The Highlights

Scores, news and more from Lawrence University Athletics

Stevens, Tepper pace Vikings at UW-Oshkosh Open

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Sam Stevens and Rose Tepper paced the Lawrence University track teams on Saturday at the UW-Oshkosh Open at Titan Stadium.

Stevens took third place in the 1,500 meters in 4:05.94 and placed seventh in the 800 in 2:06.00. Tyler Herman grabbed third in the 400 in 52.47 seconds and ran with Ben Bard, Mike Mangian and Matt Geleske on the 1,600 relay team, which placed third in 3:38.20.

The Lawrence men were fourth in the team standings with 25 points.

On the women’s side, Tepper placed second in the high jump at 5 feet, 1 inch. Tepper also ran with Liza Girsova, Anna Bolgrien and Hayley Cardinal on the 1,600 relay team, which placed second in 4:23.53.

Bolgrien also placed third in the 400 hurdles in 1:07.22, and Girsova was seventh in the 200 in 27.82 seconds.

Results

Maroons power to sweep of Lawrence

CHICAGO, Ill. — The University of Chicago used a pair of home runs to power its way to a nonconference doubleheader sweep of Lawrence University on Saturday at Stagg Field.

Vicky Tomaka hit a pinch-hit two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to help the Maroons (11-5) win the opener 3-2, and Kaitlyn Carpenter hit a three-run inside-the-park homer in Chicago’s 6-2 victory in the nightcap.

Lawrence (8-6) managed only three hits in the opener, but the Vikings scratched out a run in the second to tie the game at 1-1. The Vikings loaded the based in the second on a pair of walks and Cory Paquette’s single. Katie Schumacher was then hit with a pitch to force Alissa Geipel home and tie the game.

The Vikings took the lead with a run in the sixth. Anna Wawiorka led off with a double and moved to third on a bunt. Wawiorka scored on Taylor Dodson’s ground ball, and Lawrence led 2-1.

The Maroons started the winning rally in the bottom of the seventh with a one-out infield single. Tomaka then homered off Lawrence starter Shannon Murray to win it. Murray allowed six hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter.

In the nightcap, Lawrence took a 2-1 lead in the top of the second after Wawiorka started the rally with a single. After Alex Chiodo’s bunt single, Wawiorka scored on Dodson’s bunt single. A throwing error then allowed Chiodo to score and Lawrence had the lead.

It didn’t last long as Chicago struck for three runs in the bottom half of the inning. With two runners aboard, Carpenter’s slicing line drive to left field eluded a diving Tierney Duffy and all three runs scored to give Chicago a 4-2 lead. Carpenter went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs.

The Maroons added single runs in the fourth and sixth against Lawrence starter Kara Vance. Vance allowed nine hits, struck out four and walked one.

Cathy Kaye went 2-for-4 to pace Lawrence’s offense.

Game one box score

Game two box score

Both baseball doubleheaders vs. Ripon rescheduled

APPLETON, Wis. — Both of Lawrence University’s baseball doubleheaders vs. Ripon College have been rescheduled.

Lawrence was scheduled to play at Ripon on Saturday and that doubleheader has been moved to Sunday at 1 p.m. at Francis Field.

Ripon was scheduled to play at Lawrence on Sunday, but that doubleheader has been moved to Tuesday, April 9, at 1 p.m. at Whiting Field.

Wellman to lead Lawrence women’s basketball program

APPLETON, Wis. — Ashley Wellman has been named the head women’s basketball coach at Lawrence University, Director of Athletics Mike Szkodzinski announced today.

Ashley Wellman

Wellman comes to Lawrence from Alma College in Michigan, where she has served as the assistant women’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator since August 2008. Wellman, a former star player at Alma, is the 10th coach in Lawrence women’s basketball history.

“We are extremely excited to introduce Ashley Wellman as our next head women’s basketball coach,” Szkodzinski said. “Ashley’s experience in recruiting at Alma College will undoubtedly pay dividends for our program. Her experiences and personality on and off the court make her an excellent fit for our program and department. We look forward to watching the women’s basketball team progress under her leadership.”

Wellman played at Alma for Charlie Goffnett, who won more than 300 games and the 1992 NCAA Division III championship in his 22 seasons with the Scots. A 2008 graduate of Alma with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Wellman served as the interim head coach at Alma in 2009 when Goffnett retired. Wellman also served as the interim head coach from April-October 2012 due to the illness of the head coach.

“I am thrilled to be named the head women’s basketball coach at Lawrence University,” Wellman said. “I am looking forward to working with the returning team members, athletic department, faculty and community members to re-establish Lawrence as one of the top programs in the Midwest Conference.”

