaking the 1993 record of 28. The Falcons finished third in the final WIAC standings.

Go to the 2007 Falcon statistics page

Go to NCAA Statistics

Howlett, Bertand Named to NFCA All-Great Lakes Regional Softball Teams

May 10, 2007

Falcon softball players Emily Howlett (Jr., Eagan, Minn.) and Ashley Bertrand (Jr., St. Paul, Minn.) have been named to 2007 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region teams.

Howlett was named to the second team and Bertrand to the third team. Earlier both players were named to the 2007 first All-WIAC team.

Third baseman Howlett led the Falcons in hitting with a .478 average. She also led the team in hits (66), doubles (15), slugging percentage (.746) and on-base percentage (.490). She was second in RBI (33) and tied for the team lead in triples (2). She struck out only four times in 147 plate appearances. Howlett had three sacrifice flies, stole one base and had a .945 fielding percentage. She played and started 42 games and batted third in the lineup. Her 15 doubles set a school single season record. Howlett was second in hits, doubles and total bases in the WIAC. She had a game high six at bats and four hits in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on May 4. She scored two runs in a game nine times and a game high four RBI in an 11-2 win over Hamline on April 6. Howlett had 10 multiple RBI games and led the Falcons with 22 multiple hit games. She had a 10-game hitting streak and was named the team's Player of the Week on March 5 and March 19. In the four games at the WIAC Tournament, she was 12-17 at the plate for a .706 average. She scored three runs, hit one home run and had four RBI. Howlett set a school record for hits (66) and batting average (.478) this year. Her six homers is second and her 33 RBI is third in a season at UWRF.

Bertrand, a right handed pitcher, finished 14-5 with one save. She appeared in 31 games and started 28 times. Bertrand led the team in innings pitched (148.2) and finished the year with a 2.21 ERA. She threw seven complete games and opponents hit .228 against her. She led the team with 148 strike outs and walked 39. The 148 strike outs is a single season recrod. Bertrand set a career record for strike outs with 355. She led the WIAC in starts and was second in appearances, fourth in wins and fourth strike outs. She had a game high 10 strike outs in a 3-1 win over Lake Forest on March 13. She twice allowed just one hit in two games - in a 3-1 win over Lake Forest on March 13 and in a 2-0 win over Platteville on April 14. Bertrand was named the team's Pitcher of the Week on March 5, March 19, April 2 and April 23. She was named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week on March 19 after the team's spring break trip to Florida where she appeared in eight games and started six times. She threw two complete games and had a 3-1 record and one save. She pitched 36.2 innings and allowed 20 hits. She walked only five and struck out 50. Opponents hit .153 against her and she had a 0.57 ERA.

The Falcons finished 32-12 overall and 11-5 in the WIAC. The 32 wins is a school record, breaking the 1993 record of 28. The Falcons finished third in the final WIAC standings.

Go to the 2007 Falcon statistics page

Go to the NFCA web site

Howlett, Rudiger, Bertrand, Syverson Are Recognized
Four Falcons Named to All-WIAC Softball Teams

May 8, 2007

Four Falcon softball players have been named to the 2007 All-WIAC team.

Third baseman Emily Howlett (Jr., Eagan, Minn.), shortstop Mindy Rudiger (So., Menomonie, Wis.) and pitcher Ashley Bertrand (Jr., St. Paul, Minn.) were all named to the first team. Second baseman Breamber Syverson (Sr., Prescott, Wis.) earned honorable mention.

Howlett, who was named to the first team in 2006, led the Falcons in hitting with a .478 average. She also led the team in hits (66), doubles (15), slugging percentage (.746) and on-base percentage (.490). She was second in RBI (33) and tied for the team lead in triples (2). She struck out only four times in 147 plate appearances. Howlett had three sacrifice flies, stole one base and had a .945 fielding percentage. She played and started 42 games and batted third in the lineup. Her 15 doubles set a school single season record. Howlett was second in hits, doubles and total bases in the WIAC. She had a game high six at bats and four hits in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on May 4. She scored two runs in a game nine times and a game high four RBI in an 11-2 win over Hamline on April 6. Howlett had 10 multiple RBI games and led the Falcons with 22 multiple hit games. She had a 10-game hitting streak and was named the team's Player of the Week on March 5 and March 19. In the four games at the WIAC Tournament, she was 12-17 at the plate for a .706 average. She scored three runs, hit one home run and had four RBI.

Rudiger, who earned honorable mention in 2006, was the team's lead off batter the entire season. She played and started all 44 games. She was second in hitting with a .384 average. She led the team in at bats (146), runs (46), home runs (12) and RBI (37). Rudiger finished with a .705 slugging percentage and a .461 on-base percentage. She stole six bases and had a .891 fielding percentage. She was second on the team in doubles (12) and hits (56). Rudiger finished in a tie for first in home runs and second in runs scored in the WIAC. She set a UWRF record with 12 homers. She led the Falcons with 11 multiple RBI games and had 17 multiple hit games. Rudiger was named the team's Player of the Week on March 12, March 26, April 9 and April 23. She had a game high six at bats and four hits in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on April 6. She scored four runs in a game twice and had five RBI in a game twice. Rudiger had a four game hitting streak during the season. In the four games at the WIAC Tournament, she was 8-16 at the plate for a .500 average. She scored five runs, had one double and two homers. She had five RBI.

Bertrand, a right hander, finished 14-5 with one save. She appeared in 31 games and started 28 times. Bertrand led the team in innings pitched (148.2) and finished the year with a 2.21 ERA. She threw seven complete games and opponents hit .228 against her. She led the team with 148 strike outs and walked 39. Bertrand set a career record for strike outs with 355. She led the WIAC in starts and was second in appearances, fourth in wins and fourth strike outs. She had a game high 10 strike outs in a 3-1 win over Lake Forest on March 13. She twice allowed just one hit in two games - in a 3-1 win over Lake Forest on March 13 and in a 2-0 win over Platteville on April 14. Bertrand was named the team's Pitcher of the Week on March 5, March 19, April 2 and April 23. She was named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week on March 19 after the team's spring break trip to Florida where she appeared in eight games and started six times. She threw two complete games and had a 3-1 record and one save. She pitched 36.2 innings and allowed 20 hits. She walked only five and struck out 50. Opponents hit .153 against her and she had a 0.57 ERA.

Syverson, who finished fifth in the NCAA Div. III in sacrifices in 2006 (19), batted in the No. 2 spot in the lineup. She played and started all 44 games. She finished fourth in hitting with a .306 average. The left-handed slap hitter led the Falcons, and the WIAC, with 24 sacrifices and 17 stolen bases. She scored 25 runs and had six RBI. Syverson had a .349 on-base percentage. Syverson finished the year with a .954 fielding percentage. She was named the team's Player of the Week on April 30. She had one multiple RBI game and 10 multiple hit games. Syverson had two games with five at bats and five times scored two runs in a game. She had three hits in a 13-6 win over Superior on April 25 and a game-high two RBI in an 11-7 win over Stevens Point on May 4. Syverson had a seven game hitting streak during the season.

The Falcons finished 32-12 overall and 11-5 in the WIAC. The 32 wins is a school record, breaking the 1993 record of 28. The Falcons finished third in the final WIAC standings.

Go to the 2007 Falcon statistics page

Go to the WIAC softball web site.

Falcons Lose, 9-6, to UWO; Are Eliminated from WIAC Tourney

May 5, 2007

The Falcon softball team lost a 9-6 decision to UW-Oshkosh in an elimination game at the WIAC Tournament at UW-Eau Claire on Saturday afternoon.

The loss is the second of the day, and the tourney, for the Falcons and they were eliminated from further play. Oshkosh, ranked No. 11 in the AFCA poll, advances to play Eau Claire.

The Falcons scored six runs on 10 hits and made three errors. UWRF scored single runs in each of the first three innings and they scored three times in the fourth. UWO scored nine runs on 13 its and they made two errors. The Titans scored singles runs in the first, fourth and sixth frames. They scored three runs in the second and third innings.

Mindy Rudiger led of the game with a homerun to give the Falcons an early 1-0 lead. The Falcons added a run in the second. Rebecca Troop led off the inning with a single to left and Michelle Kelley ran for her. Ashley James reached first on an error and Kelley went to third on the play. Brittany Rathbun then reached first on an infield hit to load the bases. Kelley scored later in the inning on a fielder’s choice and Rudiger was credited with the RBI.

In the third, Howlett led off with a single to center and she went to second on a wild pitch. Amanda Peters singled and that put Howlett on third. Troop than laid down a sacrifice bunt that scored Howlett with the team’s third run.

In the fourth, the Falcons used the long ball to score three times. Rudiger hit her second homer of the game, a two-run shot to left. It was her 12th homerun of the season and she continues to build on the school record. Rachel Mathias also scored – she singled to left with one out. After a second out, Howlett hit her sixth home run of the season, a solo shot to left.

Rudiger was 2-4 with two homers, two runs scored and four RBI. Howlett was 3-4 with two runs scored and one RBI. Peters was 2-4.

Rathbun started on the mound and pitched the first one and two-thirds innings. She reentered the game later. In all, she pitched two and two-thirds innings. She allowed five hits and four runs – three were earned. Jessalyn Weaver pitched three and one-third innings and allowed eight hits. She allowed five runs and only two were earned. She walked three and took the loss.

