Spring Break
WIAC title season ends in regionals
Seniors leave with team records and memories in hand
Grant Nelson
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Sports
|
The Warhawks (38-7, 16-0 WIAC), who were the top-ranked team in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll and reached the national championship game in 2008, struggled offensively late in the season and sputtered to a 4-4 finish to end the season.
"Obviously we didn't reach our ultimate goal, but we still had a very successful season," head coach Brenda Volk said. "Going 16-0 in the WIAC and winning over 30 games is something to be proud of."
The 'Hawks were handed their second loss of the double-elimination regional tournament Saturday, as the Titans advanced to the regional championship game. Two 'Hawk errors in the top of the seventh inning helped the Titans pull ahead by three runs breaking a 1-1 tie.
Senior Nicole Bothun represented the tying run as she stepped up to the plate with runners on second and third in the bottom of the seventh, but she grounded out to end the game.
"We had a lot of talent on this team but unfortunately, we just weren't playing our best ball at the end of the season like we needed to be," Volk said.
The 'Hawks offense which had pummeled rival pitching for nearly the entire season struggled with their consistency when it was needed most.
"Every girl on the team worked as hard as they possibly could, since as early as last October," sophomore pitcher Jessica Stang said. "We all wanted to be successful, and even though we didn't make it to that ultimate goal, we did have a great season. We put it all out there and things just didn't end up going our way during regionals."
Six seniors put on their UW-Whitewater uniform for the last time in the loss to the Titans. Despite not making a repeat national tournament appearance, seniors Bothun, Dianna Frisbie, Amy Gahl, Suzanne Gersich, Ashley Smith and Liz Yucuis can leave Warhawk softball knowing they helped re-establish UW-Whitewater as a national contender for years to come.
"These six seniors have made a huge impact on this program since their freshmen year," Volk said. "From day one, they have worked hard, were dedicated, had great attitudes, wanted to get better and wanted to win. They have done a great job of leading this team."
Since 2006, the 'Hawks have a 126-48 record and won the conference the last two seasons.
"They're a great group who have led this team and exceeded everyone's expectations," Volk said. "They're all extremely talented on and off the field, and each and every one of them will be missed next year. "
Frisbie said the team chemistry was a No. 1 reason the last four years have resulted in so much success.
"We all had the same determination to succeed and the same love for the game," Frisbie said. "We are all such different people but mesh so well together. I think we each bring different unique qualities to the team. Everyone was on the same page and working for the same goal."
Be the first to comment on this story