Softball

Category: Softball

Trinity tops Lawrence in extra innings

CLERMONT, Fla. — Trinity (Conn.) College scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning to pull out an 8-6 nonconference victory over Lawrence University on Saturday.

The Bantams scored all three runs in the eighth with two outs.

Lawrence (2-2) rallied for a run in the bottom half of the inning but couldn’t get anything else. Brielle Bartes, who went 2-for-4 with a double and a run batted in, scored on Cory Paquette’s one-out single to trim the lead to 8-6. After a strikeout, Alex Chiodo singled to put the tying run on base, but Alissa Geipel flied out to end the game.

Trinity led 1-0 early, but the Vikings tied the game with a run in the bottom of the second. Kara Vance singled, advanced on an error and scored on a groundout to tie the game at 1-1.

Trinity scored two times in the top of the third, but the Vikings tied it at 3-3 with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning. Cathy Kaye, who finished 3-for-5 and drove in a run, started the rally with a single and then scored on Geipel’s triple. Geipel later scored on a wild pitch.

The Vikings took a 4-3 lead in the fourth when Bartes singled and later scored on Kaye’s single. The Bantams came right back and scored two runs in the top of the fifth to grab a 5-4 edge.

Lawrence tied it at 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth when Murray reached an error and later scored on Bartes’ single.

Vance took the loss in relief for the Vikings.

Lawrence rolls past Western New England

CLERMONT, Fla. — The Lawrence University softball team parlayed two big innings into a 9-1 nonconference win over Western New England University on Saturday.

Lawrence (2-1) scored four times in the third inning and five times in the fourth to pull away from Western New England.

Shannon Murray went the distance for Lawrence. She allowed seven hits, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter. Murray also drove in a pair of runs with a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly.

The Golden Bears scored once in the third, but the Vikings rallied for four runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Cory Paquette singled, Alissa Geipel walked and Alex Chiodo singled to load the bases for the Vikings. After a strikeout, Murray walked for drive in a run. Kara Vance followed with a sacrifice fly to score Geipel and give Lawrence a 2-1 lead. Western New England then misplayed a fly ball to allow two more runs to score and give Lawrence a 4-1 lead.

Emily Perish started Lawrence’s five-run rally in the fourth with a walk. After a popup, Alissa Geipel doubled and Alex Chiodo walked to load the bases. Cathy Kaye then blasted a bases-clearing triple to give Lawrence a 7-1 lead. Kaye finished 2-for-4 with three runs batted in.

After Murray’s sacrifice fly scored Kaye, a Vance single and an error put two runners aboard. Mary Diduch followed with a two-run double to give Lawrence a 9-1 edge.

 

Salve Regina edges Lawrence 3-2

CLERMONT, Fla. — Salve Regina University scored an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh inning to edge Lawrence University 3-2 in a nonconference game on Friday.

With the score tied 2-2 and two outs, the Seahawks loaded the bases with the help of an error and an intentional walk in the final inning. A slow roller on the infield allowed the final hitter to reach base and the winning run to score.

Shannon Murray went the distance and took the loss for Lawrence. She allowed six hits, struck out six and walked four. All three runs scored by the Seahawks were unearned.

Lawrence, which had five hits, scored both of its runs in the fifth. Cory Paquette, who went 2-for-3, drove in both runs for the Vikings. Mary Diduch also went 2-for-3 for the Vikings.

 

Vikings top Anna Maria in season opener

CLERMONT, Fla. — The Lawrence University softball team downed Anna Maria College 8-2 Friday in the Vikings’ season opener.

The Vikings, who won their season opener for the third consecutive year, collected eight hits and had to rally from an early deficit.

Shannon Murray led Lawrence’s attack by going 3-for-4 with a double and a run batted in. Murray also pitched the first five innings to pick up the victory. She allowed only three hits, struck out eight and didn’t walk a batter.

Anna Maria scored a pair of unearned runs in the first, but Lawrence took the lead for good with three runs in the third. Alissa Geipel belted a run-scoring triple in the third, and Murray added a RBI double.