The Falcons are now 32-12 overall.

Oshkosh 9, River Falls 6 Box

Falcons Lose to UWEC at WIAC Tournament; Face Oshkosh in Elimination Game

May 5, 2007

The Falcon softball team lost a 2-0 decision to UW-Eau Claire at the WIAC Tournament in Eau Claire on Saturday morning.

The game featured the two undefeated teams left in the tourney. The Falcons will next play UW-Oshkosh in an elimination game at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The winner of the game will play Eau Claire at about 3 p.m.

UWRF had four hits and no errors while UWEC scored two runs on just two hits. They made one error.

UWEC scored two times in the fifth on two walks, a wild pitch and a single.

The first 11 Falcon batters were put out before Emily Howlett singled in the fourth with two outs. In the fifth, Amanda Peters singled and was advanced to second before being stranded. The Falcons best chance to score came in the sixth. Rachel Mathias led off with a single to center. Mindy Rudiger grounded out to the pitcher and Mathias was out on the fielder’s choice. Breamber Syverson then reached first on an error putting runners at first and second. Howlett picked up her second hit of the day, an infield single to third, to load the bases. Keri Feller then struck out swinging and Peters grounded out to second to end the inning.

Brittany Rathbun went the distance on the mound for the Falcons. She allowed the two hits and two earned runs. She walked four. She allowed just an infield single in the second and a single that scored the two runs in the fifth.

The Falcons are now 32-10 overall.

Eau Claire 2, River Falls 0 Box

Falcons Beat UWSP in Nine For Second Straight Extra Inning Win at WIAC Tournament

May 4, 2007

The Falcon softball team showed they like extra innings as they defeated UW-Stevens Point, 11-7, in nine innings on Friday afternoon at the WIAC Tournament in Eau Claire.

In the team’s first game of the day they defeated UW-Superior, 4-3, in nine innings.

The Falcons came from behind twice to defeat UWSP and advance to play Eau Claire on Saturday at 11 a.m. UWRF and UWEC are the only two undefeated teams entering the second day of the double elimination tourney. UWEC advanced with a 4-3 nine-inning win over Oshkosh.

The Falcons exploded for six runs in the top of the ninth to get the win. Amanda Peters led off the inning with a single and she advanced to second on a sacrifice by Rebecca Troop. Ashley James then singled to center to score Peters with the go-ahead run. James went to second on an error on the play. Brittany Rathbun singled to right to put runners on the corners. Rachel Mathias singled to left to score James. Mindy Rudiger singled to center to score Rathbun and Mathias went to third. That gave the Falcons an 8-5 lead – but they weren’t done yet.

Breamber Syverson then reached first on a bunt single. Mathias scored on the play and Rudiger went to second. Emily Howlett ripped a single to score Rudiger and when the play was done Syverson was on third and Howlett on second. Keri Feller then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Syverson with the sixth run of the inning. Howlett was thrown out at third trying to advance on the play. The Falcons ended the inning with six runs on seven hits.

UWSP’s Stephanie Anderson hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth for her team’s final two runs. All of UWSP runs came off of homers. The Pointers scored three runs in the first inning when Korryn Brooks hit a three-run homer.

The Falcons got two runs back in the second. Rudiger led off the inning with a double and Syverson was hit by a pitch. Howlett singled home Rudiger and Syverson went to third on the play. Feller hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Syverson. UWSP got those two runs back in its half of the inning when Melissa Boldt hit a two-run homer to give the Pointers a 5-2 lead.

UWRF made it a 5-3 game with one run in the fourth. Rathbun reached first on a fielder’s choice, advanced to second on an error and to third on a single by Rudiger. She then scored on a single by Syverson.

The Falcons tied the game with two runs in the top of the seventh. With one out, Feller singled to right. Michelle Kelley pinch ran for Feller and went to second on a wild pitch. After a second out, Troop singled home Kelley and advanced to second on the throw. Cassie Peterson then ran for Troop. James then singled to score Peterson with the game tying run.

The Falcons had a season-high 19 hits in the game and made no errors in the field. UWSP had 11 hits and made three errors. Every starter had at least one hit for the Falcons. Rudiger and Howlett were both 4-6. Rudiger scored twice and had one RBI while Howlett had two RBI. Syverson was 2-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Feller finished 2-4 with two RBI. James was 3-5 with a run scored and two RBI.

Rathbun got the win in relief. She pitched five and one-third innings and allowed four hits. She allowed two earned runs. She walked two and struck out three. Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and pitched three and two-thirds innings. She allowed seven hits and five earned runs. She walked three and struck out one.

The Falcons are now 32-10 overall.

River Falls 11, Stevens Point 7 (9) Box

Falcons Top UWS in Nine; Face UWSP at WIAC Tourney

May 4, 2007

The Falcon softball team opened play at the WIAC Tournament with a 4-3, nine-inning win over UW-Superior on Friday in Eau Claire.

UWRF scored the winning run in the ninth on two hits and an error. Brittany Rathbun led the inning off and reached second on an error by the UWS left fielder. After an out, Mindy Rudiger walked. Breamber Syverson then singled to load the bases. Emily Howlett then singled to score Rathbun with the winning unearned run.

UWRF scored four run on 11 hits and they made one error. UWS scored three runs on nine hits and made two errors. UWRF scored single runs in the first, second and sixth.

In the first, Rudiger led off with a single and she went to second after a Syverson sacrifice. Howlett then singled and Rudiger eventually scored on the play on an error. In the second, Rebecca Troop led off with a double and Michelle Kelley ran for her. Ashley James moved Kelley to third with a sacrifice. Kelley scored when Rathbun hit a sacrifice fly to right. Howlett led off the sixth with a single to center and was sacrificed to second by Keri Feller. Howlett went to third when Amanda Peters laid down a sacrifice bunt. Troop then scored Howlett with a single to right. The Falcons loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh but failed to score.

UWS scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and seventh innings. Jamie Lovstad homered in the fourth. UWS loaded the bases in the fifth and had a runner score on an illegal pitch. In the seventh the Jackets scored an unearned run and left the bases loaded.

Howlett was 3-4 with a run scored and the game-winning RBI. Rudiger was 2-4 with a run scored and Syverson was 2-4. Troop was 2-4 with a RBI and Rathbun was 1-2 with a run scored and a RBI. Ashley James had the other Falcon hit.

Ashley Bertrand came on in relief to get the win. She pitched three and one-third innings and allowed three hits and one run. She had strike outs on seven of the 10 outs she got. Bertrand set a Falcon career record for strike outs when she struck out the first batter she faced in the game. She now has 354 strike outs. The previous record was 347 set by Amy Brooke (2000-03). Rathbun started on the mound for the Falcons and pitched five and two-thirds innings. She allowed six hits and two earned runs. She walked three and struck out five.

The Falcons, now 31-10 overall, will play Stevens Point at 4 p.m. today in a winner’s bracket game. The Falcons split a doubleheader with the Pointers earlier in the year; winning 3-2 and losing 9-1.

River Falls 4, Superior 3 (9)

Falcons End Regular Season With Sweep of St. Mary's; Set Record With 30 Wins

May 2, 2007

The Falcon softball team ended its regular season with two one-run wins over St. Mary's on Wednesday afternoon at Ramer Field.

The 3-2 (in eight innings) and 2-1 wins gives the Falcons a 30-10 record. The 30 wins is a single season record. The 1993 Falcons won 28 games.

The Falcons will next play in the WIAC Tournament set for this weekend in Eau Claire. The Falcons will play UW-Superior on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Hobbs Field at Carson Park. UWRF beat UWS twice on April 25, 5-3 in eight innings and 13-6. If the Falcons win they will play the winner of the Stevens Point-La Crosse game at 4 p.m. If the Falcons lose, they will play the loser of the Stevens Point-La Crosse game at 2:30 p.m. The tournament is double elimination and the Falcons are the No. 3 seed.

In the first game against St. Mary's the Falcons scored the winning run when Keri Feller singled to left center to score Mindy Rudiger. Brittany Rathbun led off the inning with a walk and Michelle Kelley ran for her. After an out, Rudiger singled to center to put runners on first and second. Breamber Syverson then reached first on a bunt single to load the bases. Emily Howlett grounded out to second and Kelley was thrown out at home on the force play. With the bases still loaded with two outs, Feller ripped a single to left center to get the Falcons the win.

UWRF scored three runs on six hits and made two errors. SMU scored two runs on nine hits and made one error. The Cardinals scored single runs in the first and third. The Falcons scored twice in the fourth. Rudiger led off with a single to left and was sacrificed to second by Syverson. Howlett reached first on an error and advanced to second. Rudiger scored on the error. After an out, Amanda Peters singled to left field to score Howlett.

Ashley Bertrand went the distance on the mound for the Falcons. She allowed nine hits and two earned runs. She walked two and struck out four. She is now 13-5.

Rudiger was 2-4 while Syverson, Feller, Peters and Ashley James also had hits.

In the second game the Falcons scored all the runs they would need in the first inning. SMU scored its run in the third. UWRF had two runs on five hits and made two errors. The Cardinals scored one run on four hits and made two errors.

