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2006-07 Softball Press Releases

STEPHANIE KUHL NAMED ASSISTANT SOFTBALL COACH AT WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

July 20------Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced the hiring of Stephanie Kuhl of Logan, Iowa as assistant softball coach.
Kuhl (pronounced cool) just completed a stellar playing career at Division I South Dakota State University, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in home runs and runs batted in. She also holds the single season school marks for home runs and RBI’s. In high school, Stephanie Kuhl was a three-time All-State selection and a four-time All-Conference honoree in softball at Logan-Magnolia High School and played five years of club softball for the Omaha Quakes. She also earned All-Conference recognition in volleyball and basketball and qualified for the Iowa State Track and Field Meet in the discus as a junior. Stephanie will serve as hitting coach at Wayne State College.
“Stephanie is a great addition to our Wildcat program,” said Coach Unger. “She is very knowledgeable about the game and knows what it takes to succeed at the next level. I am very excited to have her as my assistant coach and expect great things from her.”
Kuhl replaces Monica Gordy, who left Wayne State College last month to take an assistant coaching position at Upper Iowa University.
Wayne State finished the 2007 season with a 28-22 record under first year head coach Krista Unger, finishing fourth in the Northern Sun Conference Tournament. It was the first winning season since 2001 and just the second winning season in softball at Wayne State since 1992. The 28 wins were 18 more than the 2006 mark of 10-34 and ranked fifth most in school history for wins in a season. Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

WAYNE STATE SOFTBALL ADDS LOGAN-MAGNOLIA (IA) STANDOUT BLAIRE KUHL

July 20-------Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced that Blaire Kuhl of Logan, Iowa will join the Wildcat softball program for the 2008 season.
Blaire Kuhl (pronounced cool) is a multi-sport standout at Logan-Magnolia High School, starting five seasons in softball, four in basketball, three in volleyball and two in cross country. She was a Second Team All-State selection last season as a junior with a .468 batting average, helping her team reach the state softball tournament for the first time in school history. In basketball, Kuhl was a two-time First Team All Boyer Valley Conference selection and was a First Team All-Conference performer in volleyball as a senior. She also excels in the classroom with a 3.9 grade point average, receiving numerous academic honors, including being a member of the National Honor Society as a sophomore, junior and senior. Kuhl has also played in five national tournaments with two different ASA softball teams, three with the Omaha Sizzle and two with the Omaha Quakes Black Team.
“Blaire is a tremendous athlete and will add great depth to the Wildcat lineup,” commented Unger. “She has great range along with a strong arm and is an offensive threat from both sides of the plate.”
Wayne State finished the 2007 season with a 28-22 record under first year head coach Krista Unger, finishing fourth in the Northern Sun Conference Tournament. It was the first winning season since 2001 and just the second winning season in softball at Wayne State since 1992. The 28 wins were 18 more than the 2006 mark of 10-34 and ranked fifth most in school history for wins in a season. Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

IOWA JUNIOR COLLEGE PITCHING STANDOUT KERI WALSH JOINS WSC SOFTBALL PROGRAM

May 24------Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced that Keri Walsh of Bettendorf, Iowa has signed a letter of intent to attend Wayne State College and play softball for the Wildcats in the 2007-08 academic year. Walsh becomes the 11th member of the 2006-07 recruiting class signed by Unger for the 2008 season.
Walsh is a transfer from Muscatine Community College in Iowa and will have two seasons of eligibility with the Wildcats. She is a pitcher who earned Second Team All-Region honors the past two seasons at Muscatine CC, going 49-10 with a 1.11 ERA in her two years at the school. Walsh was 27-5 with a 1.00 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 2006 and posted a 22-5 record this past season with a 1.24 ERA. She helped her club to a 45-18 mark in 2006 and a 47-12 record in 2007. In high school, Walsh was a five-year starter at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa, earning Second Team All-State honors as a senior and was selected Third Team All-State as a junior. She was a two-time All-District and All-Conference selection, helping her team to a 48-2 mark as a senior and 41-9 as a junior in high school.
“Keri is a finesse pitcher that will add strength and experience to our pitching staff,” said Coach Unger. “She has a great change-up that will keep batters off balance at the plate.”
Wayne State finished the 2007 season with a 28-22 record under first year head coach Krista Unger, finishing fourth in the Northern Sun Conference Tournament. It was the first winning season since 2001 and just the second winning season in softball at Wayne State since 1992. The 28 wins were 18 more than the 2006 mark of 10-34 and ranked fifth most in school history for wins in a season. Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