Lawrence made it 5-2 with a pair of runs in the fourth, highlighted by Mary Diduch’s run-scoring double. The Vikings then sealed the win with three more runs in the sixth.

Freshman Liz Barthels made her Lawrence pitching debut with a pair of scoreless innings.

Inside LU Athletics: Vikings poised to take a step up

Please forgive the Lawrence University softball team if they are getting tired of the ugly dresses that you’ll only wear once. In other words, they’ve had enough of being the bridesmaid.

Lawrence begins its season later this week with 12 games in Clermont, Fla., and the Vikings’ goal is to get back to the four-team Midwest Conference Tournament for the first time since 2006.

“We were close last year,” Lawrence coach Kim Tatro said. “The two teams (from the North Division) that qualified for the tournament, St. Norbert we split with and Ripon we lost two one-run games. We felt like we had a shot last year, and I feel like it’s the same type of scenario.

“That will always be a goal for us every year to qualify for the conference tournament. I say this just about every year, and it’s true just about every year. The North Division is strong and there’s a lot of parity. … It wouldn’t surprise me if all five teams split with each other. From that standpoint, it makes it exciting.”

Lawrence, which finished 13-16 a season ago, needs to rely on its big three of pitcher/infielder Shannon Murray, outfielder Cathy Kaye and pitcher/infielder Emily Perish.

Kaye hit .356 last season with five home runs and 18 runs batted in. She was an all-conference and All-Great Lakes Region selection in 2011.

Murray, who earned all-region honors in 2010, hit .358 with a pair of homers and a team-high 29 RBIs. Murray also posted a 6-9 record and 4.38 earned run average. She struck out 52 and walked only 18.

Perish is the lone senior on the squad and is half, along with Murray, of Lawrence’s 1-2 pitching punch. She went 6-6 last season with a 4.17 ERA while hitting .354 with 18 RBIs.

“It’s important for those three to step up, but to be honest, if we’re going to take the next step, everyone has to step up,” said Tatro, who is nine wins shy of 300 for her career.

The rest of the Vikings are relatively young but already have significant experience. Lawrence will likely have four sophomore starters in shortstop Cory Paquette, third baseman Alissa Geipel, outfielder/first baseman Mary Diduch and catcher Alex Chiodo, and another sophomore, Brielle Bartes, also will challenge for a starting spot.

“They have a different level of confidence than a lot of sophomores might because they got a lot of time as freshman,” Tatro said. “It’s one thing to practice as a freshman, it’s another thing to have game experience. Hopefully that will show in our play.”

Geipel hit .318 a season ago with a homer and 16 RBIs, and she had the top fielding percentage among the starting infielders. Paquette hit .250 last season but is now focused solely on playing shortstop after seeing some time on the mound last season.

Tatro calls Diduch “the most improved player from last year,” and Chiodo started every game as a freshman. Bartes hit .268 as a freshman and showed some pop with a homer and seven RBIs in only 41 at-bats.

A trio of freshman, Appleton native Coley LaChance, Kara Vance and Liz Barthels, also have an opportunity to see serious playing time.

“It will be one of those things where we will have a couple of different combinations of lineups depending on what’s working for us,” Tatro said.

Lawrence will play some tough squads in Florida, including UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater, but it affords the Vikings a chance to sort out some things.

“It’s a good opportunity for everyone on the team to establish themselves, find their roles on the team,” Tatro said. “If you’re hitting, we have to find a spot for you on defense.”

Traveling time

In addition to the softball team heading to Florida for a week of spring break competition, the Lawrence baseball and men’s and women’s tennis teams also will be in the Sunshine State.

The baseball team has eight varsity games scheduled in Florida, and the tennis teams have 11 matches scheduled.

Whiting facelift

When the Lawrence baseball and softball teams return home, fans will see improvements to Whiting Field.

The softball field has been fully enclosed with new fencing and has outfield warning tracks. The baseball field also has new outfield fencing and outfield warning tracks. The short left field fence, aka the “screen monster,” is now higher in an effort to make it tougher to hit one out to that part of the diamond.