Rudiger led off the first and reached first on an error. Syverson then bunted for a hit and Rudiger went to second. Howlett reached on a fielder's choice with Rudiger out on the play at third. After a second out, Peters singled to left center and went to second on the throw. Syverson scored on the play and Howlett went to third. Pinch hitter Margo Taylor then reached first on another error and Howlett scored what proved to be the winning run on the play.

Brittany Rathbun pitched a complete game to get the win and she is now 14-5. She allowed four hits and one earned run. She struck out three and walked one.

Syverson, Feller, Peters, Rebecca Troop and Rathbun had the Falcon hits.

River Falls 3, St. Mary's 2 (8)
River Falls 2, St. Mary's 1

Falcons End WIAC Season With Split With UWW

April 28, 2007

The Falcon softball team ended its WIAC season with a split with UW-Whitewater Sunday afternoon at Ramer Field.

UWW won the first game, 9-3 and the Falcons took the nightcap, 14-7. The loss in the first game was the third straight for the Falcons. But they bounced back in the second game to break the streak.

The Falcons finished third in the WIAC standings with an 11-5 record. UW-Oshkosh was first (15-1) and UW-Stevens Point was third (13-3). The Falcons will play UW-Superior in the first round of the WIAC tournament on Friday in Eau Claire at a time to be determined. UWS finished sixth in the WIAC with a 6-10 record and they are 18-20 overall. The Falcons defeated the Jackets twice in Superior on April 25. UWRF won 5-3 in eight innings and 13-6.

In the first game on Sunday, UWW scored nine runs on 11 hits while the Falcons scored three runs on six hits. Both teams had two errors. UWW scored four times in the sixth and five in the seventh. The Falcons scored once in the second and twice in the seventh.

Mindy Rudiger led the Falcons going 1-3 with a run scored and two RBI. She hit a two-run homer to left in the seventh. With two outs in the second, Rebecca Troop doubled to right center and scored when Ashley James singled to left.

UWW hit two homers and two doubles in the game. Ashley Trawitzke hit a solo homer to lead off the sixth and Lauren Cruz hit a three run shot in the seventh.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and pitched five and one-third innings. She allowed four hits and two earned runs. She struck out two and did not walk a batter. Brittany Rathbun worked the final one and two-thirds innings and took the loss. She is now 13-5. She allowed seven hits and seven earned runs.

UWRF scored six runs in the sixth inning to get the second game win. The Falcons scored a season high 14 runs on 15 hits and made two errors. UWW scored seven runs on 14 hits and they made two errors. The Falcons hit a season high four homers in the contest.

UWRF scored twice in the first and second innings and four times in the fourth. UWW scored single runs in the first, fifth and sixth innings and four times in the fourth.

Seven of the Falcon nine hitters had two hits in the game. Rudiger was 2-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. She hit a two-run homer, her 10th of the year, in the fourth. Breamber Syverson was 2-2 with two runs scored and one RBI. Emily Howlett was 2-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. She hit a two-run homer to left in the second. It was her fifth round tripper of the season. Amanda Peters was 2-3 with a run scored and two RBI. She doubled home two runs in the sixth. James was 2-4 with a run scored and one RBI. Rathbun was 2-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. She also hit a two-run homer to left in the sixth.It was her first homer of the year. Rachel Mathias was 2-4 with a run scored. Keri Feller was 1-4 with a run scored and two RBI. She hit her third homer of the year to left in the fourth.

Jessalyn Weaver picked up her first pitching win of the season in relief. She pitched three and two-thirds innings and allowed four hits. She allowed two runs - one was earned. She walked one. Weaver is now 1-0. Bertrand started and pitched three and one-third innings. She allowed 10 hits and five earned runs. She struck out one.

The Falcons, now 28-10 overall, will host St. Mary's at 4 p.m. at Ramer Field on Tuesday. They will be the final regular season games of the year.

Whitewater 9, River Falls 3 Box
River Falls 14, Whitewater 7 Box

Falcons Lose Twice to UWO

April 28, 2007

The Falcon softball team lost both games of a WIAC doubleheader to UW-Oshkosh on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

UWO entered the game in first place in the WIAC with an 11-1 record, one game ahead of the Falcons who were 10-2. The Titans exploded for seven runs in the fifth inning of the first game to take a 10-0 win in six innings, and came back to shutout the Falcons, 5-0, in the second game. It was the first time this season that the Falcons have been shutout in back-to-back games.

In the first game, UWRF had five hits and made two errors. UWO scored 10 runs on 15 hits and made no errors. The 15 hits was a single game high for the Titans. Besides the seven runs in the sixth, UWO scored once in the fourth and twice in the fifth.

Keri Feller went 2-3 for the Falcons while Emily Howlett, Brittany Rathbun and Rachel Mathias also had hits. Lyndsey Allen led UWO going 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. She hit her third homer of the season in the fourth - a solo shot to center.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and took the loss. She pitched four and two-thirds innings and allowed six hits and three runs. Only one was earned. She walked one and struck out one. Brittany Rathbun pitched one-third of an inning and allowed five hits and six earned runs. She walked one and struck out one. Jessalyn Weaver pitched one inning and allowed four hits and one earned run. She struck out one. UWO's Ronessa Stampfli went the distance for the Titans to get the win. She struck out 10 and did not walk a batter. She is now 13-3.

In the second game the Falcons had four hits and made no errors. UWO scored five runs on seven hits and made one error. UWO scored three times in the second and single runs in the fifth and sixth.

All of UWO's runs came off home runs. Allen hit two in the game; a solo shot to left in the second and a solo shot to center in the sixth. Her homer in the second came right after UWO's Jennelle Schmidt hit a two run homer to left. Whitney Tyriver hit a solo homer in the fifth.

Mindy Rudiger, Breamber Syverson, Howlett and Amanda Peters all had hits for the Falcons.

Bertrand started the second game also and took the loss. She is now 12-5. Bertrand worked five and two-thirds innings and allowed seven hits and five earned runs. She struck out five and didn't walk a batter. Rathbun worked the final one and one-third innings and allowed no runs or hits. She struck out one. UWO's Amy Sullivan went the distance to get the win. She is now 10-1. She struck out four and didn't walk a batter.

The Falcons, now 27-9 overall and 10-4 in the WIAC, will host UW-Whitewater at noon at Ramer Field on Sunday. The Falcons will be looking to sew up a third place finish in the conference standings. UWW swept two games at UW-Stout on Saturday, 3-2 and 7-3. The Warhawks are 7-7 in the WIAC and 20-12 overall.

Oshkosh 10, River Falls 0 Box
Oshkosh 5, River Falls 0 Box

Falcons Get Sweep at UWS

April 25, 2007

The Falcon softball team swept a WIAC doubleheader at UW-Superior on Wednesday and are now 27-7 overall and 10-2 in the WIAC.

The Falcons won the first game, 5-3, and the second game, 13-6.

In the first game the Falcons earned a come-from-behind win. They trailed 2-0 after two innings and scored two runs in the top of the eighth to get the win. UWRF scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. UWS scored single runs in the first, second and fifth innings. The Falcons scored five runs on 12 hits while UWS scored three runs on eight hits. Both teams had two errors.

In the fourth, Breamber Syverson led off with a single and went to third when Emily Howlett doubled to right. Amanda Peters then scored Syverson with a bunt single. In the fifth, Ashley James led off with a single and went to second on an infield out. Rachel Mathias then singled and that put runners on first and third. Mindy Rudiger then hit a sacrifice fly to score James. UWRF tied the game, 3-3 with a run in the sixth. Syverson led off with a single to center and Howlett followed suit to put runners on first and second with no outs. Keri Feller reached first on a fielder’s choice. Syverson advanced to third and Howlett was out on the play. Peters reached first on an error and that scored Syverson to tie the game.

In the eighth, Howlett led off with a single to left. Peters sacrificed Howlett to second and that was the second out of the inning. Rebecca Troop then doubled to center to score Howlett. Troop also scored on the play on an error.

Brittany Rathbun got the win on the mound in relief. She worked the final two innings and allowed just one hit. She walked one and struck out one. Ashley Bertrand started and pitched six innings. She allowed seven hits and three earned runs. She walked two and struck out three.

Howlett finished 3-4 with a run scored. Troop was 2-2 with a run scored and one RBI. Syverson and James were both 2-4. Syverson scored twice and James once.

In the second game the Falcons exploded for 11 runs in the fifth inning to get the 13-6 win. They once again came from behind after UWS led, 4-1, after one inning.

UWRF scored 13 runs on 16 hits and made one error. The 13 runs and 16 hits are single game Falcon season highs. UWS scored six runs on 12 hits and made three errors. Besides the big fifth inning, the Falcons scored single runs in the first and seventh. UWS scored four in the first and single runs in the fifth and sixth.

Rudiger led off the game with a double to left center and scored on an RBI single to left by Feller. UWRF scored 11 runs on 10 hits and three UWS errors in the fifth. The Falcons sent 16 hitters to the plate. There were several big hits in the inning but none bigger than when Rudiger hit a grand slam homer to center. It was her team leading eighth homer of the season. Feller doubled in the inning and that scored two runs.

