Softball goes three-for-three in series against Loyola

Caitlin+Wnek+awaits+a+pitch.+Wnek+recorded+ive+RBIs+over+the+three-game+series

ANDI KING

Caitlin Wnek awaits a pitch. Wnek recorded ive RBIs over the three-game series

DYLAN PADY, Sports Editor | [email protected]

In a three-game series against the Loyola Ramblers, the Panthers won all three games at home to increase their overall record to 30-13.

Game One:

UNI’s first victory over Loyola resulted in an 8-1 victory to begin the series. Many of the points came from homeruns by Caitlin Wnek, Kennedy Bailey, Chelsea Ross and Micalla Rettinger.

The Panthers ran up the score very quickly and only allowed one run in the fifth inning off a ground ball towards third base, giving Loyola an RBI off the single.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Rettinger hit a solo homerun over center field to kick start a three-run inning. Bailey Lange doubled to center field to score Kate Kinnetz while Bailey hit her second homerun of the day to bring her and Lange for the game-ending 8-1 score.

Game Two:

The Panthers were able to end the game in five innings to win their second game, 12-0.

Wnek opened very early in the first with a homerun over center field to bring Rettinger in for the two RBI.

The Ramblers struggled as they only had 12 batters at the plate in the first three innings.

The Panthers took full advantage of the Ramblers’ five errors in the third inning to bring the game out of reach with nine runs. With the bases loaded, Bailey homered over right center for a grand slam to score Ross, Wnek and Lange.

An error by the Ramblers brought Courtney Krodinger on base while another error allowed a Kristin Lock double to score Krodinger. Samantha Olson singled to score Lock while another error allowed Ross, Rettinger and Olson to score for the 11-0 lead.

Courtney Krodinger scored off a Macey Wolfe sacrifice for the game-ending 12-0 score.

Game Three:

In their efforts to sweep Loyola 3-0 in the series final, the Panthers held off the Ramblers in a 6-5 victory in a 13-inning game.

The Panthers scored the first runs of the game in the second inning off a double by Krodinger, resulting in three RBIs to score Lock and Bailey.

The Ramblers cut the lead to 3-1 after a two-run double in the third inning.

In the fourth inning, Bailey homered over right center for the 4-1 Panther lead.

The Ramblers brought the game to extra innings thanks to a two-run homerun.

Both teams scored a run in the ninth inning to extend the game. The scoring drought was ended in the bottom of the 13th inning with Lange singling out to left field to bring Rettinger home.

The Panthers will remain in Cedar Falls for their next three games. They host a doubleheader against Drake on April 19 and a three-game series against Missouri State on April 23 and 24.