BELLEVUE EAST'S AMY GLENN JOINS WSC SOFTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

May 15------Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced that Amy Glenn of Bellevue East High School has signed a letter of intent to attend Wayne State College and play softball for the Wildcats in the 2007-08 academic year. Glenn joins an already talented recruiting class of 10 recruits signed by Unger for the 2008 season.
Glenn was a two-year starter at third base and earned First Team All-Metro Conference and honorable mention All-State honors as a senior at Bellevue East High School. She also finished first in the state power lifting competition and was fifth in the nation.
“Amy will be a versatile player for us by playing both infield and outfield,” said Coach Unger. “She has great mechanics and a powerful swing that will allow her to produce many Wildcat hits and runs.”
Glenn joins Amber Baird and Samantha Earleywine of Sergeant Bluff-Luton (Iowa), Hannah Engelkamp of Omaha Skutt, Katie Goetzinger of Harlan, Iowa, Sarah Gottschalk of Wahoo, Alaina Novotny of Millard North, Allison Padomek of Sioux City East (Iowa) HS, Jennifer Radley of Des Moines East HS in Iowa and Emily Walker of Beatrice as members of the 2006-07 WSC softball recruiting class.
Wayne State finished the 2007 season with a 28-22 record under first year head coach Krista Unger, finishing fourth in the Northern Sun Conference Tournament. It was the first winning season since 2001 and just the second winning season in softball at Wayne State since 1992. The 28 wins were 18 more than the 2006 mark of 10-34 and ranked fifth most in school history for wins in a season. Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

HAIN, PARKS COLLECT ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT SECOND TEAM HONORS

May 10-----Wayne State College softball players Karen Hain and Bre Parks have been named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District VII College Division Second Team as voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America.
Hain, a senior pitcher from Bee, Nebraska (Seward HS), carried a 3.61 grade point average majoring in criminal justice at Wayne State this past season. She was 16-13 on the mound with a 2.60 ERA and three saves. In 204.1 innings pitched, she struck out 163 batters to rank third in the NSIC in overall ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts. She became the all-time strikeout leader at Wayne State College this season, finishing with 373. Hain also set new school marks for appearances in a season (43), career appearances (134), career innings pitched (630) and tied the single season mark for saves with three.
Parks, a senior second baseman from Kansas City, Missouri (Oak Park HS), maintained a 3.96 grade point average majoring in mathematics. The 2006 NSIC All-Conference second baseman hit .262 for the Wildcats this past season with five home runs and 25 RBI. She led the team in runs scored with 31 and was second in walks (19) and stolen bases (9).
Wayne State finished the season with a 28-22 overall record under first year head coach Krista Unger, an 18-game improvement from last season’s mark of 10-34.

HUMPHRIES, HAIN REPRESENT WAYNE STATE ON ALL-NSIC SOFTBALL TEAM

May 6-------Seniors Kristen Humphries and Karen Hain represent Wayne State College on the 2007 All Northern Sun Conference Softball Team announced at the 2007 NSIC Tournament Banquet Awards Dinner held Friday evening in Marshall, Minnesota. Humphries received First Team All-NSIC honors while Hain was named to the honorable mention All-NSIC list.
Humphries, a senior third baseman from Omaha, Neb. (Burke HS), spent much of the season above the .400 mark in batting before finishing the season at .380 to lead the Wildcats in hitting. The former All-NSIC women’s basketball standout at Wayne State ranked fifth in NSIC games in hitting at .440 and was tied for second in league play with four home runs. Overall, Humphries had eight home runs, 35 RBI’s and had a slugging percentage of .660. She finished tied for first in triples (5), ranked second in total bases (99), third in RBI’s (35) and tied for third in home runs (8).
Hain, a senior pitcher from Bee, Nebraska (Seward HS), was 6-5 in NSIC games with a 1.60 ERA to rank second in the league. Overall, she was 16-13 with a 2.60 ERA and three saves. In 204.1 innings pitched, she struck out 163 batters to rank third in the NSIC in overall ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts. She became the all-time strikeout leader at Wayne State College this season, finishing with 373. Hain also set new school marks for appearances in a season (43), career appearances (134), career innings pitched (630) and tied the single season mark for saves with three.
Wayne State finished the season with a 28-22 overall record under first year head coach Krista Unger, an 18-game improvement from last season’s mark of 10-34.

WAYNE STATE ENDS SEASON WITH FOURTH PLACE FINISH AT NSIC TOURNAMENT

May 5-----The Wayne State College softball season came to an end Saturday at the Northern Sun Conference Tournament in Marshall, Minnesota with a 7-1 loss to Winona State, ending the tournament in fourth place. The Wildcats started the day with a 6-2 win over Concordia-St. Paul to eliminate the Golden Bears.
The Wildcats used a five-run fifth inning to rally from a 2-0 deficit as Wayne State went on to post a 6-2 win over Concordia-St. Paul to stay alive in the tournament. Amy Sandstrom’s bases-loaded double with two outs keyed the big fifth inning for the Wildcats. Stacy Shonka added an RBI double in the five-run inning for Wayne State.
CSP had a 7-5 advantage in hits over the Wildcats. Sandstrom and Shonka doubled for Wayne State while Valerie Robinson, Bre Parks and Sara Salmen each singled for the Wildcats.
Karen Hain (16-12) was the winning pitcher for Wayne State, working a complete game. She allowed two runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
The second game saw Winona State take control early with a five-run second inning as the Warriors eliminated the Wildcats 7-1. Winona State had 14 hits to Wayne State’s four. The Wildcats’ lone run came in the third inning when Kiley Peterson and Caitlin Rowland singled with Peterson scoring on a sacrifice fly by Stacy Shonka. Peterson, Rowland, Shonka and Cassandra Ward each recorded singles for Wayne State’s hits. Hain (16-13) suffered the pitching loss, allowing six runs (two earned) on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. Kiley Peterson pitched well in relief, allowing just one run on seven hits over the final 4 1/3 innings.
Wayne State ends the season with a 28-22 record under first year head coach Krista Unger, an 18-game improvement from last season’s 10-34 mark.

WILDCATS SPLIT ON OPENING DAY OF NSIC TOURNAMENT

May 4------The Wayne State College softball team went 1-1 on the opening day of the Northern Sun Conference Softball Tournament held in Marshall, Minnesota. After dropping a 2-1 decision Friday morning to MSU Moorhead in the first round, the Wildcats bounced back with a 1-0 win over Bemidji State Friday afternoon in an elimination game to stay alive in the double-elimination tournament.
Two first inning runs held up for MSU Moorhead as the Dragons held off the Wildcats 2-1 in the opening game of the tournament. MSUM scored two runs on three hits in the first inning to grab the early lead. Wayne State scored in the fifth inning when Kiley Peterson crossed home plate on a wild pitch. Caitlin Rowland, the tying run, was on third base with just one out, but Dawn Spale fouled out to the catcher and Valerie Robinson struck out to end the inning. WSC put the tying run on in the seventh inning when Kiley Peterson singled and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rowland with two outs. But Amy Sandstrom grounded out to first to end the game as the Dragons hung on for a 2-1 win.
Both teams finished with five hits in the game. Valerie Robinson was 2 for 3 with a pair of singles to lead WSC in hitting. Amy Sandstrom, Kiley Peterson and Caitlin Rowland also had hits for the Wildcats. Kiley Peterson (12-9) suffered the pitching loss, allowing two runs on two hits in the first inning. Karen Hain worked six strong innings of relief, allowing just three hits with eight strikeouts.
The second game saw Wayne State muster just two hits of Bemidji State starter Allison Willard, but it was enough as the Wildcats posted a 1-0 win over the Beavers to stay alive in the tournament. The lone run of the game was scored by Wayne State in the second inning when Bre Parks walked, advanced to second on a passed ball, and scored on Kiley Peterson’s single up the middle. The only other hit for WSC was a fifth inning single by Caitlin Rowland.
Karen Hain (15-12) picked up the pitching win, tossing a complete game five-hit shutout with seven strikeouts.
Wayne State will face Concordia-St. Paul in an elimination game on Saturday at 10:00 am in the NSIC Tournament at Marshall, Minnesota.