Rudiger was 3-5 with three runs scored and five RBI. Syverson was 3-5 with two runs scored. Feller was 2-3 with four RBI and a run scored. Rathbun was 2-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Mathias was 2-4 with two runs scored.

Rathbun picked up her second win on the day and is now 13-4. She worked four and two-thirds innings and allowed five hits. She allowed one earned run while striking out four and walking none. Sarah Stoffa started and pitched one-third of an inning and allowed four runs; three were earned. She allowed four hits. Jessalyn Weaver worked the final two innings and allowed three hits and one earned run. She struck out two and walked one.

The Falcons, will host UW-Oshkosh on Saturday at noon at Ramer Field. The Falcons trail the Titans by a half game in the WIAC standings.

River Falls 5, Superior 3 Box
River Falls 13, Superior 6 Box

Falcons Split With UWSP

April 22, 2007

The Falcon softball team split a WIAC doubleheader with UW-Stevens Point on Sunday at Ramer Field.

The Falcons won the first game, 3-2, but lost the second game, 9-0, in five innings. The doubleheader started at 10 a.m., two hours ahead of the originally scheduled noon start time, due to rain that was forecast to hit the River Falls area in the late afternoon.

UWRF is now 8-2 in WIAC play. UWSP is 9-3 and UW-Oshkosh is 7-1 and play UW-Superior in a doubleheader in Oshkosh today.

The Falcons came back from a 2-0 deficit in the first game to get the win. UWSP scored two runs in the fourth to take the lead, but the Falcons scored three times in the sixth. UWRF scored three runs on six hits and made one error. UWSP scored two runs on eight hits and they made one error.

UWSP scored twice in the fourth on back-to-back doubles and a single later in the inning. They scored two runs on four hits in the inning.

The Falcons scored three runs on four hits and a UWSP error in the sixth. Rachel Mathias reached first on an error and Mindy Rudiger hit her ninth double of the season to left center to put runners on second and third. After an out, Emily Howlett singled to right, and advanced to second on the throw. The hit scored Mathias and Rudiger went to third. Keri Feller then singled to left and that scored Rudiger. Howlett went to third and Feller to second on the play. Amanda Peters then reached first on a RBI bunt single. That scored Howlett with what proved to be the winning run. Howlett was 2-2 in the game.

Ashley Bertrand went the distance on the mound to get the win. She allowed eight hits and two earned runs. She struck out five and walked only one. It was her sixth complete game of the season.

UWSP scored nine runs on 10 hits and made no errors in the second game. UWRF had seven hits and made four errors. UWSP scored three times in the second, once in the third and five times in the fourth.

Rudiger and Breamber Syverson were each 2-3 for the Falcons.

UWSP's Laura Van Abel was 3-3 with two runs scored and three RBI. She hit her sixth homer of the season, a three-run shot to center in the five run Pointer fourth. Danielle Ashbeck tripled home two runs in the second.

Bertrand started on the mound and took the loss; she is now 12-3. She allowed two hits and three runs - two were earned. She walked two. Brittany Rathbun worked one and one-third innings and allowed five hits and five runs; four were earned. She struck out two. Jessalyn Weaver worked the final one and two-thirds innings and allowed three hits and one unearned run.

The Falcons, now 25-7 overall and 8-2 in the WIAC, will next play at UW-Superior on Wednesday.The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

River Falls 3, Stevens Point 2
Stevens Point 9, River Falls 0 (5)

Falcons Split at UWEC; Win Streak Snapped

April 19, 2007

The Falcon softball team split a doubleheader at UW-Eau Claire on Thursday, winning the first game, 1-0, but losing the second contest, 10-2, in five innings.

The Falcon win streak reached 11 games after the 1-0 win. But six errors and a strong UWEC hitting attack proved to be too much in game two.

In the first game Ashley Bertrand pitched an outstanding game allowing just two hits; singles in the second and sixth innings. She walked three and struck out four. She is now 11-2 this season.

Emily Howlett gave the Falcons the only run they would need. She hit a line drive home run over the left field fence on a 2-0 count. It was her fourth homer of the season and the seventh of her career. Amanda Peters finished 2-3 at the plate.

UWRF scored one run on five hits and made no errors. UWEC also played errorless ball.

In the second game, the Falcons scored two runs on six hits and they made six errors. UWEC scored 10 runs on 11 hits and they made no errors. UWRF scored single runs in the first and third innings. The Blugolds scored in every inning – two in the first and fifth, one in the second and third and four in the fourth.

Mindy Rudiger led the game off with a double to center and Emily Howlett followed that with a double to right to score Rudiger with the first run. In the third, Rudiger walked with one out and Breamber Syverson sacrificed her to second. Howlett then single to score Rudiger. Howlett was 2-3 with two RBI.

Brittany Rathbun started on the mound and took the loss. She is now 11-4. She pitched three innings and allowed three hits and four runs – two were earned. Rathbun walked one and struck out one. Jessalyn Weaver pitched two-thirds of an inning and allowed four hits and four unearned runs. Sarah Stoffa worked two-thirds of an inning and allowed four hits and two earned runs. She walked one and struck out one.  

The Falcons, now 24-6 overall and 7-1 in the WIAC, will host UW-Stevens Point on Sunday at noon at Ramer Field.

River Falls 1, Eau Claire 0 Box
Eau Claire 10, River Falls 2 Box

Falcon Win Streak Reaches 10 After Sweep of Stout

April 17, 2007

The Falcon softball team beat UW-Stout twice at Ramer Field on Tuesday afternoon, 4-3 in eight innings and 6-3, and ran its winning streak to 10 straight games.

The 10 straight wins are the most in team history. The 1996 Falcons won nine straight games.

It took extra innings for the Falcons to win the first game. UWRF scored four runs on nine hits and made no errors. Stout scored three runs on 10 hits but they made five errors. UWRF scored twice in the second and single runs in the sixth and eighth. UWS scored single runs in the first, fifth and seventh innings.

In the second, Keri Feller led the inning off with a double to center and Jessica Lundgren ran for her. Amanda Peters reached first on a fielder's choice. On the play Lundgren advanced to third and Peters to second on an error. Lundgren was hurt on a subsequent play and Cassie Peterson ran for her. Ashley James then doubled to right to score both Peters and Peterson.

After Stout tied the game in the fifth, the Falcons took a 3-2 lead in the sixth. With two outs, Peters reached first on an error and Rebecca Troop singled to left. James then singled to center to score Peters. UWS tied the game again with a run in the seventh. UWS went down in order in the eighth and then the Falcons won the game in their half of the inning. With two out, Troop walked and James got her third hit of the game, a single to right, to put runners on first and second. Brittany Rathbun then singled to right and Troop scored on the play on a throwing error by the right fielder.

James was 3-4 with three RBI, Rathbun was 2-4 with a RBI and Troop was 2-3 with a run scored. Peters scored twice.

Brittany Rathbun got the win in relief. She worked the final four innings and allowed three hits and one earned run. She struck out five and walked one. Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and worked the first four innings. She allowed seven hits and two earned runs. She struck out six and didn't walk a batter.

The Falcons fell behind in the game two, 3-0, but rebounded to get the 6-3 win.

UWRF scored six runs on seven hits and again made no errors. UWS scored three runs on five hits and made two errors. Stout scored two runs in the second and one in the third, but were held scoreless after that. UWRF scored three times in the fifth and sixth innings.

Rathbun also got the pitching win in relief in the second game. She is now 11-3 this year. She pitched the final four innings and didn't allow a hit. Rathbun struck out five and didn't walk a batter. She retired all 12 batters she faced. She got six batters to ground out. Sarah Stoffa started on the mound for UWRF and worked the first three innings. She allowed five hits and three earned runs. She walked two and struck out two.

The Falcons tied the game in the fifth when Mindy Rudiger hit her seventh home run of the season. She hit a screaming line drive over the center field fence. With one out Rathbun singled to center and Rachel Mathias walked. That set up Rudiger's homer. It was her 10th career home run.

The Falcons got the lead with three runs in the sixth. Feller led off with a single to center and Peters reached first on a fielder's choice. Michelle Kelley, who was running for Feller, was out on the play. Peters advanced to second on a wild pitch before Troop walked. Both Peters and Troop then advanced to third on a wind pitch. Rathbun then walked to load the bases. Mathias knocked in Peters with an infield hit and the bases remained loaded. Rudiger then singled to center and that scored Rathbun and Troop.

Rudiger was 3-4 with a run scored and five RBI. Feller was 2-3.

The Falcons, now 23-5 overall and 6-0 in the WIAC, will play at UW-Eau Claire on Thursday. Action starts at 4 p.m.

River Falls 4, Stout 3 (8) Box
River Falls 6, Stout 3 Box

Hammerbeck Named WIAC Player of the Week

April 17, 2007

Outfielder Ashley Hammerbeck (Fr., Rothschild, Wis., D.C. Everest HS) helped the Falcons to a 6-0 record, including four WIAC wins, last week and has been named the WIAC Player of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek.