Both the baseball and softball teams have their home openers on April 5. Softball faces Alverno College and baseball entertains Ripon College in the last appearance at Whiting Field by Red Hawks coach Bob Gillespie. He plans to retire at the end of the academic year after 34 years at the college.

Editor’s Note: Inside LU Athletics is a notes package written by Lawrence University Sports Information Director Joe Vanden Acker. It will feature teams and individual players, recap weekly awards or highlights and take a look at what’s ahead for the Vikings.

Inside LU Athletics: Seven to join Lawrence Hall of Fame

The Lawrence University Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame will grow by seven during the induction ceremony set for Oct. 14 at the Warch Campus Center.

The inductees are Ross Mueller ’01, Mindy Rueden ’00, Toby Kinsler ’98, Steve Skelcy ’96, Susan Beckwith ’87, Lance Alwin ’71 and Al “Obbie” Novakofski ’39.

Reservations for the Hall of Fame banquet can be made by calling the Alumni Relations office at 920-832-6549.

Ross Mueller 2001

Ross Mueller broke new ground for Lawrence wrestling and stands as one of the pillars of the greatest teams in school history.

A native of Richfield, Wis., Mueller was the first two-time All-American in Lawrence wrestling history. Wrestling at 174 pounds, Mueller became only the second wrestler in school history to eclipse the 100-win plateau. Mueller finished with a record of 105-23 and ranked second in school history in victories when he graduated.

Mueller ranks fifth in Lawrence history with an .820 winning percentage and is third with 27 pins.

Wrestling during Lawrence’s time as an independent, Mueller qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in both 2000 and 2001. In 2000, Mueller placed third and earned All-America honors for the first time. Mueller defeated Rob Murray of Loras College 9-1 in the third-place match. Mueller came back in 2001 to become an All-American again. He rallied to beat Justin Dix of Cornell College 9-3 in the third-place match. With Mueller and Andy Kazik ’02 both placing third, Lawrence posted its best finish, 10th place, at any NCAA Championship.

As a senior in 2000-01, Mueller posted the best record of his career at 37-4, and that ranks as the fourth-highest season win total in school history.

A biology major, Mueller was named a Scholar All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Mueller continued to work with the Lawrence wrestling program and served as an assistant coach from 2001-09.

Mueller works as a spinal implant consultant with Synthes Spine. He and his wife, Lindsay, live in Neenah and have a daughter, Ella.

Mindy Rueden 2000

Mindy Rueden starred on both the hardwood and diamond for the Vikings, and led her teams to championships in both sports.

An Appleton native, Rueden earned All-Midwest Conference honors in both sports. Rueden was a three-time all-conference selection in softball and was the 2000 MWC North Division Player of the Year.

The team’s centerfielder and lead-off hitter, Rueden hit .309 with 94 runs scored, 17 doubles, one triple, two homers, 44 runs batted in and 57 stolen bases. She ranked second in Lawrence history in runs, hits, total bases and stolen bases when she graduated.

A team captain, Rueden led the Vikings to MWC championships in 1997, 1998 and 1999. The Vikings played in the NCAA Division III Tournament in both 1998 and 1999 and Lawrence put together a record of 101-37 during Rueden’s four seasons.

Rueden also was a team captain for the basketball squad and was a first-team all-conference selection as senior in 1999-2000. A versatile performer and all-around player, Rueden was a four-year starter for the Vikings and averaged 6.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists for her career.

Rueden helped the Vikings to a 17-8 record in 1998-99, when Lawrence won the Midwest Conference championship and made its lone appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Rueden earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies at Lawrence and a Master’s degree in counseling at Lakeland College. She works as the executive director of the Brother David Darst Center in Chicago, Ill.

Toby Kinsler 1999

In the short history of Lawrence hockey, Toby Kinsler emerged as the program’s first great player.

A talented forward from Monona, Wis., Kinsler piled up an amazing 91 goals, 62 assists and 153 points during his career. Playing in the first decade of hockey as a varsity sport at Lawrence. Kinsler was the Vikings’ first prolific scorer and led the team in scoring all four seasons.

Kinsler earned All-Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey Association first-team honors both years he played in the league. The first two season of Kinsler’s career Lawrence played as an independent.

