The UW-Oshkosh softball team opened its season with wins over Concordia University Wisconsin, Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) and Marian University (Wis.) while in Marquette, Mich., Saturday and Sunday.
Senior Amie Heinzelman returned from an injury in her left knee that kept her out of the entire 2009 season and went 7-for-7 at the plate with four home runs in the games on Saturday.
Heinzelman said it was hard not being able to play last year and is glad to be back this season.
“It felt great to help the team win three games this weekend,” Heinzelman said. “I just want to help the team out in any way that I am needed in order to see us succeed.”
“Amie had an incredible day,” head coach Cindy Suess said. “She is one of the most focused kids I’ve ever coached. She missed the entire last season and is a great addition to the line-up. I am very excited to have her back.”
Heinzelman opened Saturday as the lead-off batter hitting a home run at her first at bat to start the game.
The team went 2-0 on Saturday, defeating Concordia 10-2 in five innings and won 12-7 against Gustavus Adolphus.
Freshman Courtney Wautier made her collegiate debut on the mound. She was able to hold the Falcons to three hits and struck out three batters for the complete-game victory.
Sophomore Ashley Kowalewski pitched six innings for the win against Gusties, where she gave up five earned runs and struck out seven batters.
Oshkosh has young pitchers on their roster, but Suess said it should not be a problem.
“They are young, but coachable,” Suess said. “I am not concerned about how young they are. They are surrounded by a great group.”
Oshkosh lost Sunday to Simpson College (Iowa) 2-1, but they were able to pick it up and defeat Marian.
“We did not hit well on Sunday, that’s the bottom line,” Suess said. Suess said the team began to rally in the seventh inning, but it was too little too late.
“We just couldn’t get it done,” Suess said.
Junior Sydnee Wyss also played well, earning a RBI double and hitting a two-run homerun.
“The team chemistry this year is phenomenal, and it will definitely take us places, it’s a big plus,” Suess said. “The key component for success is coach ability and (team) chemistry.”
Suess said she is very excited for this season because of the great combination of returners and new players.
The team will compete next in Pensacola, Fla. for their spring trip March 19-27.
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