The Falcons won four WIAC games on the road. The left fielder finished 6-14 at the plate for a .429 average in the six games. She scored six runs and led the Falcon with three doubles. She had four RBI and walked three times. She stole one base. Hammerbeck made one error in 10 chances in the field. She had hits in four of the six games going 3-5 with two RBI and a run scored at Platteville and 3-6 with two RBI and a run scored at La Crosse. She walked three times and scored twice in the 7-2 win over St. Scholastica. In the 8-6 win at Platteville, she tied the game with a two run double in the fifth. In the 7-5 win at La Crosse, Hammerbeck doubled home a run in the sixth to start a three-run rally that tied the game, 5-5, at the time. In the 4-1 win at La Crosse she singled home the team's fourth run in the sixth with two outs. Hitting in the seventh spot in the line up, Hammerbeck currently is hitting .286.

The Falcons will host UW-Stout on Tuesday at Ramer Field with action starting at 3 p.m. On Thursday the Falcons will play at UW-Eau Claire at 4 p.m., and on Sunday will host UW-Stevens Point at noon.

Falcons Beat UWL Twice; Win Streak Now at Eight

April 15, 2007

The Falcon softball team raised its winning streak to eight games with a sweep at UW-La Crosse on Sunday afternoon.

The Falcons won the first game, 7-5, and took the second game, 4-1.

The eight straight wins is a season high and UWRF has outscored its opponents, 53-21, during the streak.

In game one the Falcons scored seven runs on nine hits and they made no errors. UWL scored five runs on 11 hits and made two errors. UWRF scored one run in the second and third innings, three in the sixth and two in the seventh. UWL scored three in the third and two in the fifth.

With one out in the second, Rebecca Troop singled and Jessica Lundgren pinch ran for her. Ashley Hammerbeck then sacrificed Lundgren to second and she advanced to third on a passed ball. Ashley James then walked and Lundgren scored on the play on a throwing error by the catcher. The Falcons grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third when Mindy Rudiger led off with a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice by Breamber Syverson. After an out, Keri Feller singled to center to score Rudiger. UWL then scored three times in the third and added two more in the fifth to take a 5-2 lead.

The Falcons scored three times in the sixth to tie the game. Howlett led off with an infield single and Amanda Peters sacrificed her to second. Troop singled to left and Howlett advanced to third. Michelle Kelley ran for Troop. Hammerbeck doubled to score Howlett and Kelley advanced to third. James then reached first on an error and both Kelley and Hammerbeck scored on the play. The Falcons won the game with two runs in the seventh. Syverson led off with an infield hit and after an out Feller singled to put runners on first and second. Cassie Peterson ran for Feller. Peters singled to left to load the bases. Margo Taylor pinch hit and grounded out to shortstop. Syverson scored on the play and the runners all advanced. Peterson then scored on a wild pitch.

Troop was 2-2 while Howlett and Feller were both 2-4.

Brittany Rathbun picked up the pitching win in relief. She pitched two innings and allowed one hit and no runs. She struck out two and walked three. Rathbun is now 9-3. Ashley Bertrand started and worked five innings. She allowed 10 hits and five earned runs. She struck out four and walked one.

In the second game the Falcons scored four runs on 10 hits and made no errors. UWL scored one run on five hits and they made two errors. UWRF scored single runs in the first and sixth innings and two in the third. UWL scored its run in the first.

Rudiger led off the first with a walk and she was sacrificed to second by Syverson. Howlett then singled to center and advanced to second while Rudiger when to third. Rudiger was ruled out for leaving early, but Feller then singled to center to score Howlett. The Falcons scored twice in the third to go ahead, 3-1. Rachel Mathias led off with a single to center and Rudiger then hit a home run to left. It was Rudiger’s sixth homer of the season. The Falcons added an insurance run in the sixth. With one out, Peters doubled to right center. She advanced to third on a passed ball and then Hammerbeck singled to left to score Peters.

Howlett was 3-4 while Rudiger and Hammerbeck were both 2-3.

Sarah Stoffa started her first game of the season on the mound and got the win. She is now 2-0. She worked four innings and allowed two hits and one earned run. She struck out three and walked five. Jessalyn Weaver worked the final three innings and picked up her third save of the season. She allowed three hits and no runs. She walked one.

The Falcons, now 21-5 overall and 4-0 in the WIAC, will host UW-Stout on Tuesday at Ramer Field. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

River Falls 7, La Crosse 5 Box
River Falls 4, La Crosse 1 Box

Falcons Sweep UWP; Win Streak Reaches Six

April 14, 2007

The Falcon softball team opened WIAC play with a sweep at UW-Platteville Saturday afternoon.

UWRF won the first game, 2-0, and the second game, 8-6. The Falcons have won six games in a row and seven of its last eight. The six straight wins is a season high.

Ashley Bertrand threw a one-hitter in the first game. The only Pioneer hit was a lead off single in the fourth inning. Bertrand retired the next 12 batters. She walked one and struck out six. The walk came with two outs in the third. UWP threatened in the first when the lead off hitter reached first on an error and advanced to second, and third, on a wild pitch. But Bertrand got the next batter to strike out and the third out came on a fly to left. Bertrand, now 10-2, has thrown two one-hitters this year. She allowed one hit in a 3-1 win over Lake Forest on March 13 in Florida.

UWRF scored two runs on nine hits. The Falcons scored single runs in the fifth and seventh innings. In the fifth, Ashley Hammerbeck led off with a double to right. Jessica Lundgren ran for Hammerbeck and she scored when Rachel Mathias also doubled. With two out in the seventh, Mathias tripled to right and scored when Mindy Rudiger singled down the left field line. Rudiger finished 3-4 while Hammerbeck and Mathias were both 2-3. Rudiger also stole two bases.

In the second game, the Falcons exploded for five runs in the fifth inning to erase a 6-3 UWP lead to get the win. UWRF scored eight runs on 11 hits and they made two errors. UWP scored six runs on nine hits and they made three errors. UWRF scored two runs in the first, one in the fourth and five in the fifth. UWP scored two in the first, one in the third and three in the fourth.

The Falcons scored two unearned runs in the first. With one out Breamber Syverson walked and stole second. She advanced to third when Emily Howlett doubled down the left field line. Both runners scored on an error on the UWP right fielder. The Falcons tied the game, 3-3, with one run in the fourth. Rebecca Troop walked to lead off and Michelle Kelley ran for her. Kelley advanced to second when Hammerbeck laid down a sacrifice bunt. Ashley James then singled and went to second on the throw. Kelley went to third on the play.. Kelley then scored on a wild pitch.

In the fifth, Howlett reached first on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a single to left by Keri Feller. Amanda Peters doubled to score Howlett. Troop was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Hammerbeck then doubled to score Feller and Peters and that tied the game, 6-6. James then struck out, but got to first on a wild pitch. Both Troop and Hammerbeck scored on a throwing error by the UWP catcher on the play.

Feller and Mathias were both 2-3 and Peters was 2-4. Howlett was 1-4 and scored twice.

Sarah Stoffa picked up her first win of the year in relief. She pitched the final three and two-thirds innings and didn’t allow a hit or a run. She walked two and struck out five. Stoffa stranded runners on second and third in the seventh to end the game. Brittany Rathbun started on the mound and pitched three and one-third innings. She allowed nine hits and six earned runs. She walked two and struck out two.

The Falcons, now 19-5 overall and 2-0 in the WIAC, will play another WIAC double-header at UW-La Crosse on Sunday. The first pitch will be thrown at noon. UWL split a double-header with UW-Stout on Saturday. Stout won the first game, 6-1, and La Crosse took the nightcap, 8-1. UWL is 11-8 overall.

River Falls 2, Platteville 0 Box
River Falls 8, Platteville 6 Box

Dome Sweet Dome - Falcons Sweep St. Scholastica

April 11, 2007

The Falcons may be calling the Rosemount Dome their second home after Wednesday's sweep over St. Scholastica. The Falcons won both games - 7-2 and 4-2.

UWRF has now played eight games in the Rosemount Dome and are 8-0.

In the first game, the Falcons scored seven runs on six hits and played errorless ball in the field. St. Scholastica scored two runs on four hits and they made two errors. The Saints scored single runs in the third and seventh innings while the Falcons scored three in the third and two runs in the fifth and sixth.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and worked four innings. She got the win and is now 9-2. She allowed two hits and one earned run. She struck out seven and walked one. Brittany Rathbun worked two innings and allowed one hit. She didn’t allow a run, struck out one and didn’t walk a batter. Sarah Stoffa worked the seventh inning and allowed one hit and one earned run. She walked one and struck out two.

RF scored three times in the third. Ashley Hammerbeck led off with a walk and was sacrificed to second by Rebecca Troop. She advanced to third on an infield out and scored on a fielding error by the pitcher. Then Emily Howlett hit her third home run of the season, a two-run shot, over the left field fence.

The Falcons picked up two runs in the fifth. Mindy Rudiger led off with a single to center and she went to third when Breamber Syverson laid down a sacrifice bunt. Syverson advanced to second on an error on the play. Howlett then knocked in her third run of the game with a sacrifice fly to center. Syverson later scored when a suicide squeeze play failed and she beat the throw to home after a run down.

UWRF picked up two more runs in the sixth when Hammerbeck walked for the third time and scored when Rudiger hit a towering drive over the left field fence. It was Rudiger’s fifth home run of the season which is a school record.

The second game was scoreless until the fourth when CSS scored twice. UWRF scored all of its runs in the fifth. The Falcons scored four runs on five hits and again made no errors. CSS had four hits and made six errors.