WAYNE STATE ENTERS NSIC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT AS SIXTH SEED

May 3------The Wayne State College softball team is the sixth seed for the Northern Sun Conference Tournament scheduled for this weekend (Friday and Saturday, May 4-5) in Marshall, Minnesota.
The Wildcats bring a 26-20 overall mark and 9-9 NSIC record into Friday morning’s 10 a.m. first round match up against third-seeded MSU Moorhead (31-18, 11-7 NSIC). The two teams split in the regular season with WSC winning on April 10 7-6 and the Dragons winning on April 21 by the score of 4-0.
Other first round contests include top-seed Southwest Minnesota State (32-11, 16-2 NSIC) vs. #8 seed Northern State (9-39, 4-14 NSIC); #2 seed Winona State (39-17, 16-2 NSIC) battles #7 seed Bemidji State (10-26, 4-14 NSIC) and fourth-seed Upper Iowa (18-30, 10-8 NSIC) meets 5th-seeded Concordia-St. Paul (26-29, 10-8 NSIC).
The double-elimination tournament concludes on Saturday with the winner earning an automatic berth to the NCAA North Central Regional May 10-14 at a campus site to be determined.

MIDLAND LUTHERAN AT WAYNE STATE DOUBLEHEADER FOR SUNDAY CANCELLED

April 27------The Midland Lutheran at Wayne State College softball doubleheader scheduled for Sunday, April 29th at 12:00 p.m. has been cancelled and will not be made up. Midland Lutheran was obligated to make up postponed conference games this weekend. WSC made several attempts to contact other teams to play on Sunday, but those teams were either at a previously scheduled tournament or had conference make up games to finish. Wayne State College is 26-20 on the season and now prepares for the Northern Sun Conference Tournament scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5 at Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Minnesota.

WILDCATS DROP PAIR OF EXTRA INNING GAMES AT WINONA STATE - HAIN BECOMES ALL-TIME STRIKEOUT LEADER AT WSC

April 25-----The Wayne State College softball team dropped a pair of extra inning games at Winona State in NSIC play Wednesday afternoon, falling 5-2 in nine innings in the first game and 3-2 in eight innings in the second game. Winona State remained in second place in the NSIC at 16-2 in the league and 35-14 overall while Wayne State is fifth in the NSIC at 9-9 in league play and 26-20 overall.
Winona State’s Terra Harlon belted a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the host Warriors in a 5-2 win over the Wildcats in the first game. WSC took an early 2-0 lead in the second on a bases-loaded walk to Kiley Peterson and a run-scoring single by Caitlin Rowland. But Winona State scored single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and then won the game in dramatic style in the bottom of the ninth. WSC had a scoring opportunity in the eighth inning when the Wildcats loaded the bases with two outs, but Kiley Peterson’s groundout to shortstop ended the scoring threat.
Winona State had 13 hits to Wayne State’s six. Rowland was 2 for 4 with an RBI to lead the Wildcats at the plate while Stacy Shonka, Bre Parks, Cassandra Ward and Sara Salmen each singled. Kiley Peterson (12-8) pitched the final three innings and was tagged with the pitching loss after Karen Hain worked the first 5 1/3 innings.
The second game saw Winona State score single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to rally for a 3-2 win over the Wildcats. Kristen Humphries gave WSC an early 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run homer, her eighth of the season. Winona State scored once in the second, then plated runs in the seventh and eighth to rally for the 3-2 win. WSC had four hits in the game with Humphries going 2 for 3 with a homer and double and two RBI for the Wildcats. Parks doubled and Valerie Robinson singled for the other WSC hits.
Karen Hain (12-12) pitched the final six innings for WSC and was dealt the loss, allowing seven hits and two runs with six strikeouts and four walks. Peterson started the game and pitched the first 1 1/3 inning, allowing one run on one hit with two walks. Hain became the all-time strikeout leader in WSC softball history in the second game and now has 354 strikeouts in her career, passing the old school mark of 348 set by Whitney Wilczynski from 2001-2005.
Wayne State is scheduled to host South Dakota, weather permitting, on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at the Pete Chapman Complex in Wayne.

