March 12, 2007

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Red Hawks entered Monday's doubleheader with the University of Minnesota-Morris having only given up one run in their first three games of their spring trip. That streak was extended to one run allowed in the first five games, after Ripon easily disposed of UM-M 5-0 in game one and 9-0 in the nightcap.

The Red Hawks didn't waste much time in the first game, getting on the board in the bottom of the first, thanks to Natalie Geenen's heads up play. Geenen led the inning off with a double, then advanced to third on an error. She would then score two batters later when she raced home on a passed ball.

Ripon would get two more runs the next inning. The rally was once again started by a leadoff double, this time by Jackie Reichhart. After Reichhart scored on a sacrafice, Mary Friend was driven home on a single by Geenen, giving Ripon five hits through two innings. The Red Hawks would score two more insurancce runs in the fifth inning, putting the game out of reach.

Geenen was the only Red Hawk with multiple hits in the game. Joelle Shady chipped in with two RBI. Jen Mueller picked up her third win of the season by pitching seven strong innings. Mueller allowed just three hits all night, while striking out six batters.

Game two was more of the same. Ripon scored three runs in the top of the first. Geenen led the game off with another double and scored on an error by UM-M's second baseman. Ripon was helped by three Minnesota-Morris errors in the inning, giving them the lead for good.

Ripon got four more runs in the third inning. They loaded the bases with two outs when Friend drew a walk that scored Reichhart. Bethany Mehlberg capped the scoring in the inning, as she blasted a double to the outfield. She was then thrown out at second base, but not before all three runners scored, giving Ripon a comfortable advantage.

Geenen and Stephanie Sumner led the way at the plate, each getting hits in their only two at-bats. In addition to Mehlberg's three RBI, Shady and Friend also added two and one RBI, respectively. The Red Hawk pitching staff continued to dominate, as they are yet to give up an earned run. Andrea Knorr moved to 2-0 on the season, allowing just one hit on the night, while striking out three in five innings.

Ripon will get a day off Tuesday, before taking on Calumet College of St. Joseph (IN) Wednesday afternoon. That doubleheader will begin at 4:00 p.m. EST at the Disney Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla.