Rochester, Minn. - The Winona State University softball team, ranked No. 13 in the latest NFCA Division II Coaches' poll, opened their 2021 campaign showing some grit, as the Warriors beat Southwest Minnesota State in a pair of non-conference contests on Friday, Feb. 19. The twin-bill took place in the bubble at Rochester Regional Stadium on the campus of Rochester Community & Technical College.
In game one, a 5-1 Warrior win,
Jordyn Kleman went the distance, striking out seven and scattering six hits. She enjoyed strong run support from a host of Winona State teammates, including
Ann Smolenski and
Rylee Stout both had a pair of RBI's on the day. It took the Warriors just one inning into the season to get their offensive sights set right, as a four-run second inning proved to be all the offense needed in the opener. Winona State tacked on fifth run in the bottom of the sixth, before retiring the Mustang side in order in the top of the seventh for the win.
Game two, with Southwest Minnesota State serving as the home team, saw Winona State have to come from behind late to earn the sweep.
Liz Pautz took over the Warrior pitching circle in the second game, going six innings to pick up the win. The senior right-hander from Pulaski, Wis. struck six Mustangs, gave up two hits and two earned runs.
Warrior bats were slow to warm up in the nightcap and WSU stranded runners in the as they failed to cross the plate in the first four innings. Fortunately for head coach Greg Jones, the pitching and defense for his team matched the Mustangs, who also went scoreless over that time. Southwest took a 2-1 lead into the seventh, where the Warrior offense came alive, exploding for five runs in the top of the seventh to lead 6-2, heading into the final at-bats for Southwest Minnesota State.
A late rally with three singles in a row by SMSU saw the Warriors need a double-play to close out the contest. With the tying run at the plate, WSU force a one-hop liner to third base, where Winona State turned two, tagging the bag at third and completing the long throw in time to first to end the game. Klemen closed the contest for Winona State.
Libby Neveau had two RBI for WSU, while
Alison Nowak,
Katie Kolb,
Rylee Stout and
Teaghen Amwoza each had one.
With the sweep, No. 13 Winona State moves to 2-0 / 0-0 NSIC on the young season, while Southwest Minnesota State drops to 4-2 / 0-0. The Warriors will next be in action on March 3, when they battle Bemidji State in a double-header at the West St. Paul Dome. Game times are 11am/1pm, respectively.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit:
www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
@WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words:
Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
Media Contact:
Pete Watkins, Director of Athletic Communications | Ph: 507.457.5577 | Email: pwatkins@winona.edu