Kinsler enjoyed his finest season as a senior when he scored 33 goals and added 23 assists for 56 points in just 21 games. He led Lawrence to a 12-8-1 record for that 1997-98 season, and the 12 wins was the second-highest season total in school history.

Kinsler was named the 1997-98 Most Valuable Player of the GLCHA, which soon thereafter became the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association. Kinsler remains the only player in Lawrence history to be named the league’s MVP.

A four-year team captain, Kinsler also earned first-team All-GLCHA honors for the 1996-97 season. Kinsler was easily the team’s leading scorer again that season with 18 goals and 18 assists for 36 points.

Kinsler started his career with a bang, scoring 21 goals and picking up nine assists for 30 points in just 19 games as a freshman in 1994-95. He led Lawrence to a 9-9-1 record that season. Kinsler followed that with 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in just 22 games as a sophomore in 1995-96.

Kinsler earned a bachelor’s degrees in English and secondary education at Lawrence and went on to receive a Master’s degree in comparative literature from Middlebury College. He also earned a Murray Fellowship to the University of Oxford.

Kinsler owns the Huntington Learning Center in Monona, Wis., serves as a corporate consultant and is in his first year of law school at Marquette University.

Kinsler and his wife, Jennell, live in Madison. The Kinslers have three children, Jackson, Easton and Hudson.

Steve Skelcy 1996

Steve Skelcy was a dominant swimmer during his time at Lawrence and helped propel the Vikings to the top of the Midwest Conference.

Skelcy won nine Midwest Conference championships, including four straight in the 1,650-yard freestyle, and led the Vikings to the 1996 team title.

During Skelcy’s four seasons, the Vikings became a contender for the conference title, and it was Skelcy who helped deliver the team’s first league crown since 1968.

The native of Saginaw, Mich., won three individual titles at the 1996 MWC Championships and was named Swimmer of the Year as Lawrence took the team title. Skelcy took titles in the 200 freestyle, 1,650 freestyle and 500 freestyle, setting a pool record in the latter. Skelcy also swam on the winning 800 freestyle relay team.

Skelcy, who set school records in the 500 freestyle, 1,000 freestyle and 1,650 freestyle during his career, won a pair of league titles at the 1995 MWC Championships. Skelcy swam to victory in both the 500 freestyle and 1,650 freestyle to help Lawrence to a third-place finish.

Skelcy also won a pair of titles at the MWC Championships as a freshman in 1993. He swam to victory in both the 500 freestyle and 1,650 freestyle as Lawrence took third place. Skelcy also won the 1,650 freestyle at the 1994 MWC Championships.

Skelcy also was a key figure for the Vikings at the Wisconsin Private College Championships. He helped Lawrence to team titles in both 1994 and 1996 and was a five-time champion at the Private College meet.

Skelcy earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lawrence and is a science teacher at Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Mich., where he also resides. Skelcy, who has a Master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, also coaches the boys’ and girls’ swimming teams at Arthur Hill.

Susan Beckwith 1987

Susan Beckwith was at the forefront of the dawn of Lawrence fastpitch softball and became the program’s first great player.

The native of Bethesda, Md., Beckwith was a three-time All-Midwest Conference selection and set numerous school records. Beckwith started with a fledgling program in just its second year of existence and carved out a career record of 31-29.

Beckwith ended her career as the school’s leader in victories (31), earned run average (3.36), strikeouts (233), complete games (51), shutouts (5), one-hitters (5) and innings pitched (365.0).

A team captain and the team’s Most Valuable Player all four years of her career, Beckwith also was chosen for the All-Wisconsin Independent College-Women’s Athletic Conference team in 1987. Beckwith led the Vikings to the WIC-WAC Tournament title that season.

Beckwith enjoyed a great season in 1987 when she finished with a 15-5 record and a 2.90 earned run average on her way to earning All-MWC honors. She set school season records for wins (15), strikeouts (76) and shutouts (3) that season. She also set the school record with 13 strikeouts in a game against Marian College. Beckwith also tossed a pair of one-hitters that season.