Wellman, who will earn her master’s degree in sport administration from Central Michigan University in May, has put Alma back on the path to success in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In her five seasons coaching at Alma, Wellman helped bring more than 40 student-athletes to the women’s basketball program.

“I am very grateful that I have this opportunity and also the support of Mike Szkodzinski, the athletic department and the administration to move this program forward,” Wellman said. “I am confident that our program has the resources it needs to be successful in the coming years, and my goal is to make sure it does.”

During her playing career with the Scots, Wellman earned All-MIAA accolades three times. A first-team all-conference selection in 2007, Wellman was a second-team pick in 2008 and received honorable mention in 2006. Wellman was a two-year team captain and a two-time team Most Valuable Player. Wellman was named the team’s Most Improved Player as a sophomore in 2006.

Wellman finished in the top 10 in eight different statistical categories at Alma and ended her career with more than 1,100 points and more than 500 rebounds.

A native of Saginaw, Mich., Wellman was a standout player at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Wellman led Nouvel Catholic Central to a runner-up finish at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Class B state tournament in 2004.

The team captain and MVP of the state runner-up team, Wellman received honorable mention on the Detroit Free Press all-state team in 2004. She also was named first-team all-area by the Saginaw News in 2004. Wellman also helped Nouvel Catholic Central to the state tournament quarterfinals in 2002 and 2003. Wellman also won Nouvel Catholic Central’s Senior Class Female Athletic Leadership Award.

Wellman takes over for Tara Carr, who resigned in February after two seasons and a 3-43 record. Despite struggling in recent seasons, Lawrence has enjoyed a history of success in women’s basketball. The Vikings have won three conference championships and made one NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. The Vikings have posted 23 seasons of .500 or better in 37 campaigns.

Inside LU Athletics: Vikings put some bounce back in their game

It’s not often you open a season with a loss and hope that sets the tone for the campaign.

The Lawrence University softball team opened its season in Clermont, Fla., against the College of St. Scholastica, which won more than 30 games in 2012 and played in the NCAA Division III Tournament. The talented Saints blew out to a 6-0 lead, but the Vikings rallied and St. Scholastica had to hang on for a 6-5 win.

“To fight back — that kind of set the tone for the whole week,” said Lawrence coach Kim Tatro, now in her 20th season with the Vikings. “We can battle with anyone and that should be the goal. They kind of proved it all week. The consistency of their reslience is something we were pleased with. Hopefully, that sets us up for games up here with a different level of confidence.”

Lawrence finished its spring break trip with an 8-4 record, the best nonconference mark of any team in the Midwest Conference’s North Division. The Vikings won two games after trailing, including a 5-0 deficit to Geneseo State, and won two more games after being tied late.

“We played in a  lot of really close games, and in the past we probably would not have won half of those,” Tatro said. “Very resilient, battling. I felt like every game we were in we did battle back to win.”

That is a nice change from last season when the Vikings finished 9-22 and lost eight games by one or two runs.

“The biggest change I see, other than the talent level and the resilience, it’s a lot of the same people taking the next step to believe,” Tatro said. “That factor in and of itself can go a long way.”

The core of Lawrence’s team returned from last season and that group played well in Florida.

Senior pitcher/infielder Shannon Murray went 5-3 with three saves and a 2.47 earned run average despite dealing with an illness during the week. Murray, who hit .333, struck out 31 and walked only eight while allowing opponents to hit just .244. 

“Shannon was as solid as she’s been in her career,” Tatro said. “Not only was she winning game as a starter, but she came in in critical situations to save games.” 

Junior catcher Alex Chiodo led the team with a .393 batting average and tied with Murray and Cathy Kaye for the team lead with eight runs batted in. Kaye, a senior outfielder, hit .342 and smacked a team-high seven doubles. Sophomore pitcher Kara Vance went 3-0 with a 1.73 ERA and was part of two shutouts.

Lawrence also has a very talented freshmen class, and Tatro said many of the rookies played critical roles at different times and in different situations during that week. That is a great omen for the Vikings.

“We have a lot of options. A lot of people stepping up at different times,” Tatro said.

“When you have that ability, and people are actually stepping up and doing it, it just helps the team walk around with an air of confidence.”

The Vikings now have to wait for Mother Nature to cooperate so they can get back out on the field. The team spent several days clearing the field of snow, including drifts several feet deep.

“There is a lot of positive energy. We want to be outside and get back at it,” Tatro said. “There are a lot of things we can improve upon. We’re nowhere near where we can be on offense and defense. They are itching to get back out there to play. … It would be nice to get back at it with something other than a shovel.”

Lawrence is scheduled to play doubleheaders this weekend at the University of Chicago and Rockford College.

