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Howlett Named to NFCA All-America Team May 16, 2008 The honors just keep rolling in for Falcon third baseman Emily Howlett (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) "I am very pleased to hear that Emily was named an NFCA All-American," said Falcon Coach Jody Gabriel. "She is an outstanding athlete that worked hard throughout her entire career. I feel fortunate to have worked with an athlete with so much passion for the game. Emily is very worthy of this honor." This year Howlett has been named to the first All-WIAC team, the first NFCA Great Lakes Region team, she has been named the WIAC Postition Player of the Year and she was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America third Academic All-District V team. She was also voted the team's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. Howlett led the Falcons in hitting with a .500 average. She was 69-138 at the plate. She led the Falcons in hits, runs (47), doubles (17), triples (2) and RBI (52). She also hit eight homers and had a .826 slugging percentage. She finished with a .972 fielding percentage. She set single season records in six categories including batting average, RBI, doubles, hits, runs scored and slugging percentage. Howlett holds career records for doubles (52) and batting average (.439). Her .500 average ties for the best average in a single season in the WIAC. Howlett led the WIAC in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage, doubles, RBI and hits. She played and started all 42 games for the Falcons. Howlett is the first Falcon to earn the WIAC Position Player of the Year Award. She recorded at least one hit in 35 of 42 games and produced 24 multi-hit games, including six three-hit performances and two four-hit contests. Howlett scored at least two runs in 13 games and had multiple runs batted in during 17 contests. She had a .439 career batting average and 52 doubles, both school records. Her career totals rank second on the WIAC all-time charts. The Falcons finished 29-13 overall and won a school-record 15 straight games. They finished 8-8 in WIAC play and finished second in the conference tournament. UWRF is the only team to beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds in WIAC tournament play. The Falcons entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed.
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Four Earn Softball Team Awards May 13, 2008 Four Falcons earned softball team award announced on Monday. Third baseman Emily Howlett (Sr., Eagan, Minn.), right-handed pitcher Ashley Bertrand (Sr., St. Paul, Minn. Como Park HS), second baseman Cassie Peterson (Jr., New Richmond, Wis.) and catcher Ashley James (Sr., Mankato, Minn. Loyola HS) all earned team awards. Howlett was named the team's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. Bertrand won the team's Spirit award. James won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Peterson was named the team's Most Improved and Most Dedicated. Howlett, who was named to the first All-WIAC teams in 2006, 2007 and 2008, led the Falcons in hitting with a .500 average. She was 69-138 at the plate. She led the Falcons in hits, runs (47), doubles (17), triples (2) and RBI (52). She also hit eight homers and had a .826 slugging percentage. She finished with a .972 fielding percentage. She set single season records in six categories including batting average, RBI, doubles, hits, runs scored and slugging percentage. Howlett holds career records for doubles (52) and batting average (.439). Her .500 average ties for the best average in a single season in the WIAC. Howlett led the WIAC in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage, doubles, RBI and hits. She played and started all 42 games for the Falcons. She was also named the WIAC Position Player of the Year and was named to the first NFCA All-Great Lakes Region team. Bertrand, who earned honorable mention to the 2008 All-WIAC team, had an 18-6 record with a 2.53 ERA. In 155 innings she struck out a season-high record 217 batters. She walked only 60. She appeared in 32 games and started 28 times. She had 14 complete games and six shutouts. The 18 wins and six shutouts are single season records. Opponents hit .214 against her. She holds school career records for games started (112), runs per game (1.84), strikeouts (572) and wins (56). Bertrand led the WIAC in innings pitched, strike outs, appearances, game started and she was second in wins. She was named to the NFCA All-Great Lakes Region third team this year. Peterson hit .214 and played in 35 games, starting 29. The slap hitter had four RBI and scored nine runs. She finished the season with a .941 fielding percentage. The All-Sportsmanship team is for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. The team included one member from each school as selected by that school. Peterson was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship team this year. James committed just one error in 324 chances and led the team in fielding percentage (.997). She led the WIAC in runners picked off (5). She hit .241 with one double and eight RBI. She stole one base and scored 13 runs. She threw out 22-33 base stealers. James hit .229 in her career with nine doubles, one triple and one home run. She knocked in 46 runs. She is second all-time with 957 put outs and has a .981 career fielding percentage. The Falcons finished 29-13 overall and won a school-record 15 straight games. They finished 8-8 in WIAC play and finished second in the conference tournament. UWRF is the only team to beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds in WIAC tournament play. The Falcons entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed. 2008 Falcon Schedule |
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Howlett Named to Third CoSIDA All-District V Academic Team May 8, 2008 Third baseman Emily Howlett (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) has been named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) third District V All-Academic team. Howlett, who was named to the first All-WIAC teams in 2006, 2007 and 2008, led the Falcons in hitting with a .500 average. She was 69-138 at the plate. She led the Falcons in hits, runs (47), doubles (17), triples (2) and RBI (52). She also hit eight homers and had a .826 slugging percentage. She finished with a .972 fielding percentage. She set single season records in six categories including batting average, RBI, doubles, hits, runs scored and slugging percentage. Howlett holds career records for doubles (52) and batting average (.439). Her .500 average ties for the best average in a single season in the WIAC. Howlett led the WIAC in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage, doubles, RBI and hits. She played and started all 42 games for the Falcons. Howlett is also the first Falcon to earn the WIAC Position Player of the Year award. She recorded at least one hit in 35 of 42 games and produced 24 multi-hit games, including six three-hit performances and two four-hit contests. Howlett scored at least two runs in 13 games and had multiple runs batted in during 17 contests. She had a .439 career batting average and 52 doubles, both school records. Her career totals rank second on the WIAC all-time charts. Howlett was also named to the first NFCA All-Great Lakes Region team. Howlett will now be considered for the NFCA All-American team. The Falcons finished 29-13 overall and won a school-record 15 straight games. They finished 8-8 in WIAC play and finished second in the conference tournament. UWRF is the only team to beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds in WIAC tournament play. The Falcons entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed. The district team is comprised of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA student-athletes from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota and is voted on by members CoSIDA. The Academic All-America program honors male and female student-athletes annually who have succeeded at the highest level on the playing field and in the classroom. Individuals are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000 member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. To be eligible, a student-athletes must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.
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Howlett Named WIAC Softball May 7, 2008 Third baseman Emily Howlett (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) has been named the WIAC softball Position Player of the Year in a vote by the league coaches. "I am thrilled that Emily Howlett was voted WIAC Position Player of the Year," Falcon Coach Jody Gabriel said. "Emily has worked very hard to improve every year at UWRF. She is an excellent athlete and is very worthy of this recognition." Howlett, who was named to the first All-WIAC teams in 2006, 2007 and 2008, led the Falcons in hitting with a .500 average. She was 69-138 at the plate. She led the Falcons in hits, runs (47), doubles (17), triples (2) and RBI (52). She also hit eight homers and had a .826 slugging percentage. She finished with a .972 fielding percentage. She set single season records in six categories including batting average, RBI, doubles, hits, runs scored and slugging percentage. Howlett holds career records for doubles (52) and batting average (.439). Her .500 average ties for the best average in a single season in the WIAC. Howlett led the WIAC in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage, doubles, RBI and hits. She played and started all 42 games for the Falcons. Howlett is the first Falcon to earn this WIAC award. She recorded at least one hit in 35 of 42 games and produced 24 multi-hit games, including six three-hit performances and two four-hit contests. Howlett scored at least two runs in 13 games and had multiple runs batted in during 17 contests. She had a .439 career batting average and 52 doubles, both school records. Her career totals rank second on the WIAC all-time charts. Earlier this week she was named to the first NFCA All-Great Lakes Region team. Howlett will now be considered for the NFCA All-American team. The Falcons finished 29-13 overall and won a school-record 15 straight games. They finished 8-8 in WIAC play and finished second in the conference tournament. UWRF is the only team to beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds in WIAC tournament play. The Falcons entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed. |
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Five Falcons Named to All-WIAC Teams May 7, 2008 Five Falcons were named to 2008 All-WIAC softball teams. Third baseman Emily Howlett (Sr., Eagan, Minn.), first baseman Keri Feller (Sr., Austin, Minn.) and shortstop Mindy Rudiger (Jr., Menomonie, Wis.) were all named to the first team. Right-handed pitcher Ashley Bertrand (Sr., St. Paul, Minn. Como Park HS) earned honorable mention. Second baseman Cassie Peterson (Jr., New Richmond, Wis.) was named to the All-Sportsmanship team. The team is selected in a vote by the league coaches. "I am very pleased that Emily, Keri, Mindy, Ashley and Cassie were recognized for these awards," said Falcon Head Coach Jody Gabriel. "They are all very deserving of the honor. They worked hard this season and were supported by a great team. Ashley made a great recovery from a serious injury last season and came back even stronger for her final season." Howlett, who was named to the first team in 2006 and 2007, led the Falcons in hitting with a .500 average. She was 69-138 at the plate. She led the Falcons in hits, runs (47), doubles (17), triples (2) and RBI (52). She also hit eight homers and had a .826 slugging percentage. She finished with a .972 fielding percentage. She set single season records in six categories including batting average, RBI, doubles, hits, runs scored and slugging percentage. Howlett holds career records for doubles (52) and batting average (.439). Her .500 average ties for the best average in a single season in the WIAC. Howlett led the WIAC in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage, doubles, RBI and hits. She played and started all 42 games for the Falcons. Feller finished second in hitting with a .387 average. She was 53-137 at the plate. She had 11 doubles and finished second on the team with 10 homers. She was also second in RBI with 47. She scored 13 runs and had a .686 slugging percentage. She led all Falcon starters with a .996 fielding percentage. She made just one error in 242 chances. She played and started all 42 games. Feller finished fifth in homers and second in RBI in the WIAC. Rudiger, who was named to the first team in 2007 and earned honorable mention in 2006, was third on the team with a .336 average. She scored 45 runs, second on the team, and had 11 doubles and one triple. Rudiger led the Falcons with 11 home runs and already holds the career home run record (26). She finished with 28 RBI and had a .679 slugging percentage. She finished the year with a .977 fielding percentage. She also played and started all 42 games. She also holds the school record for career walks (80). Rudiger finished second in homers and third in walks and runs scored in the WIAC. Bertrand had an 18-6 record with a 2.53 ERA. In 155 innings she struck out a season-high record 217 batters. She walked only 60. She appeared in 32 games and started 28 times. She had 14 complete games and six shutouts. The 18 wins and six shutouts are single season records. Opponents hit .214 against her. She holds school career records for games started (112), runs per game (1.84), strikeouts (572) and wins (56). Bertrand led the WIAC in innings pitched, strike outs, appearances, game started and she was second in wins. Peterson hit .214 and played in 35 games, starting 29. The slap hitter had four RBI and scored nine runs. She finished the season with a .941 fielding percentage. The All-Sportsmanship team is for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. The team included one member from each school as selected by that school. The Falcons finished 29-13 overall and won a school-record 15 straight games. They finished 8-8 in WIAC play and finished second in the conference tournament. UWRF is the only team to beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds in WIAC tournament play. The Falcons entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed. |
