Courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics
MADISON, Wis.- After a slow start, the Badgers dominated UW-Parkside in the doubleheader on Sunday at Goodman Diamond to cap out an undefeated in their fall season.
During the first game, Wisconsin scored 11 runs, 10 of which were in the bottom of the third inning. The Rangers only scored two runs, ending the game after the fifth inning.
“I think there’s been some progress on all fronts but we have a long way to go,” Wisconsin head coach Yvette Healy said. “We are seeing some moments of brightness and some players emerging and that’s what we wanted it to see. I think there’s a lot of exciting possibilities but we still have to work to develop it.”
Van Abel started off the Badgers scoring in the third inning after she doubled to second which was followed by Van Zeeland’s single to the left side to bring in a run . Van Abel and Van Zeeland tied for the second most runs scored for Wisconsin, behind Kelsey Jenkins who scored three for the Badgers. Jenkins also held the highest assists, tallying five total.
“I think our speed looks even more improved with Maria (Van Abel), Ashley (Van Zeeland) and Megan (Tancill) being our Wisconsin connection of speed,” Healy added. “They’re really training and pressing themselves and getting some nice results.”
With seven bases stolen, the Badgers kept their momentum up during the third, ending with 10 hits, eight hits and three left on base.
Sarah Fonk took over for Annie Davis at the mound after the first inning until Davis returned in the fifth to finish off the game.
“It’s always going to start from the mound and Sarah Fonk has done a really nice job this fall of competing and adding to the bullpen,” Healy said. “She’s a kid that is going to push the pitchers.”
Sam Magruder hit a single for the Rangers in the top of the fifth and was brought in by a hit from Kalli Gosser. Jenkins answered Sam Magruder’s score in the fifth inning with a triple up the left side. With the bases loaded, Katie Christner was hit by the pitch at the plate and scored Jenkins to close out the game for the Badgers.
“As a freshman, Kelsey Jenkins has done a nice job from the left side giving us some options,” Healy said.
The second game ended 4-0, with Van Abel scoring two runs and Wisconsin totaling eight steals.
Mariah Watts entered the circle in the second game and struck out four batters total. Watts ended the fall exhibition season with an ERA of 0.45 after appearing in three games.
“This was a great way to close out the fall with Mariah (Watts) having her best pitching game performance,” Healy said. “When we have a freshman come out and throw a perfect game through five innings, it’s a big deal.”
Macy Oswald played strong at first base with 11 putouts, which matched Sara Novak’s number of outs during the first game.
“Sara Novak has stepped into a real power role for us and Chloe Miller has continued to do great things,” Healy added. “Sara Novak really stepped up and looks good. Chloe Miller is adding on to where she has been at. It’s good to see those two strong sophomores do good things.”
Ending the fall season, Megan Tancill led the Badgers with a .643 batting average. Tancill also led the Badgers with the most number of stolen bases along with Van Abel at seven.
Wisconsin finished off the season with an impressive 39 total stolen bases and an undefeated overall record of 7-0. The Badgers pick up the spring season in February.