Led by Beckwith’s stellar pitching, Lawrence posted the first winning record in school history with a 15-5 mark.

Beckwith was chosen for the All-MWC squad in 1985 and compiled an overall record of 7-10 with a 4.68 earned run average. Beckwith also earned All-MWC accolades in 1986 after posting a 7-6 record with a 3.26 earned run average.

Beckwith majored in biology at Lawrence and went on to earn her doctorate in biology from Purdue University. She is currently a science consultant and lives in North Potomac, Md. Beckwith and her husband, Peter Darpa, have four children, Monica, Chris, Carl and Alyssa.

Lance Alwin 1971

Lance Alwin proved to be a stellar performer on both sides of the ball for the Lawrence football team and star track and field athlete during his time with the Vikings.

Because freshmen were not eligible during this time, the Fort Atkinson, Wis., native joined the varsity for the 1968 season at linebacker. All he did was lead the team in tackles and earn first-team All-Midwest Conference honors.

Asked by coach Ron Roberts to switch to offense, Alwin moved to running back for the 1969 season. Alwin ran for 957 yards and averaged 106.3 yards per game and 5.9 yards per carry. Alwin earned first-team all-conference honors for the second straight year.

Alwin enjoyed an even better season as a senior in 1970 when he ran for 1,204 yards. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and 133.8 yards per game and again earned first-team all-conference honors.

A team captain, Alwin finished with 2,161 yards for his career and averaged a stellar 120 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry. Alwin finished as Lawrence’s season and career rushing leader and also held the records for season rushing attempts, yards per carry and yards per game.

Alwin threw the shot and discus for the track team and piled up numerous victories in both events in meets during the 1969 and 1970 seasons. A team captain, Alwin won the shot put (47 feet, 5 inches) and discus (138-8¾) at the 1969 Midwest Conference Championships and won the shot put (47-9½) in 1970 and took second in discus.

Alwin missed the 1971 track season when he signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. Alwin attended a rookie camp in late spring and then worked alongside Packers legends like Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke during training camp before being released.

A psychology major at Lawrence, Alwin has a Master’s degree in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a Specialist degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also has a PhD in educational leadership and policy analysis from UW.

Alwin is retired after a life dedicated to service to children in a variety of different capacities, most recently as a school district administrator. Alwin married Nancy Harter-Alwin when he was a senior at Lawrence. The Alwins live in Baraboos, Wis., have three children, Zak, Sunshine and Skye, and 11 grandchildren (with another on the way).

Al “Obbie” Novakofski 1939

Al “Obbie” Novakofski was a star on both sides of the ball and ushered in the Bernie Heselton era by leading Lawrence to a Midwest Conference championship.

A native of nearby Menasha, Novakofski was a star running back and defensive back for the Vikings. The Midwest Conference began selecting all-conference teams in 1937, and Novakofski was a first-team selection on each of the first two squads chosen by the league. He was the first multiple all-conference honoree for Lawrence.

Playing the key position of left halfback in the single wing, Novakofski was a threat both running and throwing the football. A team captain for the 1938 squad in Heselton’s inaugural season, Novakofski led the Vikings to the conference championship.

Novakofski scored the winning touchdown on a 49-yard run in a 14-13 victory at Ripon College in 1938. He also had a 72-yard touchdown run that propelled Lawrence to a 19-8 victory over Monmouth College that season. Novakofski opened that season with three touchdowns in a 39-0 victory over Northwestern College.

Novakofski also played three seasons of basketball for the Vikings.

After his time at Lawrence, Novakofski played professional football. He played for the Kenosha Coopers and the Milwaukee Chiefs of the American Professional Football League. Novakofski was an all-league selection and led the league in scoring. Novakofski also spent time on the roster of the Green Bay Packers.

Novakofski, who earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, was an educator until his retirement in 1971. He taught history at Woodruff High School and physical education at Lakeland Union High School and also coached football, wrestling and track and field.

Novakofski and his wife, Dorothea, had three children, Lynn, Todd and Jan. Novakofski died in April 1986.

Great at Griak

The Lawrence men’s cross country team put in a great showing the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational at the University of Minnesota last Saturday.