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Four Falcons Named to All-Great Lakes Region Team; Howlett Named to First Team May 6, 2008 Four Falcon softball players have been named to 2008 National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region softball teams. Third baseman Emily Howlett (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) was named to the first team. First baseman Keri Feller (Sr., Austin, Minn.), shortstop Mindy Rudiger (Jr., Menomonie, Wis.) and pitcher Ashley Bertrand (Sr., St. Paul, Minn. Como Park HS) were all named to the third team. Howlett, who was named to the second team in 2007, led the Falcons in hitting with a .500 average. She was 69-138 at the plate. She led the Falcons in hits, runs (47), doubles (17), triples (2) and RBI (52). She also hit eight homers and had a .826 slugging percentage. She finished with a .972 fielding percentage. She set single season records in six categories including batting average, RBI, doubles, hits, runs scored and slugging percentage. Howlett holds career records for doubles (52) and batting average (.439). Her .500 average ties for the best average in a single season in the WIAC. Howlett led the WIAC in batting average, total bases, slugging percentage, doubles, RBI and hits. She played and started all 42 games for the Falcons. Howlett will now be considered for the NFCA All-American team. Bertrand, who was named to the third team in 2007, had an 18-6 record with a 2.53 ERA. In 155 innings she struck out a season-high record 217 batters. She walked only 60. She appeared in 32 games and started 28 times. She had 14 complete games and six shutouts. The 18 wins and six shutouts are single season records. Opponents hit .214 against her. She holds school career records for games started (112), runs per game (1.84), strikeouts (572) and wins (56). Bertrand led the WIAC in innings pitched, strike outs, appearances, game started and she was second in wins. Feller finished second in hitting with a .387 average. She was 53-137 at the plate. She had 11 doubles and finished second on the team with 10 homers. She was also second in RBI with 47. She scored 13 runs and had a .686 slugging percentage. She led all Falcon starters with a .996 fielding percentage. She made just one error in 242 chances. She played and started all 42 games. Feller finished fifth in homers and second in RBI in the WIAC. Rudiger was third on the team with a .336 average. She scored 45 runs, second on the team, and had 11 doubles and one triple. Rudiger led the Falcons with 11 home runs and already holds the career home run record (26). She finished with 28 RBI and had a .679 slugging percentage. She finished the year with a .977 fielding percentage. She also played and started all 42 games. She also holds the school record for career walks (80). Rudiger finished second in homers and third in walks and runs scored in the WIAC. The Falcons finished 29-13 overall and won a school-record 15 straight games. They finished 8-8 in WIAC play and finished second in the conference tournament. UWRF is the only team to beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds in WIAC tournament play. The Falcons entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed. |
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Falcons Finish Second at WIAC Tourney May 4, 2008 The Falcon softball team made a great run at the WIAC Tournament championship on Sunday in Stevens Point. UWRF entered the day as one of only two undefeated teams left in the tourney. The Falcons faced the other undefeated team, Oshkosh, in the team’s first game. UWO took a 2-1 win forcing the Falcons to battle back to the championship game. And that’s what the Falcons did - and they did it in style. The beat Eau Claire, 6-1, to stay alive and then faced Oshkosh again. The Falcons beat the Titans, 3-2, to force a deciding game. The Titans won that contest, 9-1, to win the tourney title. The Falcons, who finished 29-13 overall, entered the tourney as the No. 5 seed and became the first team to ever beat the No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. Oshkosh 2, River Falls 1 UWRF scored one run on seven hits and made no errors. UWO scored two runs on four hits and made no errors. UWO took a 1-0 lead in the first on walk, stolen base and double to left center. The Falcons tied the game in the second. Keri Feller led off with a single to center and Dana Book ran for her. Amanda Peters and Cassie Peterson each reached base on bunt singles to load the bases. Ashley James then put down another bunt that scored Book from third. But the Falcons couldn’t score again despite having the bases loaded with no outs. UWO scored its second run in the fifth on a single, a sacrifice, a walk and a single to center. That proved to be the winning run. The Titans left runners on second and third. The Falcons threatened in the sixth. Emily Howlett doubled to left center to lead off the inning. It was her school-record 16th double of the season. Feller followed with another single to center to put runners at the corners. Amanda Peters grounded out to third and Feller advanced to second on the play. Pinch hitter Dani Nadeau grounded out to third for the second out. But UWO pitcher Ronessa Stampfli got Ashley James to strike out swinging to end the inning. Ashley Bertrand started on the mound for the Falcons and worked four innings. She allowed one earned run on two hits. She struck out four and walked three. Brittany Rathbun took the loss in relief. She also allowed one earned run on two hits. She struck out one and walked two. River Falls 6, Eau Claire 1 Rudiger led of the game with a homer to left field on a 2-1 pitch. It was her ninth homer of the season. The Falcons loaded the bases in the inning but couldn’t push another run across. UWRF picked up two runs in the third. Howlett led off the inning with a triple to right center and Feller hit the next pitch over the left field fence for her ninth homer of the year. The Falcons added three more runs in the fourth. Rachel Mathias led off the inning with a bunt single. She went to second when Rudiger singled to left. After Jessica Lundgren sacrificed both runners up a base, Howlett hit a sacrifice fly to left to score Mathias. Howlett’s fly ball was just feet short of clearing the fence. Feller then hit her second two-run homer of the game. Once again it came on the first pitch and it was her 10th round tripper of the season. UWEC scored its run in the seventh on a double and run-scoring single. Rathbun went the distance on the mound to pick up the win. It was her 10th complete game of the year. She allowed seven hits. She walked only one. River Falls 3, Oshkosh 2 The Titans got right back in the game in the bottom of the first when Whitney Tornow hit a two-run homer to left to tie the game, 2-2. The Falcons went ahead, 3-2, with a run in the third. With one out Howlett hit her 17th double of the season to left center. Feller lifted a fly to right and Howlett was tagging up. The throw to third was wild and Howlett scored on the play. That proved to be the game-winning run. The Titans put runners on first and second with one out in the third. But Bertrand got the second out on a foul out and the third out with a strike out. In the sixth the Titans got a runner to second with one out. But Bertrand got the next two batters on strike outs – the final out looking. Peters finished a perfect 3-3 at the plate with one RBI. Howlett was 2-3 with two runs scored. Bertrand picked up the win on the mound going the distance. She allowed just three hits and two earned runs. She struck out 12 and walked two. Oshkosh 9, River Falls 1 UWO scored a single run in the first and fifth innings, four in the fourth and three in the sixth. UWRF scored its run in the fourth. UWO got off to a fast start in the championship game as the lead-off hitter homered to center field. UWO loaded the bases with one out in the third. Rathbun, in relief of starter Bertrand, got the second out with a strike out and the third out on a sharp grounder to second to end the threat. The Titans pushed four runs across in the fourth when they batted around. With two outs and runners at first and second, back-to-back doubles scored three runs. Two more singles added another run. The Titans scored four runs on six hits in the inning. The Falcons got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth when lead-off hitter Rudiger hit a solo homer to left. It was her 11th homer of the season and came on a 2-1 count. With two outs in the fifth, the Titans got on the scoreboard again. Two walks and a single scored a run to make it a 6-1 game. A single and two walked loaded the bases in the sixth. A UWO double emptied the bases and gave the Titans a 9-1 lead. Bertrand started on the mound and was relieved by Rathbun in the third. Bertrand re-entered the game in the fourth. Bertand pitched four and one-third innings and allowed five hits and five earned runs. She struck out seven and walked five. Rathbun worked one and two-thirds innings and allowed four earned runs on eight hits. She struck out two. |
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Falcons Beat Stevens Point, Whitewater May 3, 2008 The Falcon softball team started the WIAC Tournament with two wins on Saturday and enter the second day as one of only two teams with undefeated records. UWRF started the day with a 5-1 win over UW-Stevens Point. The Falcons then upset No. 1 seeded UW-Whitewater, 3-2. UWRF, now 27-11 overall, will play UW-Oshkosh at noon on Sunday. UWO is the other undefeated team. River Falls 5, Stevens Point 1 The Falcons scored five runs on 10 hits and made no errors. UWSP scored one run on five hits and made one error. UWSP scored its run in the third and the Falcons scored a single run in the fourth. Keri Feller had a big day at the plate for the Falcons. She went 3-4 with three RBI. She hit a solo homer on the first pitch in the fourth inning. It was her eighth homer of the season. In the seventh she singled to center to score two more runs. With the scored tied, 1-1, in the Stevens Point sixth, the Pointers had runners at first and second with two outs. A ground ball that appeared to be going into right field, hit the runner at first to end the inning. In the seventh, Rachel Mathias led off the inning with a double to left. Mindy Rudiger then scored Mathias when she singled to right. Jessica Lundgren reached first on a bunt single and Rudiger went to second. Emily Howlett then got an infield single and a throwing error allowed Rudiger to score. Lundgren went to third and Howlett to second on the play. Then Feller singled to center to score Lundgren and Howlett. Howlett finished 2-4 at the plate. Ashley Bertrand picked up the win on the mound. She worked six innings and allowed one run – it was unearned. She allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked five. Brittany Rathbun worked the final inning and allowed one hit. River Falls 3, Whitewater 2 UWRF had three runs in one hit and made no errors. UWW scored two runs on six hits and made one error. UWW’s Amy Gahl hit a two-out solo homer to left to give the Warhawks a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Before that Bertrand had struck out seven straight batters. With two out in the fourth, Amanda LeBeau hit a 3-1 pitch over the left center field fence to give UWW a 2-0 lead. The Falcons took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Rudiger led off with a walk. Lundgren bunted and was safe on a throwing error by the catcher. Rudiger advanced to third on the play. Howlett then hit a three-run home run to center to put the Falcons ahead. It was Howlett’s ninth home run of the year. In the fifth the Warhawks loaded the bases, but Bertrand got Suzanne Gersich to strike out on three pitches. In the seventh, UWW put a runner on third with one out. Rathbun, in relief of Bertrand, got Driscoll to strike out and then got Gahl to ground out to second to end the game. Bertrand pitched five innings and allowed two earned runs on five hits. She struck out 11 and walked one. Rathbun worked the last two innings to earn her second save of the season. She allowed one hit and struck out two. Bertrand got the win and is now 17-6. Rathbun picked up her second save of the year. |
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Falcons Open WIAC Tournament April 30, 2008 The Falcon softball team will play UW-Stevens Point in the first round of the WIAC Tournament on Friday. The first pitch will be thrown at 1 p.m. The double elimination tourney is being played at Zenoff Park in Stevens Point. The Falcons, 25-11 overall, are seeded No. 5 in the nine-team tourney. UWSP is seeded No. 4. If the Falcons beat Stevens Point, they would play again at 4 p.m. They would face the winner of the UW-Whitewater - UW-Stout/UW-Superior game. If the Falcons lose to UWSP, they would play the loser of the Whitewater - Stout/Superior contest in an elimination game at 2:30 p.m. The Falcons and Pointers split a WIAC doubleheader on April 16. UWRF won the first game, 4-1, and UWSP took the second, 8-0. The games were played in Stevens Point. Third baseman Emily Howlett leads the Falcons, and the WIAC, in hitting with a .512 average. She leads the league in hits (62), RBI (48) and doubles (15). The 15 doubles ties the school record that she set in 2007. She has hit seven homers. The WIAC record for season batting average is .500. First baseman Keri Feller is second in hitting with a .381 average. She has also hit seven homers and is second with 40 RBI. Left fielder Jessica Lundgren, who is tied for the WIAC lead with 20 stolen bases, is third in hitting with a .366 average. She has scored 28 runs. Shortstop Mindy Rudiger, who leads the Falcons with 12 doubles and eight homers, is fourth in hitting with a .342 average. She has scored 39 runs and has 24 RBI. Two other Falcons are hitting better than .300 - right fielder Amanda Peters (.307) and center fielder Rachel Mathias (.306). Peters has knocked in 23 runs and Mathias has scored 18 times. The Falcons are hitting .323 as a team. Ashley Bertrand and Brittany Rathbun will carry the load for the Falcons on the mound. Bertrand has a 15-6 record with a 2.50 ERA. She has pitched a league leading 128.2 innings and opponents are hitting .215 against her. She has thrown a no-hitter, against UW-Stout, and two one-hitters. Bertrand has struck out 175 and walked 44. She is second in strike outs in the league. Rathbun has a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA. She has struck out 67 and walked 19. She has pitched 100.1 innings and has one save. Opponents are hitting .290 against her. |