Big Benz

The Vikings knew they would have a hole in one spot in the lineup after the graduation of All-Midwest Conference third baseman Eric Bohling, but newcomer Aaron Benz has filled in quite nicely.

Benz, who is starting in the outfield, is currently on a team-best seven-game hitting streak. The junior, who transferred from UW-Oshkosh, is hitting .378 with a team-high 12 runs batted in. 

Sights set on big brother

Senior tennis player Jason Dunn picked up career singles win No. 51 when he won at No. 2 against Knox College last Saturday. Dunn, now in second place on Lawrence’s career list,  is just nine wins shy of tying his brother, Ryan, for the top spot.

The Vikings have seven scheduled matches remaining and the Midwest Conference Championships. Lawrence could play two additional dual matches if it qualifies for the MWC Team Tournament.

Lawrence baseball at MSOE postponed

APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University baseball doubleheader at MSOE, which was scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed. The games are now scheduled to be played at Henry Aaron Field on May 1 at 4 p.m.

The Vikings are next in action when they travel to Ripon College on Saturday, April 6.

Lawrence snuffs out Prairie Fire

APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University men’s tennis team won a pair of tight doubles matches and then rolled through the singles for an 8-1 nonconference victory over Knox College on Saturday at Fox Cities Racquet Club.

Craig Sherwood and Brian DeCorte rolled to an 8-0 victory at No. 3 doubles for Lawrence (8-6), and then the Vikings won tiebreakers at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles for a 3-0 heading into singles.

Lawrence then posted singles victories by Cooper Smith (No. 1), Jason Dunn (No. 2), Sherwood (No. 4), DeCorte (No. 5) and Jeremy Andereck (No. 6). Andereck pitched a shutout with a 6-0, 6-0 victory.

Lawrence University 8, Knox College 1

Singles competition
1. Cooper Smith (LU) def. Karl Ruzgas (KC) 6-3, 6-1
2. Jason Dunn (LU) def. Jonathan Ng (KC) 6-2, 6-2
3. Walter Palmer (KC) def. Max Zlevor (LU) 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (10-7)
4. Craig Sherwood (LU) def. David Ham (KC) 6-3, 6-1
5. Brian DeCorte (LU) def. Dustin Loch (KC) 6-1, 6-1
6. Jeremy Andereck (LU) def. Pragyaditya Mukerjee (KC) 6-0, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Jason Dunn/Max Zlevor (LU) def. Karl Ruzgas/Walter Palmer (KC) 9-8 (7-5)
2. Cooper Smith/Jeremy Andereck (LU) def. Jonathan Ng/David Ham (KC) 9-8 (7-4)
3. Craig Sherwood/Brian DeCorte (LU) def. Dustin Loch/Mike Carr (KC) 8-0

Match Notes:
Knox College 4-12
Lawrence University 8-6
T-3:00  A-45

Late rally lifts Central to 8-4 win over Lawrence

PELLA, Iowa — The Central College baseball team rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning for an 8-4 nonconference victory over Lawrence University on Saturday.

The second game of the doubleheader was called off due to rain.

Central (7-3) broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the sixth with four runs on only three hits. Two sacrifice flies, a bunt single and Sam Stetzel’s run-scoring single gave the Dutch an 8-4 lead. The Vikings (6-4) got two runners aboard in the top of the seventh but could not score.

Lawrence managed only five hits, and Gabe Henriques went 2-for-3 and drove in a run to pace the Lawrence attack. Davis Ogilvie drove in a pair of runs for the Vikings.

Kelton Jenkins took the loss in relief for the Vikings. He allowed four runs on two hits and got only two outs in the sixth inning. Judson McKown pitched two innings of relief and allowed a pair of hits and a pair of runs to get the win.

Michael Jontz went 3-for-3 and scored three runs for the Dutch. Stetzel was 2-for-3 and drove in two runs for Central.

Lawrence trailed 1-0 before taking a 2-1 lead in the third. Central loaded the bases with three walks before Henriques delivered a single to score Marc Linger. Ogilvie followed with a sacrifice fly and the Vikings led 2-1.

Central tied it with a run in the bottom half of the inning and added another run in the fourth for a 3-2 lead. Lawrence came back and scored twice in the fifth to take the lead.

Linger again started the rally with a walk, and the Vikings loaded the baes witha  bunt single and another walk. Ogilvie lifted another sacrifice fly to score Linger and tie the game at 3-3. Aaron Benz’s infield single then scored Davide Harris for a 4-3 lead.

Central tied the game at 4-4 with a single run bottom of the fifth.

Lawrence is scheduled to return to action on Wednesday with a doubleheader at MSOE.

