WLC Drops Florida Finales To Pioneers, Prairie Wolves

MELBOURNE, Fla. (WLCSports.com) - Wisconsin Lutheran College finished the Space Coast Spring Games with a pair of non-conference defeats on Friday at USSSA Space Coast Complex, dropping the opener 6-1 to Grinnell before falling 3-1 to Nebraska Wesleyan.
 
GAME 1
After escaping a runner on third with no outs jam, the Pioneers capitalized on three Warriors' errors in the opening inning to gain an early 4-0 advantage. GC added runs in each of the third and fourth innings to extend its lead to 6-0. WLC rallied in the sixth after a leadoff walk by senior Gwen Malecke (Gilberts, Ill.) was followed by a double from sophomore Alea Anhalt (Fond du Lac, Wis.). Two batters later, Wisconsin Lutheran got on the board on a passed ball to trim the deficit to 6-1. Grinnell loaded the bases in its half of the sixth, but freshman Brianna Wascher (South Elgin, Ill.) escaped the jam with an infield pop-up and a strikeout.

Sophomore Madison Heller (South Milwaukee, Wis.) went 2-for-3 with a stolen base for the Warriors, who had just four hits in the contest. Freshman Kieghtan Rank (Madison, Wis.) suffered the loss in the circle, allowing five runs, one of which was earned, in 3.0 innings.

For the Pioneers (1-2), Lindsey Schultz went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Lane Kohler added two hits and a RBI while collecting the win in the circle after 4.0 scoreless innings with three hits allowed. Ella Young earned the save in 3.0 innings of relief.

GAME 2
With runners on the corners, WLC gained an early 1-0 lead in the second on a RBI fielder's choice by freshman Natalie Sanchez (Aurora, Ill.). A pitcher's duel kept the game at 1-0 until the Prairie Wolves scored three runs on three hits for a 3-1 lead. Wisconsin Lutheran placed a runner on base in each of the sixth and seventh innings but could not score as NWU closed out the 3-1 game. 

The Warriors were led by a 2-for-3 performance from freshman Maritza Martinez (Kenosha, Wis.). Anhalt collected the other hit for WLC in the contest. Senior Melissa Tonn (West Allis, Wis.) suffered the loss after allowing three runs in 5.2 innings in the circle.

Nebraska Wesleyan (11-2) allowed just three hits in the non-conference matchup, led by Eva Fahrnbruc's 5.0 innings in the circle to earn the win. Elise Warneke collected the save with 2.0 scoreless innings with three punchouts. Paige Davison and Lyndsey Roth each went 2-for-3 to pace the Prairie Wolves offense.

Wisconsin Lutheran (5-8, 0-0 NACC) kicks off the conference season with its home opener next Saturday against Rockford (6-2, 0-0 NACC). First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Neumann Family Softball Field. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.