UWRF scored all four runs with two outs in the fifth. Troop started the rally with a single to center. Jessica Lundgren pinch ran for Troop and stole second. She then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Rudiger then struck out swinging, but she reached first on a throwing error by the catcher and Lundgren scored on the play. Rudiger then stole second and advanced to third when the throw went into center field. Syverson singled to center to score Rudiger with the tying run. But the Falcons weren't done. Syverson stole second and went to third when Howlett reached on an error. Howlett advanced to second on the play. Keri Feller then line a shot to center field that was misplayed and both Syverson and Howlett scored on the play.

Rathbun picked up the win in relief. She worked three innings and allowed only two hits and no runs. She struck out two and didn't walk a batter. She is now 8-3 this year. Bertrand started and pitched the first four innings. She allowed two hits and two earned runs. She walked three and struck out four.

The Falcons, now 17-5 overall, will open WIAC play on Saturday at UW-Platteville. The first pitch will be thrown at 4 p.m.

River Falls 7, St. Scholastica 2 Box
River Falls 4, St. Scholastica 2 Box

Rathbun Named WIAC Pitcher of the Week

April 9, 2007

Falcon Brittany Rathbun (Jr., Rochester, Minn. Mayo HS) pitched a no-hitter in the team's 10-0 win over Hamline on Friday at the Rosemount Dome and has been named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week, according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek.

The right-hander faced 17 batters, two over the minimum. She walked one and struck out six. A HU runner reached first on an error in the first inning. The walk came to the lead off hitter in the second and she was later retired trying to advance on a fielding play. The second batter in the fifth inning reached base on a throwing error. She retired the side in order in the third and fourth innings. She is now 7-3 this year with a 1.25 ERA. In 44.2 innings she has allowed 11 runs, walked 10 and struck out 35. Opponents are hitting just .193 against her. She has appeared in 14 games, with seven starts, and has pitched two complete games. She has one save this season. Rathbun is the Falcon career record holder in saves with 14.

The Falcons are scheduled to host UW-Stout on Tuesday at Ramer Field with action starting at 3 p.m. On Wednesday UWRF will play St. Scholastica at 8 p.m., at the Rosemount Dome. Saturday the Falcons play at UW-Platteville (4 p.m.) and on Sunday are at UW-La Crosse (noon).

Falcons Sweep Hamline; Rathbun Tosses Second Career No-Hitter

April 6, 2007

Falcon right-hander Brittany Rathbun tossed her second career no-hitter to help the Falcons to a sweep of Hamline on Friday afternoon at the Rosemount Dome.

The Falcons won the first game, 11-2, and Rathbun threw the no-hitter in the team's 10-0 five inning second game win.

In the second game, Rathbun faced 17 batters, two over the minimum. She walked one and struck out six. A HU runner reached first on an error in the first inning. The walk came to the lead off hitter in the second and she was later retired trying to advance on a fielding play. The second batter in the fifth inning reached base on a throwing error. She retired the side in order in the third and fourth innings. She is now 7-3 this year. Rathbun, a junior, pitched a no-hitter on March 1, 2006 in a 4-0 win over Carleton in a game also played at the Rosemount Dome. She faced 22 batters, one over the minimum, in the seven inning contest.

Rathbun got plenty of help from the rest of the lineup. UWRF scored 10 runs on nine hits. The Falcons scored six times in the second, single runs in the third and fourth and two runs in the fifth. Mindy Rudiger finished 3-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Keri Feller was 2-3 with one RBI. The big hit in the six-run second was a bases loaded triple down the right field line by Rachel Mathias. She finished 2-3 with two runs scored and three RBI. Emily Howlett, Ashley Hammerbeck and Amanda Peters each had one RBI. Peters also scored twice.

In the 11-2 win, the Falcons had eight hits and made no errors. UWRF scored three times in the first and seventh innings, once in the second and twice in the fourth and fifth. Hamline scored two runs on five hits and they made four errors. Rudiger, who led off the game with a solo homer over the center field fence, finished 2-3 with four runs scored and two RBI. The sophomore shortstop now has four home runs this year which ties the team record for homers in a season. Howlett was 3-4 with a run scored and four RBI. She doubled home a run in the first, singled home a run in the second and singled home two runs in the fourth. Breamber Syverson, Cassie Peterson, Kelli Rahlf and Rebecca Troop also had RBI. Peters, who was 1-2, scored three times.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and got the win; she is now 8-2. She pitched four innings and allowed three hits and one earned run. She struck out eight and did not walk a batter. Bertrand retired the first nine batters she faced, striking out seven. Jessalyn Weaver worked the final three innings and got her second save of the season. She allowed two hits and one earned run. She walked one and struck out one.

The Falcons, now 15-5, are scheduled to open WIAC play on April 10 when they host UW-Stout at Ramer Field. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

River Falls 11, Hamline 2 Box
River Falls 10, Hamline 0 Box

Falcons Split With Con.-St. Paul

March 27, 2007

The Falcon softball team split a doubleheader with Concordia-St. Paul on Tuesday afternoon at Ramer Field.

UWRF won the first game, 4-1, but the Golden Bears won the second game, 2-0.

In game one, the Falcons scored four runs on nine hits and played errorless ball in the field. CSP scored one run on three hits and they made four errors. The Falcons scored all four of their runs in the fourth inning and the Golden Bears scored their run in the fifth.

In the fourth, Emily Howlett led off with a single to left center. Keri Feller then singled and both runners advanced a base on an error. Ashley James laid down a perfect suicide bunt that scored Howlett. James was safe at first and Michelle Kelley, who was running for Feller, advanced to third. After an out, Rachel Mathias singled to right field with Kelley scoring and James advancing to third. Amanda Peters then singled to left field and James and Mathias both scored on the play.

Howlett finished 3-3 at the plate with a run scored. She also doubled in the first. Peters was 2-3 with an RBI. Mathias was 1-3 with a run scored and a RBI. James was 1-3 with a run scored and a RBI.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and got the win. She pitched five innings and allowed two hits and one earned run. She walked two and struck out one. Brittany Rathbun worked the final two innings and picked up her first save of the year. She allowed one hit, walked one and struck out two.

In the second game, CSP scored two runs on five hits and made two errors. The Golden Bears scored single runs in the first and sixth innings. UWRF had five hits and made one error. Mathias was 2-3. Howlett was 1-3 and she doubled in the sixth. James was 1-2 and Peters was 1-3. Peters doubled in the fifth.

Bertrand started on the mound and took the loss - she is now 7-2. She pitched four innings and allowed three hits and one earned run. She struck out four and walked one. Rathbun pitched the final three innings and allowed two hits and one earned run. She walked two.

The Falcons, now 13-5, are next scheduled to open WIAC play on April 3 when they host UW-Stout at Ramer Field. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

Falcons to Play Concordia-St. Paul on Tuesday

March 26, 2007

The Falcon softball team will play Concordia-St. Paul on Tuesday at Ramer Field with the first pitch set to be thrown at 3 p.m.

UWRF enters the non-conference game with a 12-4 overall record. On Saturday the Falcons beat St. Scholastica, 7-1, but lost to Gustavus Adolphus, 3-2, at Ramer Field. The Falcons are hitting .277, led by third baseman Emily Howlett with a .480 average. She leads the team in runs (19), hits (24), doubles (8) and triples (2). Second baseman Breamber Syverson is hitting .395. She has scored nine runs and has one RBI. First baseman Keri Feller is third with a .386 average. She has scored five runs and has five doubles and two homers. She leads the team with 16 RBI. Junior Ashley Bertrand has a 6-1 record with a 0.88 ERA. She has struck out 73 and walked only 13. Opponents are hitting .164 against her. Brittany Rathbun has a 6-3 record with a 1.41 ERA. She has struck out 27 and walked six. Opponents are hitting .219 against her.

Concordia enters Tuesday's games with a 10-9 overall record. They are hitting .257 led by third baseman Amanda Yurek who has a .316 average. She has scored 13 runs and has six doubles. Natalie Mast is hitting .300 and has scored seven runs and has seven RBI. Outfielder Melissa Bergdall is hitting .294. She has nine RBI. Jenny Kaminski is 7-2 with a 4.88 ERA. She has struck out 22 and walked 24. Mandy Turba has a 3-7 record and a 3.90 ERA. She has struck out 38 and walked 22.

Falcons Beat St. Scholastica; Lose to Gustavus Adolphus

March 24, 2007

The Falcon softball team beat St. Scholastica, 7-1, but lost to Gustavus Adolphus, 3-2, Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

In the win over St. Scholastica, the Falcons scored seven runs on 10 hits and made one error. CSS scored one run on five hits and had three errors. UWRF scored two runs in the first, third and sixth innings, and one in the fourth. CSS scored its run in the third.

Mindy Rudiger was 4-4 at the plate with one RBI and three runs scored. Keri Feller hit a two-run homer to left in the first and finished 2-3 with a run scored and two RBI. Rebecca Troop was 1-3 with two RBI. She knocked in two runs in the third with a single to left. Amanda Peters was 1-3 with two runs scored and Breamber Syverson was 1-2 with one RBI.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and got the win and is now 6-1. She worked four innings and allowed four hits and one earned run. She walked three and struck out four. Brittany Rathbun pitched two innings and didn't allow a hit or a run. She walked one and struck out one. Sarah Stoffa worked the final inning and allowed one hit and no runs. She struck out one and didn't walk a batter.

