Winona, Minn. - The Winona State University (4-0 / 0-0 NSIC) softball team - ranked No. 16 in the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II poll - will hit the road this week as they travel to the University of Illinois-Springfield and the University of Missouri - St. Louis for doubleheaders against both schools.
The #16 Warriors will play the UIS Prairie Stars (5-9 / 0-0 GLVC) Tuesday, March 9, with first pitch scheduled for 2pm at the Land of Lincoln Softball Complex. UIS is coming off of a strong weekend performance at the 5-State Classic, where they went 4-1 and beat NSIC members Wayne State College 6-5 and Minnesota State 2-1. In the pitching circle, Reagan Miles leads her team in wins (2), innings pitched (45.1) and appearances (10). Kayana Diederich has appeared in six games for UIS. Miles is also hitting .500 across 11 games, while Danielle Dennis is batting .441 with six doubles and two home runs.
As a team, Winona State is coming off of a layoff after sweeping Bemidji State University in a mid-week double-header on March 3. Against BSU,
Jordyn Kleman hurled a no-hitter in a 10-0 win over the Beavers, her program-leading eighth no-hitter of her career. The Warrior bats were equally effective in the contest, with
Libby Neveau leading the way with a 3-for-3 day at the plate, driving in five runs.
The second contest saw WSU battle back in extra innings to claim a 7-5 victory.
Teaghen Amwoza came up with some timely hitting in top of the ninth, knocking a two-run single gave the Warriors a spark.
Rylee Stout scored Amwoza moments later on a sacrifice fly, tacking on an insurance run. The two wins allowed Winona State to run it's record to 21-1 against the Beavers since 2009.
Winona State and UIS faced off once last year on Feb. 28 with the Prairie Stars handing head coach
Greg Jones and his team a 4-3 loss in a neutral site matchup in Peoria, Ill.
On Wednesday, WSU will continue it's road trip, playing a double-header at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (5-7 / 0-0 GLVC). The Warrior - Triton double-header will start at 1pm on the UMSL softball field.
Currently, Winona State is one of four Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) schools in the NFCA Top-25; Augustana University is No. 2, while St. Cloud State, and Minnesota State are both receiving votes.
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