Lawrence was the top finisher among the Midwest Conference schools taking part and Sam Stevens ran to 17th place. Stevens was the top finisher among the conference runners as well. Lawrence’s finish put it 61 points ahead of Grinnell, which has won the last 14 league championships.

It is believed this is the first time Grinnell has lost to a league opponent since 1996.

Editor’s Note: Inside LU Athletics is a weekly notes package written by Lawrence University Sports Information Director Joe Vanden Acker. It will feature teams and individual players, recap weekly awards or highlights and take a look at what’s ahead for the Vikings.

Kaye chosen for all-region softball team

Lawrence University standout Cathy Kaye has been chosen for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region team.

Kaye (Sturgeon Bay, Wis./Sevastopol), a sophomore outfielder, was a third-team selection. Kaye was honored on the all-region team for the first time and has been an All-Midwest Conference selection in each of her first two seasons at Lawrence.

Batting in the lead-off position, Kaye hit .356 with 29 runs scored, nine doubles, one triple, a team-high five homers and 18 runs batted in. Kaye also swiped 14 bases and committed only one error while recording a pair of outfield assists.

Kaye is off to an outstanding start for her career. In two seasons with the Vikings, she is hitting .378 with 20 doubles, three tirples, 11 homers and 35 RBIs. She also has 23 career stolen bases.

Kaye is the third Lawrence player to be chosen for the all-region team in the past two seasons. First baseman Alex Goodson and pitcher/infielder Shannon Murray were both chosen for the team in 2010.

Pair of Vikings, Tatro honored on All-MWC softball squad

Two Lawrence University softball players and head coach Kim Tatro have been honored on the All-Midwest Conference team.

Tatro was named the North Division Coach of the Year for the sixth time, and senior shortstop Carli Gurholt (Scandinavia, Wis./Amherst) and sophomore outfielder Cathy Kaye (Sturgeon Bay, Wis./Sevastopol) were both named to the team.

Gurholt played through a painful arm injury but still managed to hit .409 in conference play. Gurholt, who was the North Division Player of the Year in 2009, had five doubles and drove in six runs. On the season, Gurholt hit .421 with 11 doubles, one triple, three homers and 24 RBI.

Despite missing parts of the last two seasons due to injury, Gurholt hit .386 for her career. She belted a school-record 22 home runs and finished second with 107 RBI for her career.

Kaye was selected for the all-conference team for the second consecutive season after hitting .367 in league play. Batting in the lead-off position, Kaye led the team with 12 runs scored. She also flexed her muscle with six extra base hits on three doubles, one triple and two home runs. She finished second on the team with seven RBI in conference play.

On the season, Kaye hit .356 with 29 runs scored, nine doubles, one triple, a team-high five homers and 18 RBI.

Tatro guided a very young Lawrence team to a 13-16 record, and the Vikings finished third in the division with a 6-7 mark. Tatro also was named North Division Coach of the Year in 2006, 2002, 1999, 1998 and 1997. In 18 seasons at Lawrence, Tatro has a career record of 291-259-1.

Softball star Perish chosen for Academic All-District squad

Lawrence University softball standout Emily Perish has been chosen for the Capital One Academic All-District 5 team.

Perish (Frankfort, Ill./Providence Catholic) was a third-team selection on the squad, which was voted upon by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. A junior infielder/pitcher, Perish sports a 3.79 grade point average and is majoring in religious studies and government.

Also an Academic All-Midwest Conference selection, Perish hit .354 on the season with three doubles and 18 runs batted in. She also put together a 6-6 record on the mound with a 4.17 earned run average. Perish struck out 32 and walked 27 in 80.2 innings.

A member of the Dean’s List at Lawrence, Perish also served as a team captain in 2011. Perish also has been deeply involved with the Friends of Jaclyn and Emma Broeniman, the Appleton girl that was “adopted” by the team.

Perish, who has served as a tutor for Japanese students from Wadaeda University that are attending Lawrence, also completed an independent study project on Shari’ah Law and its effects on women in the Arabian Peninsula and Saudi Arabia.