WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The UW-River Falls softball team split its pair of games on Wednesday at THE Spring Games in Winter Haven, Florida, falling in a tightly contested opener before bouncing back with a strong win in the afternoon.
The Falcons opened the day against SUNY Brockport, dropping a 5-4 decision despite a late rally. Brockport jumped out early, scoring once in the first and adding three runs in the third to build a 4-1 advantage. UWRF answered in the fifth inning with a three-run frame, highlighted by RBIs from Abby Pitts and Grace Gardner, who tripled to drive in a run and bring the Falcons within one. Despite putting the tying run on base late, the Falcons were unable to complete the comeback, finishing with four runs on four hits.
Grace Gardner led the way offensively with a triple and an RBI, while Pitts added a hit and an RBI. In the circle, Randi Metzler took the loss, with Alexa Dusterhoft and Brooklyn Vangruensven providing relief down the stretch.
In game two, the Falcons responded with a 6-3 victory over Nazareth University, using the bats and solid pitching to secure the win. UWRF struck early with two runs in the first inning and scored in five different innings en route to six total runs on nine hits.
Caitlyn Kressel paced the Falcons at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Grace Gardner added two doubles, and Kayla Dolan contributed a triple and an RBI. Leah Oistad delivered in key moments for the Falcons, recording two sacrifice RBIs, driving in crucial runs and keeping the offense moving.
In the circle, Hailey Kincaid earned the win, tossing six innings while allowing three runs on seven hits. Lucy Knutson came on in relief to secure the save, closing out the final inning with two strikeouts.
