WolfPack softball team returns to winnings ways

Madison College improves to 20-5 after winning both games of home opening doubleheader

ALFRED DAVIS / CLARION

Madison College’s Ashley Kniesel eyes the pitcher from first base during her team’s game against Bryant and Stratton College.

Andrew Kicmol, Staff Writer

Back from their Florida trip, the Madison College softball team hit a bump in the road, losing two straight to Kirkwood Community College, 8-0 and 8-1.

The team bounced back though winning the next series against South Suburban College, 7-3 and 4-0.

Finally getting to play a couple of games at home, the WolfPack swept Bryant and Stranton College 6-1 and 10-7 to improve its record to 20-5.

Pitching

Despite the losses to Kirkwood the pitching for the WolfPack has remained strong. Freshman pitcher Alli Walker got her first lost against Kirkwood, but bounced back with another win against Bryant and Stranton College improving her record to 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA. She also leads the team in strikeouts with 58 on the season.

The rest of the pitching has been strong as well, with Emily Wiederholt, Riley Landenberger and Mackenzie Terrill all getting wins, to help give the WolfPack a four game win streak.

The team as a whole has an ERA under three at 2.92 and will need to continue for the team to have a strong season.

Hitting

Madison College has some power in the lineup this year, as four batters have multiple home runs. Kylie Endres added to her home run total with a long ball against South Suburban. Endres, Katelin Gilbertson and Dany Gumz each have hit three home runs on the year.

Along with the homeruns Endres has been a hot hitter this year. Her 2 for 3 performances against Bryant and Stranton now gives her a four game streak of two hits. The top five hitters for Madison all are hitting at least .400 with freshman Nicole Ferch leading the way with .556 average.

It has been more than just home runs for the WolfPack. The team also has 42 doubles and 14 triples to go with its 13 home runs so far this season. That power was on full display in its recent wins. The team has had 14 extra-base hits in its last four games.

The Road Ahead

The road ahead puts Madison back on the road to play two games against conference foe College of DuPage on Tuesday April 3.
After that though, Madison College will be able enjoy some home cooking with the next two opponents at home to finish off the first week of April.

Madison College is currently 6-0 in conference play, a game ahead of defending champion Rock Valley College, whom the WolfPack will play on April 10.