MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Lutheran College jumped out to early leads in both games on its way to defeating Lakeland University twice Wednesday afternoon in a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference softball doubleheader.
The Warriors prevailed 8-0 in six innings in the first game and completed the sweep with a 4-1 win in game two. The results also dealt a blow to the Muskies' NACC Tournament hopes as they dropped to 14-20 overall and 7-11 in the NACC.
The Muskies were unable to generate much offense in either game, finishing with just four hits in the first contest and five in the second.
Sabrina Wickman (
So.-Quinnesec, Mich.) finished with two of Lakeland's four hits in the opener and three of the team's nine hits on the day total, and
Cheyenne Mathas (
Fr.-St. John, Ind.) was the only other with multiple hits for the day with two hits, hitting a double in each game.
Wisconsin Lutheran (19-15 overall, 9-11 NACC) got off to quick starts in both games, further making the Muskies' job tougher. The Warriors scored twice in the first in game one and added two more in the third for a 4-0 lead. WLC also scored three times in the second inning of the second game and with another run in the third again had a 4-0 lead after three frames.
Lutheran pitcher Abby Mahsem dominated the first game, throwing a four-hit shutout and striking out ten. She also came on for the save in the second, pitching the final 2 2/3 innings and keeping the Muskies scoreless while striking out three.
Rikki Vela (
Sr.-Waukegan, Ill.) took the loss in the first game, allowing nine hits and six runs (four earned) in 4 1/3 innings.
Leah Binsfeld (
So.-Kaukauna, Wis.) pitched a complete game in the nightcap, allowing 11 hits and four runs (two earned).
Lakeland's doubleheader at Aurora University originally scheduled for Sunday has now been moved to Friday due to forecasted wet conditions this weekend. The Muskies now will face the Spartans twice on Friday with the doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. in Aurora, Ill. Lakeland is also back on the road Saturday when it travels to face Benedictine University at noon in Lisle, Ill.