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Falcons End Regular Season With Split With UWP; Enter WIAC Tournament This Weekend April 28, 2008 The Falcon softball team split a season-ending WIAC doubleheader with UW-Platteville on Monday afternoon at Ramer Field. The Pioneers won the first game, 8-3, but the Falcons bounced back to win the second game, 8-0, in five innings. The Falcons, now 25-11 overall, will play in the WIAC Tournament this weekend at UW-Stevens Point. The team's first round opponent, and game time, is to be determined. Platteville 8, River Falls 3 Trailing 5-0, the Falcons scored twice in the fifth. Mindy Rudiger led off the inning with a walk and after an out Emily Howlett walked to put runners on first and second. Keri Feller then singled to center to load the bases. Amanda Peters singled to center to score Rudiger from third and the bases remained loaded. Pinch hitter Dani Nadeau reached first on a fielder's choice and Howlett scored on the play. The Falcons got their final run in the sixth. With two out, Rudiger doubled down the left field line and Howlett doubled to left to score Rudiger. Rudiger and Howlett were both 2-3. Rudiger scored twice and Howlett once. Feller was 2-4. Howlett's double in the sixth was her 15th of the season which ties her record (set in 2007) for doubles in a season. Ashley Bertrand started on the mound for the Falcons and took the loss. She pitched two innings and allowed five hits and five earned runs. She walked two and struck out four. Brittany Rathbun worked the final five innings and allowed seventh hits. She allowed three runs - two were earned. She walked six and struck out seven. River Falls 8, Platteville 0 (5) The Falcons got the only run they would need in the first. Rudiger led off with a walk and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jessica Lundgren. Rudiger advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Howlett hit a sacrifice fly to center. UWRF scored twice in the second with two outs. The first two batters went out, but Rathbun singled to left. Rachel Mathias then singled to center and Rathbun advanced to third on the play. Rudiger reached on an infield hit and that scored Rathbun. Lundgren also reached on an infield single to load the bases. Mathias scored when Howlett reached first on a fielding error by the UWP shortstop. In the third UWRF scored one run on three hits. Cassie Peterson reached first on an infield hit and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ashley James. Peterson then went to third on a wild pitch and then scored when Rathbun singled to center. UWRF added two runs in the fourth. Lundgren led off with a walk and went to second when Howlett singled to center. The Falcons then pulled off a double steal to put runners at second and third. Feller then ripped a single to center to score both Lundgren and Howlett. The Falcons used two solid hits to end the game with two runs in the fifth. Rudiger led off the inning with a double to left and later scored when Howlett hit a line drive home run to left. It was Howlett's seventh homer of the season and the blast ended the contest. Rudiger, Howlett, Feller, Rathbun and Mathias all had two hits. Rudiger and Howlett each scored twice. Howlett had three RBI and Feeler two. Bertrand started on the mound and picked up the win. She is now 15-6. She worked four innings and allowed just three hits. She walked three and struck out six. Rathbun pitched the final inning and allowed one hit. She struck out one. The Falcons ended the year with an 8-8 record in WIAC play. |
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Falcons Win Two Against UWL April 27, 2008 The Falcons rallied to defeat La Crosse 5-4 in a wild nine inning game one and picked up a 6-3 win in game two on Sunday afternoon at Ramer Field.
River Falls 5, La Crosse 4 (9)
UWL scored four runs on nine hits and committed one error. The Falcons crossed the plate five times on 10 hits and committed one error.
In the first, Rachel Weyer reached first for La Crosse after being beaned by Falcon starter Ashley Bertrand. Weyer then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jenna Ahnen reached on a fielding error that moved Weyer to third. Liz Bradley hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Weyer to give UWL a 1-0 lead after one.
Ashley James started the Falcons off in the fifth with a single to center field. Brittany Rathbun reached on a fielder’s choice, advancing James to second on a throwing error. Rachel Mathias moved James and Rathbun into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Mindy Rudiger walked to load the bases for Dani Nadeau who pinch hit for Jessica Lundgren. Nadeau sacrificed in the Falcons first run of the ball game, scoring James from third tying the game at 1-1.
Weyer again walked to start off the La Crosse seventh but was out at second on a Rachel Croak fielder’s choice. Ahnen reached first after being hit by Bertrand, advancing Croak to second. Bradley came up with one out single up the middle that scored Croak from second, giving UWL a 2-1 lead.
The Falcons were down to their last out in the bottom of the seventh when Rudiger stepped up to the plate and homered for the seventh time this season, this time to left field, tying the game at 2-2.
Kelsey Golackson started off the top of the eighth with a double to left center and advanced to third on a Sara Monahan grounder to the pitcher. Katie Pietrowiak walked to put runners on the corners for Weyer, who hit an RBI single down the left field line to give UWL a 3-2 advantage. Rathbun came in to relieve Bertrand and got Croak to ground out to the pitcher and struck out Ahnen swinging.
Emily Howlett tied the game up at 3-3 with her fourth long ball of the season in the bottom of the seventh.
Cara Salm’s solo shot in the top of the ninth gave La Crosse a 4-3 lead.
In the bottom the frame, James reached with a single to center. Rathbun drew a walk and advanced James to second. Mathias moved James and Rathbun up a base with another sacrifice bunt. Rudiger picked up a walk, loading up the bases. James was thrown out at home plate when Lundgren hit into a fielder’s choice. Rathbun and Rudiger each moved up a base on the play. Howlett delivered the game winning single down the left-field line that scored Rudiger and Rathbun to give the Falcons a 6-5 win.
Bertrand went seven and one-third innings in the no decision. She allowed three runs on nine hits. She walked two and struck out six. In relief, Rathbun went one and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on one hit. She struck out two and walked none. She is now 10-5 on the season.
UWL scored three runs on 10 hits and committed two errors. La Crosse scored one run in the second, fourth, and seventh innings. The Falcons scored six runs on 10 hits and committed just one error. The Falcons scored two runs in both the first and second innings, and one run in both the sixth and seventh innings.
Howlett went 3-3 for the Falcons. She drove in five runs on two home runs and a single.
Howlett put the Falcons up on the board first with a solo home run, her fifth of the season, in the first inning. Keri Feller knocked a single in to left field to continue the rally. Feller was off with the crack of the bat and with two outs, advanced to second when Amanda Peters singled into right field. Cassie Peterson singled to left field and scored Feller from third, putting the Falcons up 2-0 after one. Bradley reached first for La Crosse in the top of the second with a bunt single and advanced to second on Salm’s sacrifice bunt. A Golackson single to left field moved Bradley to third. Kim Pietrowiak singled in Bradley from third for UWL’s first run of the ball game, cutting the Falcon lead to 2-1. In the bottom of the frame, the Falcons put two more up on the board. First, Mathias reached on a fielding error by the right fielder. Rudiger singled to left field, moving Mathias to second. Rudiger and Mathias each moved up a bag on a wild pitch. Lundgren walked to load up the bases. Howlett delivered again for the Falcons with a two-run single to center that scored Rudiger and Mathias. Katie Pietrowiak walked to start the La Crosse fourth. Buvala singled to center, moving Pietrowiak to second. Bertrand came in to relieve Rathbun and struck out Weyer swinging. Croak reached on a fielding error that scored Pietrowiak, cutting the Falcon lead to 4-2. In the fifth, Howlett rounded the bases, giving the Falcons a 5-2 lead, when she blasted her second home run of the game, and sixth of the season, to left field. Rudiger blasted her team leading eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth, giving the Falcons a 6-2 lead. Kim Pietrowiak doubled to left field and advanced to third off Katie Petrowiak’s single. Buvala grounded out to first with runners on the corners, scoring Kim Pietrowiak from third. Rathbun started the game and later re-entered the contest. She gave up three runs, two earned, on nine hits in four and two-thirds innings pitched. She walked one and struck out two. She earned her first save of the season. Bertrand picked up the win, allowing only one hit in two and one-third innings. She struck out two and walked three. The Falcons, now 24-10, 7-7 in the WIAC, will host UW-Plateville on Monday in a rescheduled game from April 26. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m., at Ramer Field. |
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Falcon Softball Drops Two More to UWEC April 23, 2008 After strong relief pitching and a late inning rally in game one, the Falcons couldn’t capture momentum and dropped two more games against 11th ranked UW-Eau Claire Wednesday afternoon at Ramer Field.
Eau Claire held on to win the first game 6-5 and won 10-3 in the second. The Falcons have fallen to 5-7 in the conference.
Eau Claire 6, River Falls 5
UWEC scored six runs on nine hits and they committed one error. UWRF scored five runs on seven hits and they made one error.
UWEC used the long ball to score three times in the first. Casey Leisgang hit a solo homer to left to start the game. Jenny Ross then hit a two-run homer to right-center to give UWEC a 3-0 lead.
In the third, Betsy Kettinger doubled home two runs to help UWEC to a another three-run inning and a 6-0 lead at the time.
But the Falcons battled back scoring two runs in the third and three in the fifth.
In the third, Brittany Rathbun singled to right with one out. Dana Book ran for Rathbun. Rachel Mathias reached first on a fielder's choice and Book reached second on an error. A ground out by Mindy Rudiger advanced Book to third and Mathias to second. Pinch hitter Dani Nadeau then delivered a big single to right that scored both Book and Mathias.
Rathbun led off the fifth with another single to right and later scored when Rudiger hit her sixth homer of the season to left center. Emily Howlett then singled to center and advanced to second when Keri Feller walked. Amanda Peters scored Howlett with a single to center. But the Falcons would not score again.
Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and took the loss. She is now 13-5. She worked two and two-third innings and allowed six earned runs on six hits. She walked three and struck out two. Rathbun worked very well in relief. In four and one-third innings, she allowed three hits - all singles - and no runs. She struck out two and walked none.
The Falcons dropped their second game 10-3 due in large part to powerful Blugold bats.
UWEC scored 10 runs on 12 hits and made one error. The Blugolds scored three runs in the first, two in the second, one in the fifth and four in the seventh. UWRF scored three runs on nine hits and made one error. The Falcons scored twice in the third and once in the sixth. Leisgang started off a three-run Blugold first with her single to center field and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, she would score the first run of the game on a Janke single to left center. Baumgartner pinch ran for Janke and advanced to second on a Butkus single to right field. Ross would reached on a fielding error, allowing Baumgartner to cross the plate for the second Blugold run. A Bekki Kidnie single to short brought in Butkus for the final run of the inning. Falcon starter Rathbun walked Leisgang in the top of the second. With one out, Janke put a two-run shot over the right-center field fence, giving UWEC a 5-0 lead. Lundgren started the Falcon third, reaching first on throwing error and advancing to scoring on a wild pitch. Howlett moved Lundgren to third with a single to center. Feller’s sacrifice fly to right field brought in Lundgren for the Falcons first run of the ball game. Peters would single to right field and score Howlett from second, making the score 5-2. In the top of the fifth, Ross hit her second home run against the Falcons, with a solo shot to right field, upping the Blugold lead to 6-2. Rathbun singled to center field to start the sixth and advanced to second on a passed ball. Mathias singled to right, moving Rathbun to third. Rudiger’s fielder’s choice scored Rathbun. The Blugolds added four insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Kettinger hit a grand slam to finish the game's scoring. Rathbun picked up the loss and is now 9-5 on the season. She allowed five runs, three were earned, on five hits. She struck out one and walked one. She has lost her last five decisions. In relief, Bertrand went five innings, allowing five runs, all earned, on seven hits. She struck out four and walked three. Howlett went 4-4 for the Falcons, recording her team leading 14th double of the season. Rathbun finished 2-2. The Falcons, now 22-10 overall, continue their eight-game home stand on Saturday hosting UW-Plateville at Ramer Field. The first pitch is scheduled for noon. |
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Slump Continues As Falcons Fall to .500 in the WIAC April 21, 2008 The Falcons slump fell to a season high five games Monday afternoon, managing only eight hits in two losses on the road against Whitewater.