Box score

Inside LU Athletics: Pitching paces successful spring break trip

It didn’t take long for the Lawrence University baseball team to turn its season around.

After a traffic-filled, 30-hour bus ride to Fort Myers, Fla., the Vikings struggled out of the gate but earned a doubleheader split in their opening games with Lakeland College.

From that point, Lawrence’s pitching, offense and defense turned in a fine effort that allowed the Vikings to finish with a 6-3 spring break trip (the other two losses after the first day were both by one run). Lawrence currently has the best nonconference record among all Midwest Conference teams.

“If you take off the first game off the bus, we played pretty well,” Lawrence coach Jason Anderson said. “I was pretty pleased with the overall effort. We improved in every statistical category. The results look pretty good.”

The Vikings were led by their young pitching staff. In their final seven games in Florida, Lawrence pitchers put together a 2.87 earned run average. Lawrence pitchers also struck out 40 while walking only 14 in their final 53.1 innings. The Vikings allowed 28 hits and walked 25 on the opening day of the trip.

The Vikings have a core of three sophomore starters, Drew Doares, Atley Gay and Kelton Jenkins, leading the way.

“They looked like they were very experienced coming out,” Anderson said of that trio. “I wasn’t surprised when the games were happening, but when you look at the stats, those are surprising numbers.”

Jenkins made one start and tossed six shutout innings for a 0.00 ERA, and Gay went 1-0 in two starts (both Lawrence wins) with a 0.64 ERA. Doares went 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and struck out 14 in 13 innings.

“The most positive thing that came from the trip, pitching-wise, was Alex Brewer solidified himself as the fourth starter, which is what we were missing last year,” Anderson said.

Brewer, a senior who started in right field last year and was a reliever, finished 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in Florida.

“Our focus, in all honesty, was throwing two of the first three pitches for strikes and not walking anybody,” Anderson said. “Even with the tough first day, we walked 39 guys and struck out 52. It shows the guys have matured in the way we wanted them to.”

Anderson spreads the credit for that success to his three catchers, seniors Phil Wisniewski and Tanner DeBettencourt and junior Marc Linger.

“I have three excellent catchers who have taken over the pitch-calling duties,” Anderson said. “Not only do we work fast, but they see things that coaches can’t see from the dugout. Our pitch-calling has been top-notch since we got off the bus.”

While the pitching took a starring role on the trip, the Lawrence offense also posted some impressive numbers. The Vikings hit .354 for the nine games and also posted a rock solid .961 fielding percentage.

Senior outfielder Davide Harris led the Vikings with a .452 batting average and had an even better .575 on-base percentage after drawing a team-high nine walks. Senior shortstop Gabe Henriques wasn’t far behind with a .432 batting average with four doubles and 10 runs batted in and a team-high 12 runs scored.

Junior transfer Aaron Benz hit .382 with two doubles, a homer and a team-high 11 RBI. Wisniewski smacked a team-best eight doubles in nine games and hit .371.

“What we’ve been able to do this year is solidify our top six or seven guys immediately and put them out there and let them learn to play together,” Anderson said. “Our curve for winning games happened very fast. We had the same six or seven guys hitting in the same order.”

The Vikings will head to Iowa to face Central College this weekend since Whiting Field is still covered in snow. Lawrence is scheduled to play its home opener April 7 against Ripon College.

Home, sweet home

The Lawrence baseball, tennis and softball teams all had travel adventures returning home from their spring break trips in Florida.

The baseball team, which got caught in a massive traffic jam driving to Florida, narrowly missed a wreck with a semi-trailer in a snowstorm on the drive back. Fortunately, everyone arrived safely back in Appleton.

The men’s tennis team didn’t have any travel woes, but the Vikings had to hustle back from Orlando. Lawrence arrived back on campus just after 1 p.m. last Saturday and then went out to Fox Cities Racquet Club for a 4 p.m. match with Monmouth. Lawrence downed a talented Scots squad 6-3.

Softball was scheduled to fly out this past Sunday from Orlando but a nasty storm grounded the flight. Lawrence finally arrived back in Appleton late, late Sunday night. Just in time to get a few hours sleep and head to class on Monday morning.

Moving up

Senior tennis player Jason Dunn is closing in the No. 2 spot on Lawrence’s career wins list.

Dunn, who is 7-5 this season, won against Monmouth and now has 50 career victories. That puts him two wins shy of passing Caleb Ray for second place on the career list. Dunn could tie Ray with a win on Saturday against Knox College.

Dunn’s older brother, Ryan, is Lawrence’s career wins leader with 60.

Editor’s Note: Inside LU Athletics is a notes package written by Lawrence University Director of Athletic Media Relations 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.