In the loss to Gustavus Adolphus, the Falcons scored two runs on just one hit and they made one error. GAC scored three runs on seven hits and made two errors. UWRF scored both of its runs in the first. GAC scored twice in the fourth and once in the sixth. In the first, Syverson walked with one out and stole second. She advanced to third on an infield out. Feller then walked and Syverson scored while Feller ended up at third base on the play. Ashley James then singled to right field to score pinch runner Jessica Lundgren. GAC scored what proved to be the winning run in the sixth on an infield hit, a stolen base, a sacrifice and a base hit to left.

Rathbun took the loss in relief and she is now 6-3. She pitched two innings and allowed four hits and one earned run. She walked one and struck out one. Bertrand started and worked four innings. She allowed three hits and two earned runs. She walked two and struck out three. Stoffa pitched the seventh and didn't allow a hit or a run. She walked two.

The Falcons, now 12-4, are next scheduled to open WIAC play on April 3 when they host UW-Stout at Ramer Field. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

Falcons Split on Friday; Finish 7-3 in Florida

March 16, 2007

The Falcon softball team split on its final day of play at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.

The Falcons lost to Webster, 5-4, but came back later to beat Fontbonne, 2-1.

Against Webster the Falcons scored four runs on eight hits and made three errors. WU scored five runs on five hits and they made one error. UWRF scored three runs in the first and one in the second. WU scored once in the first and four times in the second.

In the first, Mindy Rudiger led off with a double to left. Breamber Syverson reached first on an infield hit. Emily Howlett then doubled to right center to score Rudiger. Keri Feller then doubled down the left field line and that scored Syverson and Howlett. The Falcons added a run in the second. Peters reached first on an infield hit and Rudiger doubled down the right field line. Syverson reached first on an infield hit and that loaded the bases. Howlett then hit a sacrifice fly to right and that scored Peters.

Brittney Rathbun started and worked the first two innings. She allowed five hits and five runs, three were earned. She walked one. She took the loss and is now 6-2. Ashley Bertrand pitched the last four innings and allowed no hits or runs. She struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter.

After an explosive first two innings there was only one hit after the second inning – UWRF’s Rudiger singled in the fourth.

Against Fontbonne UWRF scored two runs on four hits and they made one error. Fontbonne scored one run on three hits and they played errorless ball. The Falcons scored twice in the first and Fontbonne scored its run in the fifth. After holding Fontbonne scorelss in the first inning, the Falcons scored twice. Rudiger led off with a double to left center and she went to third on wild pitch. Syverson walked and then Rudiger scored on a wild pitch and Syverson advanced to second. Howlett then singled to center to load the bases. Feller hit a sacrifice fly to right to score Syverson.

Bertrand didn’t allow a base runner until the fifth when a Fontbonne player reached on an error. She did not give up a hit until the fifth. She retired 12 in a row to start the game. She allowed three hits and the one run – it was unearned. She struck out nine and did not walk a batter. She is now 5-1 this season.

The Falcons finished 7-3 in Florida – which is one of the most successful spring trips of any UWRF team.

The Falcons, now 11-3, will next compete in the Coe College Tournament on March 24-25. On Saturday they face Coe at 12:30 p.m. and Clarke at 2:15 p.m. On Sunday the Falcons play St. Mary’s at 9 a.m. and Cornell at 10:45 a.m.

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Falcons Lose to Franklin & Marshall; Beat Dennison

March 15, 2007

The Falcon softball team lost to Franklin & Marshall, 4-3 in eight innings, but came back to beat Denison, 3-0, on Thursday in Florida.

In the loss to F&M, the Falcons scored three runs on four hits and they made four errors. F&M scored four runs on seven hits and they made one error. UWRF scored single runs in the third, fifth and eighth. F&M scored once in the first and third and twice in the eighth.

Breamber Syverson and Emily Howlett combined for the four hits for the Falcons. Syverson finished 2-3 with a run scored and Howlett was 2-2 with a run scored and three RBI. Howlett hit a solo homer to left in the fourth. In the sixth, Syverson singled to left and scored when Howlett doubled to left center. The game was tied, 2-2, after seven innings and then went to the international tie breaker. In the eighth, Rudiger was placed on second and was sacrificed to third by Syverson. Howlett then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Rudiger. F&M was able to score twice in the eighth to get the win.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and worked the first three innings. She allowed three hits and two runs – only one was earned. She struck out six and did not walk a batter. Brittany Rathbun worked the final four and one-third innings and took the loss. It was her first loss of the season. She allowed four hits, two runs and one earned run. She walked one and struck out five.

In the win over Denison the Falcons scored three runs on four hits and they made one error. Denison had four hits and made three errors. UWRF scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings.

In the first, Mindy Rudiger reached first on an error and Syverson reached first on an infield hit. Howlett then singled to left field to score Rudiger. With two out in the third, Syverson reached first on another infield hit, stole second and later scored on an error. In the fourth, Keri Feller reached first on an error and Jessica Lundgren pinch ran for her. Rebecca Troop sacrificed Lundgren to second and she advanced to third on a ground out. Ashley James then singled to right to score Lundgren.

Rathbun started on the mound and got the win. She is now 6-1. She worked four and one-third innings and allowed three hits. She struck out two and walked one. Bertrand pitched the final two and two-third innings and earned her first save of the season. She allowed one hit, walked one and struck out four.

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Falcons Win Two More in Florida; Are 9-1

March 13, 2007

The Falcon softball team won two more games on Tuesday in Florida and are now 5-1 on the trip and 9-1 overall.

In the 3-1 win over Lake Forest, right hander Ashley Bertrand pitched a one-hitter to get the win to raise her record to 4-1. She went the distance and allowed one unearned run. She walked two and struck out a season high 10.

The Falcons scored three runs on six hits and they made one error. LFC scored one run on one hit and they made two errors. UWRF scored twice in the third and once in the fifth. LFC scored its run in the first.

Trailing 1-0, the Falcons scored twice in the third. Emily Howlett reached first on a fielder’s choice and scored when Keri Feller doubled to deep center .Feller then advanced to third on a wild pitch and later scored on a LFC fielding error. In the third, Breamber Syverson reached first on an infield single. She then stole second and advanced to third on the play. Howlett then singled to center to score Syverson.

In the second game, the Falcons banged out 12 hits in the 9-0 win. The Falcons committed two errors. WC had five hits and they made six errors. UWRF scored a single run in the first, two in the fourth and three in the fifth and seventh innings. 

Ashley James was 4-4 at the plate with a run scored and four RBI. She knocked in two runs in the fourth and two in the fifth. Amanda Peters was 2-4 with two RBI. She scored two runs in the seventh with a single to center. Rebecca Troop scored three runs and was 1-3 at the plate. Rachel Mathias was 1-3 with a run scored and one RBI. Howlett was 1-3 with two runs scored.

Brittany Rathbun got the win on the mound and she is now 5-0 this year. She pitched four innings and allowed three hits. She struck out three and didn’t walk a batter. Jessalyn Weaver pitched the final three innings and got a save; it was her first save of the season. She allowed two hits, walked none and struck out two.

The Falcons play twice on Thursday. They played Franklin & Marshall at 11 a.m., and Denison at 3 p.m.

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Falcons Win Twice in Florida

March 12, 2007

The Falcon softball team won two games in Florida on Monday to raise its record to 7-1.

UWRF opened with a 3-2 win over Mount St. Joseph and then clubbed Suffolk, 8-0, in five innings.

In the first game against Mount St. Joseph, the Falcons scored three runs on five hits and they made one error. MSJ scored two runs on five hits and committed two errors. UWRF scored two runs in the first and a single run in the third. MSJ scored single runs in the first and fifth innings. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Mindy Rudiger led off with a single to center and was sacrificed to second by Breamber Syverson. She scored when Emily Howlett doubled to right center. Howlett advanced to second on a ground out and scored later on an error. The Falcons got what proved to be the winning run in the third when Howlett doubled to center and Keri Feller followed that with a double to left. Howlett finished with two hits while Rudiger, Feller and Rachel Mathias all had one.

Brittany Rathbun went the distance on the mound to get her fourth win of the season. She is now 4-0. She allowed five hits and two earned runs. She struck out four and didn’t walk a batter.

In the second game the Falcons scored eight runs on nine hits and made one error. Suffolk had three hits and made two errors. UWRF scored two runs in the second, five in the third and one in the fourth.

Mathias had the bat going – she finished 2-3 with two runs scored and four RBI. She hit a two-run homer in the second and singled home two more runs in the third. The homer was her second of the season. Howlett was 2-3, including a double, and two runs scored. Ashley James was also 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. She singled in the third and that scored two runs. Amanda Peters, Feller and Rudiger also had hits.

Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and worked the first three innings. She got the win and is now 3-1 this year. She allowed two hits. She struck out four and walked none. Sarah Stoffa pitched the final two innings and allowed one hit. She struck out three and walked none.

The Falcons play twice on Tuesday. They played Lake Forest at 3 p.m., and Washington College at 5 p.m.