Whitewater won both games 8-0, the first in five innings, the second in six innings. The Falcons have dropped seven of their last eight.
Whitewater 8, River Falls 0 (5) Amy Gahl gave Whitewater a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when she belted her fourth homer of the year. Following her solo shot, Whitewater went down in order. Falcon starter Ashley Bertrand worked her way out of a third inning jam. Bases were loaded with one out and Bertrand picked up a strike out and closed the inning on a pop out to shortstop Mindy Rudiger. In the top half of the fourth, with only one out, Falcons had runners in scoring position. Brittany Rathbun and Rachel Mathias stuck out back-to-back, ending what would be the only Falcon threat of the ball game. Amanda LeBeau led off the bottom half of the four-run fourth inning with a solo homerun, Whitewaters second of the contest. Meghann Brennfleck advanced to second on a wild throw after getting on base with a single. Brennfleck would advance to third on Liz Yucuis' single. Gahl came to plate and picked up her second and third RBI of the contest with her double, scoring Yucius and Brennfleck. Ashley Smith would single, scoring Gahl from second. Suzanne Gersich got on with single and advanced to second when Laruen Cruz knocked on between the lines for another Whitewater hit. LeBeau knocked out her second ball of the afternoon, this time, a three-run shot. Whitewater 8, River Falls 0 (6) Peterson smacked her first single in the top of the opening frame but was stranded. Gahl reached first for the Warhawks with her leadoff single. She was then advanced to second on a Smith single. The two moved up a base on Gersich's sac-bunt. Cruz would then reach on a fielders' choice that would bring around Gahl and advance Smith to third. A Brennfleck single brought home Smith for Whitewater's second run of the inning. After the Falcons went down in order in the top of the second, Whitewater added two more. First, Angie Kelm reached on an error and Amy Azzi pinch ran for her. A Gahl single advanced Azzi to second. Smith reached on a fielder's choice that scored Azzi and advanced Gahl to third. Gersich reached on another fielder's choice, scoring Gahl. In the fifth, Whitewater tacked on three more. LeBeau would reach on a single and advance to second on a Brennfleck sac. LeBeau was out at third on a Lauren Rankins fielder's choice. Carly Solberg pinch ran for Rankins and Haley Kruger, pinch hitting for Liz Yucius, singled, moving Rankins to second. Kelm cleared the bases with a three-run shot. The Falcons started a rally in the bottom of the sixth. Rachel Mathias reached on a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. She would advance to second on a Peterson single. The Falcons stranded runners on the corners. In the sixth, Smith would double for the Warhawks and score on a Gersich single. The Falcons, now 22-8 overall and 5-5 in the WIAC, kick off an eight game homestand, starting UW-Eau Claire Wednesday. Action will get underway at 4 p.m. at Ramer Field. |
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Falcons Lose Twice at Oshkosh April 20, 2008 The Falcons managed only six hits in two WIAC losses at UW-Oshkosh on Sunday afternoon.
Oshkosh won the first game, 5-2, and the second, 7-0. The shutout was the third against the Falcons this year and all three have come in the last week of play.
UWRF scored two runs on three hits and made one error. The Falcons scored single runs in the first and fourth innings. UWO scored five runs on 10 hits and they made one error. The Titans scored two runs in the first and third innings and a single run in the fifth.
The game started well for the Falcons when Mindy Rudiger led off with a homer to left. It was her fifth home run of the season. The other Falcons run came off the long ball too. Keri Feller homered to left with two outs in thOe fourth. It was her team-leading seventh homer of the season. The only other Falcon hit was a two-out double to right by Emily Howlett in the sixth inning.
Ashley Bertrand took the loss on the mound and she is now 13-3. She allowed 10 hits and five runs. Three were earned. She walked three and struck out four.
The Falcons were held scoreless in the second game. They had three hits - all singles. The Falcons made two errors. UWO scored seven runs on 14 hits and they made two errors. The 14 hits was the most by an opponent against the Falcons this season. UWO scored single runs in the first, fourth and fifth innings and two runs in the second and third innings.
Cassie Peterson singled to left with one out and in third and she was later thrown out trying to steal. Howlett singled to left with one out in the fourth. But she was stranded there when the next two Falcons struck out. Jessica Lundgren reached first on a bunt single with one out in the sixth. After a second out, Feller reached base on an error and Lundgren went to second. But that's as far as the runners would get.
Brittany Rathbun went the distance on the mound and took the loss. She is now 9-3. She allowed 14 hits and six earned runs. She struck out two and didn't walk a batter.
The Falcons, now 22-6 overall and 5-3 in the WIAC, will play two more WIAC games at UW-Whitewater on Monday.The first pitch is set for noon. |
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Falcons Split Double Header Against Stevens Point April 16, 2008 Falcons pick up another win thanks to a solid day at the plate for Rachel Mathias and a great outting by Falcon starter Ashley Bertrand Wednesday on the road Wednesday afternoon in Stevens Point.
River Falls 4, Stevens Point 1
Rachel Mathias led all Falcon batters, going 2 for 3 in the Falcons 4-1 victory over Stevens Point. The Falcons scored four runs on eight hits in the win and were patient at the plate and did not commit an error in the field.
The Falcons took a 1-0 lead after one. Rachel Mathias drove in her first run on an the day when roped an RBI single to right field, scoring Dana Book, who pinch ran for Brittany Rathbun who reach via walk.
Again, the Falcons scored in the top of the fourth. Mathias answered again with an RBI double to right center, knocking in Ashley James who reached on walk
The Pointers only run on the afternoon came on a single in the bottom of the sixth when Korryn Brooks knocked in Laura Van Abel.
The Falcons sealed the deal in the top of the seventh frame. Mindy Rudiger lead off the lnning with a single and was advanced over by a Jessica Lundgren fielders choice. WIAC Athlete of the Week, Emily Howlett, came up and reached on an error commited by Pointer right-fielder Samatha Bizeau, advancing Rudiger to third and herself to second. Keri Feller knocked in a run with a sac-fly that scored Rudiger from third and moved Howlett to third. Amanda Peters would reach on a error and Howlett would score from third.
Bertrand rebounded from a tough start Monday to improve her record to 13-3. She gave up one run on five hits, while striking out six and walking one in the win.
Stevens Point 8, River Falls 0
Allowing five-runs second inning and pounding out a season low three hits, the Falcons lost their first WIAC game and were shutout for the second time in four games, only the second time this season, as they fell to Stevens Point 8-0.
The Pointers got to Falcon start Brittany Rathbun quickly in the bottom of the first when Linda Van Abel got on with a bunt single, she would advance to second on a Korryn Brooks fielders choice and tag home on Danielle Ashbeck's single up the middle.
The Pointers bruised up Rathbun in the second inning with five runs. Allison Dorn was beaned by Rathbun and Jessica Berger pinch ran for her. Berger would advance to second on Brittany Zelenka's fielders choice. Kimberly Liegel singled down the third baseline. Linda Van Abel doubled down the rightfield line, scoring Berger. Niki Shomer up the middle in the next at-bat and scoring Liegel and advancing Van Abel to third. Brooks doubled to right field, knocking in Shomer and Van Abel and would score her self on a Ashbeck's second single of the contest.
Bertrand came into relieve Rathburn, who allowed six earned, on eight hits in two innings pitched. The Pointers added one more in the third. First, Zelenka reached base after taking a walk and advanced to second with a Liegel single to short. Sarah Butts came into pinch run for Zelenka. Van Abel knocked in another run with her single to right field, scoring Butts and giving the Pointers a comfortable 7-0 lead after three full.
Brooks lead off the fourth with her second double of the afternoon, this time to the gap in center field and advanced on a throwing error by Rachel Mathias. Brooks crossed the plate for the Pointers final run of the contest on an Ashbeck single to left field.
Rathbun took the loss after her shortest outting of the season. In two innings pitched, she allowed six runs, all earned, on eight hits in her second loss of the season, she is now 9-2. Bertrand came in for relief in the top of the thid and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out two.
The Falcons, now 22-4 overall and 5-1 in the WIAC, will head on the road again for double-headers in Whitewater on Saturday and in Oshkosh on Sunday. Both double-headers will get underway at noon.
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Falcons Streak Comes To An End April 13, 2008 The Falcons school record 15-game win streak came to an end Monday afternoon with two losses on the road against Hamline University. The Falcons only managed to tos core two runs on thirteen hits, stranding 16 runners on the bases in the losses.
Emily Howlett's 12-game hit streak came to an end on an 0 for 3 afternoon and Ashley Bertrand suffered her second loss of the season as the Pipers defeated the Falcons 3-0 in the first of two games.
The Falcons stranded seven base runners in the loss.
Hamline broke open the game in the bottom of the fourth with a two-run inning, ending Bertrand's 18 scoreless innings streak. Grace Weinreich tripled down the rightfield line and would later steal home, giving Hamline the lead. Bertrand would walk Sara Mickelson who scored on a Ashley Anderberg double to left-center field.
Hamline's final run of the contest came off a Jourdan Ulrich singled that scored Kellie Hoen who scored from second from third after advancing a wild pitch and reaching on a single.
The five hits for the Falcons is the lowest total since March 18th when they connected only four times against Rowan College in a 2-0 win.
Bertrand surrendered three runs on seven hits while striking out eight and walking two in her second loss of the season. She is now 12-2.
Despite out-hitting Hamline, the Falcons suffered back-to-back losses for the first time all season and have their first losing streak of the season after a 3-2 loss.
Hamline again broke open the game in the bottom of the fourth, this time against Falcon starter Brittney Ratbun. Erin Farley laced a double to leftfield. Bertrand then beaned Mick elson. Cortney Bailey pinch ran for Farley and advanced to thirdafter Rathbun walked Noral Antil, loading up the bases for Anderberg, who singled, scoring Bailey. Mickelson came around to score on an Andrea Hedican single. Heidi Larsen's bunt single scored Hoen, the Pipers final run of the frame.
The Falcons tried to get a rally going in the top half of the fifth when Ashley James walked and advanced to second on a Cassie Peterson ground out. Mindy Rudiger came through with the Falcons first RBI on the afternoon in either contest with single up the middle scoring James from second.
Peters would try and spark another Falcon rally in the top of the sixth. She singled to center field and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Rachel Mathias singled to second, moved Peters to third, but was caught stealing. James would cut the Falcon deficit to one with her RBI single that scored Peters. Brittany Rathburn kept the Falcons alive in the top of the sixth with her single that advanced James to third but Dani Nadeau pinch hit for Peterson and flew out to leftfield, ending the Falcons rally.
Rathbun suffered the loss for the Falcons, her first of the season. In the loss, she gave up three runs on six hits while striking out three in six innings pitched. She is now 9-1 on the season.
The Falcons, now 21-3 overall and 4-0 in the WIAC, look to get back to their winning ways as they will travel to Stevens Point for a WIAC double header this Wednesday. Action will get underway at 4 p.m.