WAYNE STATE NOTCHES IMPORTANT ROAD SWEEP AT CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL

April 24-----The Wayne State College softball team notched a pair of important road wins Tuesday afternoon at Concordia-St. Paul, topping the Golden Bears 1-0 and 4-2 in eight innings. The Wildcats improved to 26-18 overall and 9-7 in the NSIC while dropping third place Concordia-St. Paul to 9-5 in the league and 23-23 overall.
Sara Salmen’s single with one out in the top of seventh inning scored Bre Parks with the game’s only run as Wayne State won the first game 1-0. WSC made the most of their three hits in the game as Parks singled to lead off the inning, advanced to second on Cassandra Ward’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Salmen’s single up the middle for the lone run of the game. Parks had the game’s only other hit for WSC in the fourth inning and finished 2 for 2 with a run scored. Karen Hain (13-11) pitched a complete game five-hit shutout striking out six batters to earn the win for Wayne State.
The second game saw WSC score twice in the top of the eighth inning as the Wildcats completed the sweep with a 4-2 win over Concordia-St. Paul. Run-scoring singles by Bre Parks and Sara Salmen brought in the go-ahead runs for the Wildcats in the eighth inning. Kristen Humphries was 3 for 4 at the plate to lead WSC in hitting while Amy Sandstrom went 2 for 4 with a double, RBI and run scored. Hain (14-11) worked the final two innings in relief to get the pitching win, allowing four hits and no runs with two strikeouts. Kiley Peterson pitched the first six innings and allowed just two runs on six hits for the Wildcats.
Wayne State will travel to Winona State on Wednesday for a NSIC doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

WILDCATS STRUGGLE ON SECOND DAY OF CROSSOVER - GO 0-2 VS. MARY AND NORTHERN STATE

April 22------The Wayne State College softball team scored just one run in two games to go 0-2 on the second day of the NSIC Crossover Tournament in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Wildcats dropped a 7-0 contest to Mary and then lost a 2-1 10 inning game against Northern State.
In the Mary game, the Wildcats were limited to just two hits and Mary scored five runs in the first inning to pick up the 7-0 win. Valerie Robinson and Kristen Humphries each singled to account for Wayne State’s only hits of the game. Karen Hain (12-10) suffered the pitching loss, allowing five runs in the first innings on four hits. Kiley Peterson worked the final five innings, allowing two runs on six hits.
Northern State’s Sam Francis delivered a two-out, two run single in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Wolves a 2-1 win over Wayne State in the second game of the day. WSC out-hit NSU 10-4 but left eight runners on base in the loss. The game was scoreless until the 10th inning when Wayne State’s Caitlin Rowland singled to bring in Sara Salmen and give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. However, NSU scored twice in the bottom of the 10th to rally for the win. Kristen Humphries was 3 for 4 with three singles while Amy Sandstrom went 3 for 5 with three singles to lead Wayne State at the plate. Karen Hain (12-11) pitched the entire game for Wayne State and was tagged with the loss, allowing just four hits in 9 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and two walks.
Wayne State, now 24-18 overall and 7-7 in the NSIC, travel to Concordia-St. Paul Tuesday (10 am) and Winona State Wednesday (1 pm) for a pair of NSIC doubleheaders.