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Falcons Split on Opening Day in Florida

March 11, 2007

The Falcon softball team split in its first two games in Florida on Sunday.

The Falcons lost to Washington-St. Louis, 3-0, in the first game, but came back to beat the Coast Guard Academy, 4-3.

In the first game, Laurel Sugartz pitched a complete game no-hitter. She stuck out nine and walked one. She walked Ashley James in the fifth. Only one other Falcon reached base, Breamber Syverson, on an error in the fourth.

Washington finished with three runs on five hits and they made one error. The Falcons made one error. All three of Bears runs came in the third innings.

Ashley Bertrand started for the Falcons and pitched four innings. She allowed three unearned runs. She walked one and struck out four. Brittany Rathbun worked the final two innings and allowed no hits. She walked one and struck out one.

 In the second game the Falcons scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh when Emily Howlett led off with a double to left center. She advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Amanda Peters hit a sacrifice fly to left field.

UWRF scored four runs on nine hits and they made one error. Coast Guard scored three runs on eight hits and they had three errors. The Falcons scored one run in the second and seventh innings and two in the third. The CGA scored once in the fourth and two times in the sixth.

Howlett led the Falcon attack going 2-4 with two runs scored.  She doubled twice. The Falcons got their run in the second when Rebecca Troop walked, advanced to second when Ashley James singled and scored on an error after Rachel Mathias singled to left. In the third Howlett led off with a double to center and scored when Keri Feller had an infield single. Jessica Lundgren pinch ran for Feller and stole second. After an out, Troop singled to left and Lundgren scored on the play on an error on the left fielder.

Rathbun picked up the win in relief. She worked the seventh inning and allowed one hit. She struck out two. Bertrand started and worked the first six innings. She allowed seven hits. She allowed three runs and two were earned. She struck out six and walked one.

The win was Falcon Coach Faye Perkins’ 400th in her collegiate career.

The Falcons play twice on Monday. They play Mount St. Joseph at 9 a.m., and Suffolk at 11 a.m.

Falcons Sweep St. Catherine, 9-1, 12-1

March 8, 2007

The Falcon softball team exploded for 21 runs and 25 hits in 9-1 and 12-1 wins over St. Catherine on Wednesday night at the Rosemount Dome. The Falcon pitching was also outstanding allowing only two hits in the two games.

In the first game, that lasted six innings, the Falcons scored nine runs on 11 hits and made no errors. UWRF scored twice in the first, three times in the second and fourth innings and once in the sixth. SC scored one run on one hit and they made one error. They scored in the first. Mindy Rudiger hit a three-run homer in the third inning to lead the Falcon assault. She scored three runs. Breamber Syverson and Rebecca Troop went 2-2 and Troop scored twice. Emily Howlett was 2-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Keri Feller, who was 1-2, had a RBI; Ashley Hammerbeck, who was 1-1, had a RBI and Amanda Peters also had one RBI.

Ashley Bertrand picked up the win on the mound and is now 2-0 this year. She worked four innings and allowed one earned run. She allowed one hit. She struck out seven and walked two. Jessalyn Weaver worked the final two assists and allowed only one base runner; off a two-out walk in the sixth.

The Falcon bats stayed hot in the second game that lasted five innings. UWRF scored 12 runs on 14 hits and made one error. The Falcons scored two runs in the first, four in the second and three times in the fourth and fifth innings. St. Kates scored one run on one hit and made one error. The Falcons hit five home runs and had two doubles in the game. Rudiger led the way going 2-2 with two home runs. She scored four runs and had four RBI. She hit a solo homer to center to lead off the game and in her next at bat in the second inning hit a three-run homer to center. Howlett, who was 3-4 with two runs scored and two RBI, hit a solo home run in the first. She doubled to center to knock in a run in the fifth. Feller, who finished 2-4 with a run scored and four RBI, hit a two-run homer in the fourth. Troop hit a lead-off homer to center to start the fourth and she doubled in the fifth. She was 3-3 at the plate with three runs scored and the RBI.

Brittany Rathbun worked the first three innings on the mound and got the win. She is now 2-0. She allowed one hit, struck out three and didn't walk a batter. Sarah Stoffa worked her first college innings and in two innings allowed one earned run. She struck out five and walked one.

The Falcons, now 4-0 overall, will leave on Saturday for Florida where they will play 10 games in six days at the Rebel Spring Games. Sunday they face Washington-St. Louis at 1 p.m. and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at 5 p.m.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

Falcons Top Carleton Twice to Open 2007 Season

Feb. 28, 2007

The Falcon softball team opened its season with two wins over Carleton College on Wednesday night at the Rosemount Dome.

The Falcons won the first game, 3-2, and came back to take the second game, 8-2.

In the first game the Falcons scored three runs on four hits and made three errors. Carleton scored two runs on five hits and they committed three errors. UWRF scored single runs in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings while Carleton scored twice in the bottom of the seventh.

In the fourth, Emily Howlett tripled to right field and Kery Feller kocked her home with a line drive sacrifice fly to right. In the sixth, Mindy Rudiger led off with a walk and scored when Breamber Syverson laid down a sacrifice bunt. Syverson purposely got caught in a run down and Rudiger scored on the play. Rachel Mathias led off the seventh with a single to left and she advanced to third when Ashley James laid down a sacrifice bunt. After an out, Margo Taylor pinch hit and singled to center to score Mathias with what proved to be the game winning run. Howlett finished 2-3 and was the only Falcon with a multiple hit game.

Ashley Bertrtand started on the mound for the Falcons and worked all seven innings. She allowed five hits and two unearned runs. She walked only one and struck out nine.

In the second game the Falcons scored four runs in the first inning and went on for the win. They added two runs in the second and fourth innings. UWRF scored eight runs on nine hits and made one error. Carleton scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings. They had eight hits and made four errors. Five Falcons had hits in the game. Feller was 3-3 with a run scored and one RBI. She had a double. Howlett was 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Amanda Peters was 2-3 with two RBI. Rudiger was 1-3, she had a double, and she scored twice. Syverson was 1-2 with two runs scored.

The Falcons used three pitchers in the game. Brittany Rathbun started and worked the first three innings and got the win. She allowed two hits, struck out five and didn't walk a batter. Jessalyn Weaver worked two innings. She allowed three hits and one earned run. She struck out one and didn't walk a batter. Kelly Quinn worked the final two innings and allowed three hits and one earned run.

The Falcons will next play St. Catherine on Wednesday at the Rosemount Done with action starting at 6 p.m.

Falcons Open Season Wednesday Against Carleton

Feb. 26, 2007

With 13 of 15 letter winners back from last year, the Falcon softball team has some veteran players at key positions for the 2007 season.

The Falcons open their season on Wednesday when they play Carleton College at the Rosemont Dome at 6 p.m.

Pitching always plays a key role in softball and the Falcons have three letter winners back at that important position. Junior Ashley Bertrand appeared in 38 games last year and started 33 times. She finished 16-11 with a 2.26 ERA. She led the Falcons with 145.1 innings pitched and opponents hit .256 against her. Junior Brittany Rathbun led the NCAA Div. III in saves last year (9) and returns after earning honorable mention to the All-WIAC team for the second straight season. She was named the team's Co-Most Valuable Player after finishing with a 1.85 ERA and a 3-8 record. She worked 109.2 innings and opponents hit .248 against her. Sophomore Kelly Quinn is also back after finishing 2-0 with a 1.87 ERA. She appeared in eight games and worked 15 innings.

"Our pitching is strong with our two primary pitchers back in Rathbun and Bertrand," said Falcon Coach Faye Perkins, who is in her 18th season with the Falcons. "They pitched the majoring of innings and have a lot of experience. Quinn is also back and two freshmen, Jessalyn Weaver and Sarah Stoffa, join our very strong, deep staff."

The Falcons hit .286 last year and the goal this year is to hit .300, according to Perkins. With six of the team's top seven hitters back, that could be reached.

Sophomore shortstop Mindy Rudiger returns after hitting .348 last year. She started every game and earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC team. She led the team in runs (35), hits (47) and doubles (12). She hit three home runs and had 18 RBI. She stole seven bases, the most of any returning player. Junior third baseman Emily Howlett returns after being named to the first All-WIAC team and being named the team's Co-Most Valuable Player. Howlett hit .328 and started all 42 games. She scored 24 runs and had 40 hits including 10 doubles, a triple and three homers. She finished with 24 RBI, most of any returning player. She struck out just seven times in 122 at bats.

Sophomore Keri Feller, who was mostly in the lineup as the designated hitter last year, returns after hitting .307. She will probably be at first base this year, but can also catch if needed. She finished with five doubles, two triples and one home run. She had 19 RBI. Junior Amanda Peters, who played first base last year, but will probably be in the outfield in 2007, hit .304. She also started all 42 games and finished with 16 runs with four doubles, one triple and one homer. She had 22 RBI.

Junior second baseman Breamber Syverson finished fifth in sacrifices in the NCAA Div. III last year. She hit .277 from the No. 2 spot in the lineup. In 41 games she had one homer and two RBI. The slap hitter had a .324 on-base percentage and stole five bases. Sophomore Rachel Mathias can play any of the outfield positions an