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| Howlett Named WIAC
Athlete
of the Week
April 15, 2008 Right-handed third basemen Emily Howlett, Sr. (Eagan, Minn) has been named WIAC player of the week for her outstanding performance, leading the Falcons to 8-0 and 10-2 wins on April 9th against UW-Superior. In the Falcons’ 8-0 win, Howlett, 5-6, reached base in all three of her at-bats. She was 2-2, with two RBI and two runs scored. She went yard for the third time this season and recorded her team leading 11th double-bagger of the season. In the Falcons’ 10-2 win, Howlett again reached base every at-bat. She went 1-1 on the day with three walks, three runs scored, and while knocking in two RBI. Her two run single in the bottom half of the seventh was her team leading 37th RBI on the season. Howlett leads the Falcons with a .524 average a .576 on-base-percentage, and a .793 slugging-percentage. She is tied for team lead in doubles with 11 and leads the team and conference with 37 RBI. She has crossed the plate a team leading 33 times and has knocked a team leading 43 hits this campaign. In 82 plate appearances, she has only stuck out once. Her .524 average also leads the WIAC. Howlett and the Falcons will travel to Whitewater on Saturday and Oshkosh Sunday for a pair of WIAC double headers which both get underway at noon. |
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Rainy Weekend Postpones Softball Games April 13, 2008 The Falcon softball doubleheaders scheduled for this weekend, at UW-Stevens Point on Saturday and Hamline University on Sunday have been postponed and rescheduled due to a poor weather conditions and wet fields.
The UW-Stevens Point game will be played on Wednesday April 16 at 4 p.m., at McCarty Field. The Hamline University game will be played Monday April 14 at 4 p.m. at Hamline University.
UWRF has won a school record 15 straight games. The team’s only loss this year was a 9-5 decision to Montclair State on March 16 in Florida at the Rebel Spring Games.
Third baseman Emily Howlett leads the Falcons in hitting with a .560 average. She also leads the team with 37 RBI. Left fielder Jessica Lundgren, who has stolen 18 bases, is second in hitting with a .455 average. First baseman Keri Feller is also hitting above .400 with a .432 average. Feller leads the team with six homers and is second with 35 RBI. The Falcons are hitting .355.
Pitchers Ashley Bertrand and Brittany Rathbun have been near perfect on the mound. Bertrand, who was named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week on April 9, has a 12-1 record with a 0.96 ERA. She has struck out 128 and walked only 15 in 80.1 innings. Rathbun is a perfect 9-0 with a 1.76 ERA. She has struck out 45 and walked ten in 53.2 innings. The team ERA is 1.29. UWRF has outscored its opponents, 155-32. |
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Softball Doubleheader at UW-Stevens Point Rescheduled for Wednesday April 11, 2008 The Falcon softball doubleheader scheduled for 3 p.m., at UW-Stevens Point on Saturday has been postponed due to rain and a wet field. The games will be played on Wednesday at 4 p.m., at Stevens Point.
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Falcon Keep Rolling April 9, 2008 Ashley Bertrand's stellar pitching and powerful offense from, Keri Feller, Emily Howlett and Mindy Rudiger, who all went yard, extended the Falcons win streak to 15-consecutive with 8-0 (5 inn.) and 10-2 (6 inn) wins Wednesday night over Superior at Ramer Field.
River Falls 8, Superior 0 (5 inn.) The Falcons offense exploded in the third inning when they scored three runs, the first coming off a three-run-shot by Howlett, her third longball of the season that scored Rudiger who reached on a walk and Jessica Lundgren who reached on a throwing error.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Falcons would score five more runs, the first coming off the bat of Rudiger who lead off the inning with her fourth dinger of the season. Lundgren would reach on a single and advance on a steal, be moved to third on a Keri Feller single and would score on a throwing error where Feller advance to second, moving Howlett third who was intentionally walked in the previous atbat. Howlett would be hit be hit home on a Amanda Peters sacfly. Cassie Peterson came into pinch run for Feller and would score on a Ashley James single to left field. Ashley Hammerbeck would double home James, giving the Falcons a 8-0 win.
Falcon starter Ashley Bertrand picked up the win with 10 strikeouts, no walks, and one hit in 5 innings. She has only allowed one hit, a single, in the last 14 2/3 innings pitched. It was her fifth one-hitter this season. She struckout atleast two batters in every inning except for the second when she stuckout one and in the firth when she struckout the side. She is now 12-1 with 128 K's and a 0.96 ERA in 80 1/3 innings hurled.
River Falls 8, Superior 2 (6 inn.) Brittney Rathbun pitched a six inning complete game, allowing only two runs, the first of which wouldn't come until the top of the fifth, on five hits while fanning seven bettering her record this season to 9-0..
The Falcons rounded the bases ten times on nine hits in their 15th consecutive victory this season, adding again to their school record. The heart of the Falcon line up would go 4-7 with a homer, a double and seven RBI.
The Falcons jumped to a quick 3-0 lead after the first inning. Jessica Lundgren reached on a single and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Howlett walked and advanced to third on a Feller double that would scored Lundgren from third. Dana Book came in to pinch run for Feller. Howlett would score on an Amanda Peters fielders choice that advanced Book to third. Ashley Hammerbeck would reach on a walk and advance to seconding, allowing Book to score from third. Hammerbeck would be out at second, interfearing with James' single.
The Falcons runs in the third came off Feller's bat, who homered, her sixth, home Howlett who walked, giving the Falcons a 5-0 lead after three full.
James opened up the fifth inning with a single to right field. Peterson would pinch hit for Rathbun but reach on fielders choice. James would round the bases on a series of throwing errors putting the Falcons up 7-0.
In the fifth, Howlett reached on walk and was moved to second by Feller who was also save on her fielders choice. Howlett would score on a Peters RBI single to left, advancing Feller to third.
Rathbun would open up the top of the sixth with a double to right field and advance to third ona Emily Eriksen single, who was hitting in place of Rachel Mathias. Rudiger would single home Rathbun and advance Eriksen to second. Rudiger and Eriksen would both move up a base on a wild pitch. Howlett came up with her only hit of the and pick up two RBI scoring both Rudiger and Eriksen.
The Falcons, now 21-1 overall and 4-0 in the WIAC, travel to Stevens Point for a WIAC doubleheader scheduled for Saturday.. Action will get underway at 3 p.m. |
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| Bertrand Named WIAC Pitcher of the Week
April 8, 2008 Right-handed pitcher Ashley Bertrand (Sr., St. Paul, Minn. Como Park HS) and track & field runner Becca Jordahl (Jr., Pocatello, Idaho Century HS) have been named WIAC Athletes of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek. Bertrand pitched her first collegiate no-hitter in the team's 5-0 win at UW-Stout on Saturday. She struck out 12 and walked two. After striking out the side in the first inning, she walked the first batter in the second. That runner was stranded on first. Bertrand retired the next 16 batters. After striking out the fist two batters in the seventh, she walked the third batter. But Bertrand got the final out on a grounder to third. She is now 11-1 on the season with a 1.02 ERA. She has struck out 118 in 75 1/3 innings. Bertrand, 5-8, has thrown five shutouts and three one-hitters this year. Opponents are hitting just .126 against her. This is the third time this season, and the second time in two weeks, that the senior has been named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week. She earned the honor on March 4 and April 2. The Falcons, 19-1 overall and ranked No. 11 in last week's NFCA poll, are scheduled to host UW-Superior on Wednesday at Ramer Field. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m. |
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Falcons Open WIAC Season With A Bang April 5, 2008 The Falcons extended their school record win streak to 13 games Saturday in Menomonie with a doubleheader victories over Stout, 5-0 and 4-0.
River Falls 5, Stout 0 The Falcons took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Amanda Peters singled to centerfield to bring home Howlett who reached earlier on a fielder's choice.
Feller's three run homer in the top of the third, her fifth of the season, scored Howlett and Jessica Lundgren, putting the Falcons up 4-0. Howlett reached on a walk and Lundgren singled to center.
Rathbun picked up an RBI in the top half of the final frame off a fielder's choice that scored Howlett.
Bertrand went the distance, fanning 12, walking two and not allowing a Stout hit. After striking out the side in the first inning, she walked the first batter in the second. That runner was stranded on first. Bertrand retired the next 16 batters. After striking out the fist two batters in the seventh, she walked the third batter. But Bertrand got the final out on a grounder to third. She is now 11-1 on the season.
Feller had a big day at the plate going 3-4 with a double in the seventh inning and a three run homerun. Howlett crossed the plate three times while going 2-4 on the day. Rathbun pitched a complete game shutout to help lead the Falcons to the win. Rathbun allowed singles in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings and a double in the final inning. She struck out six in her second shutout of the season, bettering her record to a perfect 8-0.
The Falcons scored four runs off six hits and didn't commit an error in the contest as they put up two runs in both the first and fifth innings.
In the first Mindy Rudiger reached on a single but was out on a Lundgren fielder's choice. Howlett advanced Lundgren on a single. Feller brought Howlett and Lundgren home with a two-run double toleft giving the Falcons the lead early..
In the fifth inning, Howlett doubled in Rudiger who reacehed on a walk. Lundgren crossed the plate for the Falcons final run of the contest when she scored on Peters RBI fielder's choice.
Howlett and Lundgren each went 2-3 at the plate. The two combined for three of the Falcon runs on the afternoon.
