Softball team readies for conference play
April 1, 2011
The UW-River Falls softball team returned home from the Rebel Spring Games in Florida with a 2-8 performance, pushing their overall record to 5-9.
After dropping their first three games of the tournament, the Falcons finally found the stroke in game four defeating the College of St. Benedict with a final score of 3-1.
Head coach Jody Gabriel said that while the tournament turnend out disappointing results, the coaching staff got a good look at what the team is made of.
“Our trip to Florida did not end up as we had hoped as far as our record goes,” Gabriel said. “But we learned a lot about our team and played well over all.”
Gabriel said that the games could have gone either way, with a couple losses coming at the expense of only a few runs or less.
“Five of our losses were one-run games,” Gabriel said. “And we played well against some of the top teams in the nation.”
A 4-0 win over Roger Williams in the Rebel Spring Games was highlighted by the combined shutout pitching of Rose Tusa and Nikki Osmonson.
Tusa threw the first six innings, allowing two hits in the process.
With Florida behind them, Gabriel said that the team now looks to dominate conference play and ultimately win a title.
“Our goal is to win the conference,” Gabriel said. “And with some hard work and a good team, that goal is attainable.”
Gabriel added that the WIAC looks tough this season, with stiff competition coming from some of the top teams in the conference.
“At this point, it looks like Whitewater and Lacrosse will be the toughest competition,” Gabriel said.
The Falcons are coming off of a season that saw them go 24-16, including a 9-7 record in the WIAC.
Gabriel said she thinks that this team can go a long way if they work hard and dedicate themselves to the little things.
“From a coaching standpoint, I hope to help this team realize their potential on and off the field,” Gabriel said. “
Gabriel stressed that the Falcons are about more than simply wins and losses.
“We try to focus on learning life lessons along with softball lessons,” Gabriel said. “We try to have a good time while still competing at a very high level.”
On March 26 and 27 the Falcons played three games in Moline, llinois. On March 26 the Falcons defeated Augustana 4-1 behind 12 strikeouts by Tusa.
The Falcons split their Saturday games losing 6-2 to Coe College, then bouncing back to defeat Wartburg College 4-0 with a 17 strikeout game by Tusa.
The Falcons start their conference season April 2 with a doubleheader at UW-La Crosse.