The Falcons, now 19-1 overall and 2-0 in the WIAC, host UW-Superior in a WIAC game scheduled for Wednesday. Action will get underway at 3 p.m. at Ramer Field.. |
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Softball Doubleheader at UW-Stout Rescheduled for Saturday April 2, 2008 The Falcon softball doubleheader scheduled for 4 p.m., at UW-Stout on Thursday has been postponed due to a snow-covered and wet field. The games will be played on Saturday at 1 p.m., at Alumni Field. The games will be the first WIAC contests of the season for both teams. UWRF enters the game ranked No. 11 in this week's NFCA poll with a 17-1 record. UWS is 7-9 overall. UWRF holds a 33-16 lead in the all-time series with the Blue Devils, who are coached by former Falcon player and Athletic Hall of Fame member Chris Stainer. UWRF has won a school record 11 straight games. The team’s only loss this year was a 9-5 decision to Montclair State on March 16 in Florida at the Rebel Spring Games. Third baseman Emily Howlett leads the Falcons in hitting with a .538 average. She also leads the team with 31 RBI. Left fielder Jessica Lundgren, who has stolen 17 bases, is second in hitting with a .473 average. Three other Falcons are hitting .400 or better; center fielder Rachel Mathias (.412), first baseman Keri Feller (.403) and right fielder Amanda Peters (.400). Mathias has two homers and nine RBI. Feller leads the team with four homers and is second with 27 RBI. Peters has one homer and 14 RBI. The Falcons are hitting .363. Pitchers Ashley Bertrand and Brittany Rathbun have been near perfect on the mound. Bertrand, who was named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week on March 31, has a 10-1 record with a 1.13 ERA. She has struck out 106 and walked only 13 in 68 1/3 innings. Rathbun is a perfect 7-0 with a 1.93 ERA. She has struck out 32 and walked nine in 50 2/3 innings. The team ERA is 1.45. UWRF has outscored its opponents, 139-30. Savanah Oeltjen leads Stout in hitting with a .400 average. Katie Fichter leads UWS with 12 RBI and two homers. She is hitting .237. Beth Lloyd, who is hitting .354, has seven doubles and eight RBI. Fichter has a 3-3 record on the mound with a 4.29 ERA. She has struck out 16 and walked 23. Kristy Hoffman leads the team with a 4.24 ERA and has a 2-2 record. She has struck out 21 and walked 19. Stout has a team batting average of .279 and a team ERA of 4.41. |
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Falcons Move Up; Now Ranked No. 11 in NFCA Poll April 2, 2008 The Falcon softball team moved up tp the No. 11 spot in this week's NFCA Div. III poll released today. The Falcons went 4-0 last weekend at the Augustana College Tournament. On Saturday the Falcons beat Augustana, 8-1, and Millikin, 7-3. They came back on Sunday to beat Millikin, 8-2, and Augustana, 3-0. Emily Howlett leads the Falcons in hitting with a .538 average. She has scored 24 runs, has 31 RBI, nine doubles and two homers. Jessica Lundgren is second with a .473 average. She has scored 20 runs and leads the team with 17 stolen bases. She has been caught stealing just once. The Falcons are hitting .363. The Falcon pitching staff had another outstanding week. The team ERA lowered to 1.45. Ashley Bertrand has a 10-1 record with a 1.13 ERA. She has struck out 106 and walked 13 in 68 1/3 innings pitched. Bertrand was named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week last week when she was 3-0 with a 0.39 ERA. Brittany Rathbun is still undefeated and is 7-0 overall. She has a 1.93 ERA. She has struck out 32 and walked nine in 50 2/3 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .177. The University of Texas-Tyler is undefeated and ranked No. 1 for the third straight week. UW-Eau Claire is ranked No. 8 and UW-Stevens Point is ranked No. 20 in this week's poll. The Falcons are scheduled to open WIAC play this week. The Falcons will play at UW-Stout on Saturday with the first pitch set for 1 p.m., at Alumni Field. The doubleheader was scheduled for Thursday, but was postponed due to the snow that hit the area on Monday. |
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| Bertrand Named WIAC Softball Pitcher of the Week April 1, 2008 Right-hander Ashley Bertrand's (Sr., St. Paul, Minn. Como Park HS) pitching helped the Falcons to three wins at the Augustana College Tournament last weekend and she has been named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek. Bertrand pitched the Falcons to 8-1 and 3-0 wins against the host school and an 8-2 win over Millikin. She allowed just five hits in the three games and had complete game wins in the two Augustana games. Bertrand, 5-8, allowed just one earned run in 18 innings pitched (0.39 ERA). She struck out 20 and walked four. In the 3-0 win she allowed just two singles and picked up her fourth shutout of the season. She also handled three chances in the field without an error. She is now 10-1 this year with a 1.13 ERA in 68 1/3 innings pitched. Bertrand has allowed just 32 hits and 13 runs. She has struck out 106 and walked only 13. This is the second time this season that the senior has been named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week. She earned the honor on March 4. The Falcons, 17-1 overall and ranked No. 13 in last week's NFCA poll, are scheduled to open WIAC play on Thursday at UW-Stout. The first pitch will be thrown at 4 p.m. |
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Falcons Win Two More; Set School Consecutive Win Record March 30, 2008 The Falcon softball team won two more games on Sunday at the Augustana College Tournament and have now won a school record 11 straight games.
The Falcons beat Millikin, 8-2, and Augustana, 3-0, on Sunday.
The 2007 Falcons won 10 straight games. This year’s team has lost only one game, a 9-5 decision to Montclair State, on March 16 in Florida. River Falls 8, Millikin 2 UWRF scored single runs in each of the first three innings. They added three in the fifth and two in the sixth. Millikiin scored two runs on just two hits and they made four errors. MU scored its two runs in the sixth. UWRF committed two errors in the field.
Six Falcons had multiple hit games. Emily Howlett, Amanda Peters and Rachel Mathias were all 3-4. Howlett scored three times, Peters scored once and had two RBI and Mathias had one RBI. Keri Feller was 2-4 with a RBI. Mindy Rudiger and Jessica Lundgren were both 2-5. Each scored a run and Rudiger had one RBI. Ashley James had the other Falcon hit. She was 1-4 with one run scored.
Rudiger led off the sixth inning with a solo homer to center. It was her third homer of the year. Howlett had two doubles while Feller, Peters and Mathias each had one.
In the first, Feller doubled home Lundgren who had singled and stole second. James, who reached first on a single to right and advanced to second on a throw and to third on an illegal pitch, scored an unearned run later in the inning when Cassie Peterson reached first on an error. With one out in the third, Howlett singled to right field and scored from first when Peters doubled to center.
In the three-run fifth the Falcons strung four straight hits together to start the inning. Howlett led off with a double and scored when Feller singled to center. Peters followed that with a single to left and Dana Book, running for Feller, advanced to third. Mathias then singled to left to score Book and Peters went to second. After two outs, Peterson reached base on an error that scored Peters from second.
The Falcons added two more runs in the sixth. Rudiger led off the inning with the solo home run. After an out, Howlett hit her third double to center and later scored when Peters singled to center.
Ashley Bertrand started on the mound and pitched the first four innings to get the win. She allowed only one hit, an infield single in the third. She retired the first six batters – including the first five by strike out. Bertrand didn’t walk a batter and struck out seven.
Brittany Rathbun pitched the final three innings and also allowed just one hit. She allowed a single in the sixth. She allowed two runs, but both were unearned. She walked one and struck out one and retired the last three batters of the game on infield ground outs. Bertrand pitched a complete game two-hitter to help lead the Falcons to the win. Bertrand allowed singles in the third and fifth innings. Both runners were able to advance to second, but went no further. Three other batters reached base; in the second on a walk with two outs; in the third on an error with two outs and the seventh on a walked with one out. Bertrand struck out the final two batters in the seventh to end the game. She struck out four and recorded her fourth shutout of the season. She is now 10-1.
The Falcons scored three runs on six hits and they made one error. UWRF scored single runs in the second, third and fifth innings.
In the second, Peters singled with two outs and went to second when Mathias singled. Both runners moved up a base on a passed ball. After a second out, Ashley Hammerbeck singled to score Peters from third with what proved to be the only run the Falcons would need.
In the third, Rudiger walked with one out and then stole second. After a second out, Howlett singled to score Rudiger.
In the fifth with one out, Dani Nadeau reached first on an error. Rudiger then walked. Lundgren reached first on a bunt single and that loaded the bases. Howlett then singled to score Nadeau with the team’s third run.
Howlett finished 2-3 at the plate with two RBI.
The Falcons, now 17-1 overall, open WIAC play on Thursday when they travel to UW-Stout for a double header. Action starts at 4 p.m. |
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Falcons Take Two, 8-1 Over Augustana and 7-3 Over Millikin March 29, 2008 The UWRF softball team touched the plate 15 times Saturday as they defeated Augustana, 8-1, and Millikin, 7-3, in Rock Island, Ill. UWRF, ranked No. 13th in this week’s NFCA national poll faired well Saturday. River Falls 8, Augustana 1 Rachel Mathias put the Falcons up in the second inning when she went deep for her first home run of the season. In the top half of the fourth, it was Mathias that reached first on a double and later would score when Dana Book reached on an error. An Amanda Peters single advanced Book to second setting up a Rudiger double to score Book and giving the Falcons a 3-0 lead after four. In the top half of the sixth, the Falcons knocked in five runs, led off by an Ashley James single. Brittany Rathbun moved Cassie Peterson to second after she reached on an error, scoring James. Rudiger came to the plate only to clear the bases with a double. Jessica Lundgren knocked in Rudiger for the third Falcon run on the inning when she reached on a single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Keri Feller had a sac-fly as Lundgren scored the final run of the inning. Augustana's only run came in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI double by Miss Fobert. Rudiger had three doubles and Mathias one. Rudiger leads the team with 10 doubles and Mathias has three. The 13 hits for the Falcons was one lower than their season high of 14 set a week ago. Ashley Bertrand gave up two hits and one earned run while striking out nine and walking two earning her way to the win. She is now 8-1 this season. The Falcons took to the field with a lot of momentum and beat Millikin, 7-3, with the help of big bats from the heart of the order.UWRF scored seven runs on 11 hits and made no errors. Rathbun took to the circle for the Falcons en route to her seventh win of the season with no losses. She went the distance giving up three earned runs on five hits, three walks and three strike outs. Rathun had a rough first inning hitting the first batter she faced, who was later caught stealing by catcher Ashley James. Another walk by Rathbun brought Jessica Kirincich to the plate who took Rathbun deep, giving Millikin a 2-0 lead. Later in the inning Kristina Betchhold singled home Millikin's third run of the inning. The Falcons got on the scoreboard in the third. Lundgren led off and reached on an error and advanced to third on the play. She scored on an Emily Howlett fielder's choice cutting the deficit to two, 3-1. Mathias led off the fourth inning with her second home run of the season in as many games. James laced a double to center field. She went to third when Ashley Hammerbeck's fly to center was misplayed. Hammerbck then stole second. Dani Nadeau then walked to load the bases. Rudiger then fouled out deep enough to left field to score James. The Falcons would leave two on in the inning but tied the score, 3-3. UWRF added two more runs in the fifth inning, to take a 5-3 lead, on back-to-back home runs by Feller and Peters to lead off the inning. Feller homered to left - it was her team-high fourth of the year. Peters went deep to center and it was her first of the season. The Falcons added two more runs in the sixth. After reaching on a single and stealing second, Lundgren was hit home when Howlett tripled to left. Howlett would then score on a Feller sacrifice fly to center. Rathbun would come back to pitch a perfect seventh inning, securing the team's 15th win of the season, while extending its win streak to nine consecutive. The 2007 team set a school record with 10 straight wins and the Falcons will be going after that record on Sunday. The Falcons take on the same two teams; Millikin at 9 a.m., and Augustana at 11 a.m. |
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Falcons Ranked No. 13 in NFCA Poll March 26, 2008 The Falcon softball team is ranked No. 13 in this week's NFCA Div. III poll released today. The Falcons finished 7-1 on their Spring Break trip to Florida and the Rebel Spring Games. UWRF lost its first game, but then put together a seven-game winning streak. UWRF was ranked No. 14 last week and were ranked No. 13 in the March 12 poll. Jessica Lundgren leads the Falcons in hitting with a .550 average. She has scored 16 runs and has four RBI. Emily Howlett is second with a .540 average. She has scored 20 runs and has a team-high 27 RBI. She has seven doubles and twi homers. The Falcons are hitting .359. The Falcon pitching staff has compiled a 1.58 team ERA. Ashley Bertrand, who is 7-1, has a 1.39 ERA in 50 1/3 innings pitched. She has struck out 86 and walked only nine. Brittany Rathbun, who is 6-0, has a 1.89 ERA. She has struck out 28 and walked five in 40 2/3 innings. Opponents are hitting .193. The University of Texas-Tyler is undefeated and ranked No. 1 for the second straight week. UW-Eau Claire is ranked No. 7 and UW-Stevens Point is ranked No. 21 in this week's poll. The Falcons are scheduled to play at the Augustana, Ill., College tournament this weekend. On Saturday the Falcons play Augustana at 11 a.m., and Millikin at 3 p.m. On Sunday the Falcons face Millikin at 9 a.m., and Augustana at 11 a.m. UWRF opens WIAC play on April 3 at UW-Stout. The first pitch will be thrown at 4 p.m. |
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Falcons Win Two More in Florida; Finish 7-1 on Trip March 21, 2008 The Falcon softball team ended its Spring Break trip in excellent fashion with two more wins on Friday afternoon in Kissimmee, Fla. The Falcons beat Polytechnic, 11-5, and Otterbein, 5-0, at the Rebel Spring Games. UWRF, ranked No. 14 in this week’s NFCA national poll, finished 7-1 in Florida. They return to River Falls with a 13-1 overall record. UWRF lost its first game in Florida, but then won seven straight. The Falcons outscored their opponents, 48-17, in the eight Florida games. River Falls 11, Polytechnic 5 Keri Feller started the Falcons out well with a two-run home run in the team’s four-run first inning. It was her third homer of the year and was to left field. In the fifth, Emily Howlett hit a two-run home run to center to highlight the inning. It was her first homer of the season. Rachel Mathias was 3-4 at the plate with two runs scored and one RBI. Jessica Lundgren was 2-3 with two runs scored. Howlett finished 2-3 with two runs scored. She also had a double to go along with the home run – it was her sixth two-bagger of the year. Cassie Peterson was 2-3. Feller was 2-4 with two runs scored and the two RBI. The Falcons had double digits in hits for the eighth time in 14 games. The 14 hits tied a season high. Brittany Rathbun went the distance on the mound to get the win. She is now 6-0. She walked one and struck out four. The walk was the first she allowed in the past four games. River Falls 5, Otterbein 0 The Falcons scored five runs on seven hits and made two errors. OC had the one hit and they made no errors. UWRF scored twice in the first and single runs in the third, fifth and seventh innings. Howlett had another solid game going 4-4 at the plate. She hit a solo homer to center, her second of the day and the season, in the fifth. She also doubled and finished with two runs scored and two RBI. It was her 10th multiple hit game of the year and it was her first four-hit game this season. Three times she had three hits in a game. Feller singled in the first to drive in two runs. Ashley James had a single in the sixth and Lundgren reached first with a single in the seventh. The Falcons will next play at the Augustant, Ill., College tourney. On Saturday the Falcons play Augustana at 11 a.m., and Millikin at 3 p.m. |
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Falcons Get Solid Pitching, Hitting in Two Wins March 19, 2008 The Falcon softball team won two more games, and now have won five straight, on Wednesday at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida. The Falcons opened with a 5-1 win over Suffolk and came back with a 5-0 win over Franklin & Marshall. UWRF once again got solid hitting and strong pitching in the two wins. The Falcons banged out 16 hits and the pitching staff allowed only nine in the two contests. The UWRF pitching staff has allowed only one run in the past four games. River Falls 5, Suffolk 1 Mindy Rudiger was 2-4 at the plate with two runs scored and one RBI. She hit a triple to right field in the sixth and scored when Jessica Lundgren singled to right. Lundgren was 2-4 with one RBI. Emily Howlett was 1-4 with a run scored and a RBI. She doubled to center in the first and scored Rudiger on the play. Keri Feller was 1-4 with a run scored and Amanda Peters had the other Falcon hit. Ashley Bertrand went the distance on the mound to pick up the win. She allowed three hits, one was a double and she allowed two singles. She did not walk a batter and struck out 11. Bertrand has walked just one batter in the last 17 innings. Bertrand retired 14 straight batters and she struck out the side in the third innings. She is now 6-1. River Falls 5, Franklin & Marshall 0 Brittany Rathbun got the win on the mound. She worked seven innings and allowed six hits, all singles. She struck out four and walked none. Rathbun retired the first eight batters she faced. She is now 5-0 this season. The Falcons scored five runs on 10 hits and made one error. F&M had six hits and two errors. UWRF scored two runs in the first and three in the sixth. Howlett was 2-4 with two runs scored and three RBI. She knocked in one run in the first with a single to right and she scored two runs in the sixth with a single to center. Peters was 2-4 with one RBI. She tripled to left in the first inning to score Howlett. Lundgren was 2-3 with a run scored. Cassie Peterson, Ashley James and Rachel Mathias had the other Falcon hits. The Falcons, ranked No. 13 in last week's NFCA poll, will play two more games in Florida on Thursday at the Rebel Spring Games. They play Bridgewater State at 9 a.m., and again at 11 a.m. The Falcons are now 11-1 overall. |
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Falcons Win Twice in Florida March 18, 2008 The Falcon softball team used a combination of great pitching and hitting to win two games at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla., on Tuesday.
The Falcons opened the day with a 2-0, 10-inning win over Rowan. They came back later for a 12-0, five-inning win over Fontbonne.
UWRF scored twice in the top of the 10th to get the win. The Falcons scored two runs on four hits and made one error. RC scored no runs on three hits and they committed one error.
In the 10th, Mindy Rudiger was placed on second using the international tie breaker rule. Emily Howlett doubled to left to score Rudiger with the game's first run. Howlett later scored an insurance run on an error. Rudiger finished 2-4 with Jessica Lundgren and Howlett getting the other Falcon hits.,
Ashley Bertrand turned in a masterful performance on the mound. She pitched all 10 innings and allowed just three hits, all singles. She struck out 11 and walked only one. RC's best chance to score came in the fourth when an error, a single and a sacrifice put runners on second and third with one out. But Bertrand got a struck out the next batter and got the final out on a fly ball to right to end the inning. The right-hander is now 5-1 this season. UWRF scored runs in every inning to get the five-inning win. The Falcons scored 12 runs on 12 hits and made one error. FC had no runs on two hits and they made no errors. UWRF scored four times in the first, five in the second, two in the third and one in the fourth.
Rudiger was 3-4 with three runs scored and two doubles. Lundgren finished 3-4 and she scored three times. Keri Feller was 2-3 with a double, a run scored and two RBI. Howlett, who walked twice with the bases loaded, had three RBI. Amanda Peters was 1-3 with two runs scored.
Brittany Rathbun pitched four innings to get the win. She is now 4-0. She allowed one hit, struck out three and didn't walk a batter. Rudiger pitched the final inning and allowed one hit.
The Falcons, 9-1 overall, will play Suffolk at 1 p.m., and Franklin & Marshall at 5 p.m., on Wednesday at the Rebel Spring Games. |
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Falcons Open With Split in Florida March 16, 2008 The Falcon softball team split in its first two games in Florida on Sunday afternoon.
The team's six game winning streak was snapped in a 9-5 loss to Montclair State. But the Falcons rebounded with a 3-2 win over Bethany.
Montclair State 9, River Falls 5 The Falcons managed only six hits and made two errors in the 9-5 loss. MS scored nine runs on 12 hits and made no errors. UWRF scored five runs on six hits and made the two errors. Montclair scored two runs in the first, one in the third, two in the fourth and four in the fifth. The Falcons scored three times in the second and twice in the third.
Rachel Mathias was 1-3 with two RBI. She knocked in two runs in the Falcon thee-run second with a triple to right field. That was the only extra base hit of the game for the Falcons. Amanda Peters was 1-2 with two RBI. She knocked in the team's two runs in the third with a single to center. Jessica Lundgren, Keri Feller, Ashley James and Brittany Rathbun also had hits. Lundgren stole two bases.
Ashley Bertrand took the loss on the mound. She worked four and one-third innings and allowed nine runs, seven were earned. She allowed 10 hits, walked two and struck out seven. Rathbun worked the final two and two-thirds innings and allowed two hits. She walked one and struck out one.
River Falls 3, Bethany 2
UWRF scored two runs in the second and got what proved to be the winning run in the fourth. BC scored single runs in the second and third innings.
James had the hot bat for the Falcons. She went 3-4 with a run scored. Emily Howlett was 2-3 while Feller, Peters and Ashley Hammerbeck were all 2-4. Feller and Mathias, who was 1-3 with a run scored, had the Falcon RBI.
The Falcons grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the second. With one out, James singled to center and Hammerbeck singled to left to put runners on first and third. Mathias singled to right to score James. After an out, Rebecca Troop pinch hit and reached base on an error to the left fielder. Mathias scored on the play.
Rathbun started on the mound and pitched the fist three innings. She allowed six hits and two runs - only one was earned. She didn't walk a batter and struck out two. Bertrand picked up the win in relief and is now 4-1. She allowed no runs, walked one and struck out 10.
The Falcons, 7-1 overall, will play Rowan at 9 a.m., and Fontbonne at 11 a.m., on Tuesday in Florida at the Rebel Spring Games. |
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Falcons Ranked No. 13 in NFCA Poll March 13, 2008 After starting the season with a perfect 6-0 record, the Falcon softball team is ranked No. 13 in this week's National Fastpitch Coaches Association national weekly poll. UWRF received votes in the pre-season and first regular season polls. UWRF has outscored its six opponents, 65-7, in starting the season with six straight wins. UWRF is hitting .424 as a team. The Falcons have also gotten great pitching with the staff compiling a 1.17 team ERA. Jessica Lundgren leads the team with a .643 average. She has scored seven runs and has two RBI. Emily Howlett is next with a .625 average. She has three doubles, scored nine runs and has 14 RBI. Amanda Peters is hitting .550 with five RBI and five runs scored. Keri Feller, who is hitting .500, and Mindy Rudiger, who is hitting .444, both have two homers. Feller leads the team with 15 RBI and five doubles. Rudiger leads theo team with 13 runs scored. She has two doubles and seven RBI. Ashley Bertrand and Brittany Rathbun have pitched all but one inning for the Falcons. Bertrand is 3-0 with a 0.78 ERA. She has struck out 36 in 18 innings. She has walked only three and allowed only two earned runs. Rathbun is also 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA. She has worked 17 innings and struck out 14 and walked only three. She has given up five runs, four have been earned. UWRF opned its season with a 7-0 win over Northland and a 7-1 win over St. Scholastica on Feb. 29. Last weekend the Falcons beat Con.-Moorhead twice on Friday, 14-0 and 18-3, and came back with two more wins on Saturday over Augsburg, 11-2 and 8-1. The Falcons have had double digits hits in five of the six games. UW-Eau Claire is ranked No. 7, UW-Stevens Point is ranked No. 18 and UW-Oshkosh is ranked No. 25 in this week's poll. The Falcons travel to Florida over spring break and have a 10-game schedule planned. They face Montclaire State at 1 p.m., and Bethany at 3 p.m., on Sunday. Montclaire State was ranked No. 25 in the first regular season poll. |
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| Feller Named WIAC Softball Player of the Week March 11, 2008 First baseman Keri Feller (Jr., Austin, Minn.) helped lead the Falcons to a perfect week with four wins and has been named the WIAC Player of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek. UWRF beat Con.-Moorhead, 14-0 and 18-3 on Friday and came back with 11-2 and 8-1 wins over Augsburg on Saturday. Feller, 5-9, was 10-14 at the plate for a .714 average. She had four doubles and two three-run homers. She had a 1.429 slugging percentage and led the Falcons with 14 RBI. Feller hit a three-run homer in the team's 14-0 win over Concordia-Moorhead on Friday and another three-run homer in the team's 11-2 win over Augsburg on Saturday. She had a .733 on-base percentage, Feller walked once and didn't strike out in 15 plate appearances. She was also perfect in the field with 21 put outs and no errors. Feller is hitting .500 this year with five doubles, two homers and 15 RBI. The Falcons, 6-0, will travel to Kissimmee, Fla., and compete in the Rebel Spring Games from March 16-21. The Falcons play Montclair State at 1 p.m., and Bethany at 3 p.m., on Sunday. |
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Falcons Get Two More Wins; Beat Augsburg Twice March 8, 2008 The Falcon softball team's hot bats continued in a doubleheader sweep of Augsburg College on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Falcons won the first game, 11-2 in five innings and took the second game, 8-1.
RF has had double digits in hits in five of the six games played. In today’s first game they had 14 hits and came back with 13 in the second game.
River Falls 11, Augsburg 2 (5) In the first game the Falcons scored 11 runs on 14 hits and made no errors. Augsburg scored two runs on five hits and made no errors.
The Falcons put together a couple of big innings again. They scored four runs in the fourth inning and five in the fifth to break the game open, UWRF also scored single runs in the first and third innings. AC scored its two runs in the third to tie the game at the time, 2-2.
Keri Feller hit her second homer of the year, and second in two days, and second three-run shot of the season. She homered over the centerfield fence to cap the five run fifth. She finished 3-4 with a run scored and a season high six RBI. Emily Howlett was 3-4 with three runs scored and four RBI. Jessica Lundgren had a perfect first game at the plate going 3-3 with three runs scored. Amanda Peters had another solid first game going 3-4 with one RBI.
Ashley Bertrand went the distance on the mound to pickup her third win of the year. She is now 3-0. She allowed five hits and two earned runs. She struck out five and walked one.
In the second game the Falcons scored eight runs on 13 hits and made no errors. Augsburg scored one run on four hits and made two errors.
Feller had another strong game at the plate going 3-3 with two RBI. She doubled twice. Howlett was 2-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Lundgren was 3-4 with two runs scored. Rudiger was 2-4 with three runs scored and one RBI. She hit a solo homer to left in the sixth inning. It was her second homer of the season.
Brittany Rathbun got the win on the mound. She went the distance and allowed one earned run and four hits. She didn’t walk a batter and struck out four. She is now 3-0 this year.
The Falcons, 6-0 overall, will next travel to Florida to compete in the Rebel Spring Games. The Falcons play Montclaire State at 1 p.m., and Bethany at 3 p.m., on Sunday, March. 16. |
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Falcons Beat Cobbers Twice; Both Wins in Five Innings March 7, 2008 The Falcon softball team banged out 26 hits and scored 32 runs in a doubleheader sweep over Con.-Moorhead on Friday night in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Falcons won the first game, 14-0, and the second contest, 18-3, at the Augsburg College Tourney. Both games lasted five innings.
River Falls 14, Con.-Moorhead 0 The Falcons scored runs in every inning, including six in the fourth. They scored three in the first, four in the second and one in the third. Keri Feller had a big game at the plate. She doubled home two runs in the first and came back with a three-run homer to left in the second. It was her first homer of the season. She finished 3-4 with five RBI. Emily Howlett had another multiple hit game going 3-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Cassie Peterson scored three times and Mindy Rudiger was 1-1 with two runs scored. UWRF scored 14 runs on 12 hits and they made one error.
River Falls 18, Concordia-Moorhead 3 The Falcons stayed hot at the plate in the second game. UWRF scored 18 runs in 14 hits and made one error. The Cobbers had three runs on five hits and they made three errors. Once again the Falcons scored in every inning. They scored single runs in the first and fifth, three in the second, five in the third and eight in the fourth when 12 batters made plate appearances.
Amanda Peters was 3-4 with three runs scored and two RBI. Howlett was 2-4 with a run scored and three RBI. Rudiger was 2-2 with four runs scored and two RBI. Both her hits were doubles. Ashley James was 2-2 with two runs scored and one RBI while Jessica Lundgren was 2-3 with two runs scored and one RBI.
Brittany Rathbun picked up the win on the mound. She worked three innings and allowed three runs, two were earned. She allowed five hits, walked three and struck out four. Bertrand worked the final two innings and didn't allow a hit. She struck out five of the six batters she faced.
The Falcons, now 4-0 overall, will play Augsburg in a doubleheader at noon at the Augsburg Dome. |
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| Bertrand Named WIAC Softball Pitcher of the Week March 4, 2008 Pitcher Ashley Bertrand (Sr. St. Paul, Minn. Como Park HS) set a single game strike out record in the Falcons 7-0 win over Northland College and has been named the WIAC Pitcher of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek. Bertrand, a right-hander., struck out 16 batters in the win to set a UWRF single game record. She struck out the side in the first, third and seventh innings and had at least one strike out in all seven innings. Two of the 16 outs were called third strikes. She faced 25 batters, just four over the limit. Bertrand, 5-8, allowed four hits – all singles – and only one runner reached second. That came in the final inning when Northland’s first batter singled and advanced to second after the third batter of the inning singled. But Bertrand retired the final two batters on swinging strikes. She did not walk a batter and three of the other five outs she got came on ground balls to the infield. Bertrand entered the game as the school’s all-time strike out career leader with 355. The 16 strike outs is the fourth most ever in a single game in the WIAC records book. The Falcons, 2-0, will play Concordia-Moorhead at 4 p.m., on Friday and Augsburg at noon on Saturday at the Augsburg College Tournament this weekend. |
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Falcons Open Season With Two Wins; Feb. 29, 2008 The Falcon softball team opened its season with two wins on Friday night with pitcher Ashley Bertrand setting a single game strike out record.
The Falcons opened with a 7-0 win over Northland and a 7-1 win over St. Scholastica at the Rosemount Dome.
Bertrand, a senior right-hander, struck out 16 batters to set the UWRF single game record. She struck out the side in the first, third and seventh innings and had at least one strike out in all seven innings. Two of the 16 outs were called third strikes. She faced 25 batters, just four over the limit. Bertrand allowed four hits – all singles – and only one runner reached second. That came in the final inning when Northland’s first batter singled and advanced to second after the third batter of the inning singled. But Bertrand retired the final two batters on swinging strikes. She did not walk a batter and three of the other five outs she got came on ground balls to the infield. Bertrand entered the game as the school’s all-time strike out career leader with 355.
Bertrand got plenty of help from her teammates. UWRF scored seven runs on 12 hits and made no errors. The Falcons opened the game with a four-run first inning. They added one run in the second and two more in the sixth. In the first, UWRF scored four runs on four hits and two Northland errors. Amanda Peters was 3-3 with a run scored. Brittany Rathbun was 2-3 with a run scored. Emily Howlett and Mindy Rudiger were both 2-4 with a run scored and a RBI. Keri Feller, who doubled in the first, was 1-4 with a run scored and a RBI. Jessica Lundgren, who was also 1-4, had the other RBI.
River Falls 7, St. Scholastica 1 The Falcons blew open a tight game scoring two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth.
UWRF scored two runs in the third. Rachel Mathias led off with a single to left and Rudiger reached first on an error. Both runners advanced a base on a passed ball. Cassie Peterson scored Mathias with a sacrifice bunt and Rudiger later scored on another error. After the Saints made it a 2-1 game with a run in the top of the fifth, the Falcons came back with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Mathias led off the inning with a walk and after an out stole second. Peterson walked and Howlett then doubled to left center to score both runners. In the sixth, Rudiger hit a line drive, three-run homer over the left field fence. With one out, Rebecca Troop singled to center and Mathias doubled to left center before Rudiger hit her first homer of the season. She has 16 career homers.
Mathias and Howlett had multiple hit games. Mathias was 2-2 with three runs scored. Howlett was 2-4 with two RBI.
The Falcons scored seven runs on seven hits and made no errors. CSS scored one run on six hits and made four errors.
Rathbun went the distance on the mound to pick up the win. She allowed just six hits, all singles. She struck out eight and didn’t walk a batter. Only one of the Saints’ two runs was earned.
The Falcons, now 2-0 overall, will play Concordia-Moorhead at 4 p.m., on Friday at the Augsburg Tournament. On Saturday the Falcons play at Augsburg at noon. |
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Falcons Open Season on Friday Feb. 26, 2008 The 2008 Falcon softball team returns 12 letter winners from last year's squad that won a school record 32 games. One new and key figure this year is Head Coach Jody Gabriel, who replaces Faye Perkins. Perkins stepped away from coaching after being named the interim dean of the UWRF College of Education and Professional Studies. Gabriel is hardly new to the Falcon program. She was a Falcon assistant coach for five seasons and played for Perkins from 1994-96. The Falcons advanced to the NCAA tournament in 1994. The Falcons return two pitchers, six infielders, two utility players and two outfielders from last year's team. There are five seniors, four juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen on the 18-member roster. The Falcons hit .296 last year with 53 doubles and a school record 24 home runs. The pitching staff posted a 2.60 ERA. "We set a school record for wins last year and we expect to break the record again this year," said Gabriel. Pitching Bertrand, who was named to the first All-WIAC team and to the third NFCA All-Great Lakes Region squad, finished 14-5 with one save. 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 struck out 148, which led the team, and she walked 39. Her strike out mark is a single season record. 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. Bertrand has a 38-25 career record. Rathbun, who led the NCAA Div. III with nine saves in 2006, finished 15-6 with a 3.03 ERA. She struck out 73 and walked 29 in 104 innings. Opponents hit .239 against her. She had one save. Rathbun earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC teams in 2005 and 2006. She has a 23-20 career record with 14 saves. She played designated hitter in several games and finished with a .259 average. She had one double, one homer and five RBIs. "Both Ashley and Britt have been starters since their first season," said Gabriel. Infield The left side is anchored by third baseman Emily Howlett and shortstop Mindy Rudiger. Howlett, who was named to the first All-WIAC teams in 2006 and 2007 and to the second NFCA All-Great Lakes Region team last year, Howlett led the 2007 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. Her 15 doubles set a school single season record. Howlett was second in hits, doubles and total bases in the WIAC. 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. Howlett was named the team's MVP and Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Rudiger, who was named to the first All-WIAC team in 2007 and earned honorable mention in 2006, 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 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, who is also a member of the Falcon tennis team, was named the team's Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Rudiger could also see time on the mound. Keri Feller returns at first base where she started all of the 2007 season. She was third in hitting with a .321 average. She had eight doubles, three homers and was third with 29 RBI. She led the Falcons with 293 put outs and a .987 fielding percentage. She was named the team's Best Defensive Player in 2007. Back behind the plate is Ashley James who is in her fourth season as the starting catcher. Last year she hit a career best .250 with two doubles and 18 RBI. She has a 38 career RBI and a .225 lifetime average. She handles the Falcon pitching staff with confidence and has a strong arm in throwing out would be base stealers. Outfield Cassie Peterson returns and could fill the second base spot. She played in 20 games in 2007, mostly as a pinch runner. Utility players Jessica Lundgren and Ashley Hammerbeck are also back. Lundgren played in 23 games and Hammerbeck 24. Hammerbeck finished with a .267 average and Lundgren scored nine runs. All three have the skills to play several positions. The Falcons open their season on Feb. 29 with games against Northland (8:30 p.m.) and St. Scholastica (10:30 p.m.) at the Rosemount Dome. UWRF will play 10 games at the Rebel Spring Games from March 16-21. They will then play in the Augustana Tournament March 29-30. The Falcons open WIAC play on April 3 when they travel to UW-Stout. The Falcons open their home schedule on April 9 with a WIAC doubleheader against UW-Superior. "The WIAC is a tough league," said Gabriel. "Four teams won 30 or more games last year and four teams received votes in the NFCA pre-season poll. We expect to compete with all the top teams this year." |
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Falcons Earn Votes in NFCA Pre-Season Poll Jan. 30, 2008 The 2008 Falcon softball team earned votes in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association pre-season poll. The Falcons return 12 players from last year's team that finished with a school record 32 wins. UWRF finished 32-12 overall and 11-5 in the WIAC. The Falcons placed third in the final WIAC standings. Defending NCAA champion, Linfield, was the top ranked team. UW-Eau Claire was ranked No 10 and UW-Stevens Point was ranked No. 17 in the pre-season poll. UW-Oshkosh also received votes. Jody Gabriel is the interim head coach of the Falcons in 2008. She has been an assistant coach with the Falcons for the past five seasons. Gabriel replaced Faye Perkins who was named the interim dean of the UWRF College of Education and Professional Studies. The Falcons open the 2008 season on Feb. 29 with games against Northland at 8:30 p.m, and St. Scholastica at 10:30 p.m., at the Rosemount Dome. |
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University of Wisconsin–River Falls |