WILDCATS GO 2-1 ON OPENING DAY OF NSIC CROSSOVER IN ABERDEEN

April 21------The Wayne State College softball team went 2-1 on the opening day of the NSIC Crossover Tournament in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Wildcats opened the day with a 9-3 win over Minnesota, Crookston, then topped Bemidji State 6-1 before finishing the day with a 4-0 loss to MSU Moorhead.
In the Minnesota, Crookston win, Sara Salmen and Valerie Robinson each recorded three hits to help the Wildcats top the Golden Eagles 9-3. Wayne State scored three runs in the sixth and seventh innings to snap a 3-3 tie and pull away from UMC. Amy Sandstrom added two hits and two runs scored for the Wildcats in the win. Kiley Peteson pitched the final 2 1/3 innings to pick up the win for Wayne State.
Cassandra Ward’s three run homer boosted the Wildcats in a 6-1 win over Bemidji State in the second game as WSC avenged a 3-1 loss to the Beavers two weeks ago. WSC made the most of their four hits in the game as Amy Sandstrom laced an RBI double to go with Ward’s three run homer. Bre Parks and Valerie Robinson each singled for the other WSC hits. Karen Hain earned the pitching win for Wayne State, tossing a complete game four-hitter with nine strikeouts for the Wildcats.
MSU Moorhead scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to blank the Wildcats 4-0 in the final game of the day. WSC was held to just two hits in the game, singles by Amy Sandstrom and Bre Parks.
Wayne State, now 24-16 overall and 7-5 in the NSIC, faces Mary (10 am) and Northern State (12 pm) on Sunday to close out play at the NSIC Crossover Tournament.

AUGUSTANA SWEEPS WAYNE STATE

April 18-----Augustana College took a pair of games from the Wayne State College softball team Wednesday afternoon in Sioux Falls 8-3 and 3-0 over the Wildcats. Augustana improved to 14-17 overall while Wayne State dropped to 22-15 on the season.
Augustana erupted for six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to rally for an 8-3 win over Wayne Stat in the first game. Christina Stangl belted a grand slam in the sixth inning for Augustana while Ally Rutherford added an RBI triple for the Vikings in the big inning. WSC took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning without a hit as the Wildcats used a hit batter and two Augustana errors to score two runs. WSC also scored in the third inning on Kristen Humphries’ RBI single that scored Amy Sandstrom to give WSC a 3-2 lead in the third inning. But Augustana’s six-run sixth inning put the Vikings in front for good as they took game one of the doubleheader.
Augustana held a 12-3 edge in hits over the Wildcats. Amy Sandstrom, Kristen Humphries and Bre Parks each singled for Wayne State. Karen Hain (11-9) suffered the pitching loss, allowing seven runs (four earned) on eight hits over 3 1/3 innings. Kiley Peterson worked 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits.
The second game saw Augustana’s Jessica Cooper toss a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 win over the Wildcats. Augustana scored once in the third and used a two-run homer by Kayla Henke to grab a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning. WSC was held to five singles in the game with two coming from Caitlin Rowland. Bre Parks, Kristen Humphries and Amy Sandstrom also singled for the Wildcats. Kiley Peterson (11-6) was charged with the pitching loss, allowing three runs on eight hits over four innings. Karen Hain worked two innings of one-hit relief for the Wildcats.
Wayne State will travel to Aberdeen, South Dakota on Saturday and Sunday to play five games in the Northern Sun Conference Crossover Tournament.

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE TAKES TWO FROM WAYNE STATE

April 17-----Southwest Minnesota State swept Wayne State in a Northern Sun Conference softball doubleheader played in Wayne Tuesday afternoon at the Pete Chapman Complex as the Mustangs posted 5-2 and 2-1 wins.
SMSU scored four unearned runs with two outs in the top of the sixth inning to rally for a 5-2 win over the Wildcats. WSC opened the scoring in the bottom of the second on a solo home run by Kristen Humphries to take a 1-0 lead. The visiting Mustangs tied the score in the top of the third on Amanda Tucci’s RBI single. WSC regained the lead at 2-1 in the fifth inning when Val Robinson’s single through the left side scored Kiley Peterson to put the ‘Cats in front 2-1. But SMSU took advantage of a dropped fly ball by WSC with two outs and scored four unearned runs to grab a 5-2 lead and win the first game over the Wildcats.
SMSU had 10 hits to Wayne State’s five. Kiley Peterson was 2 for 3 with a run scored to lead WSC at the plate while Kristen Humphries added a solo home run. Karen Hain (11-8) suffered the pitching loss, allowing four runs, all unearned, on four hits in four innings with six strikeouts.
The second game saw SMSU edge Wayne State 2-1 to sweep the doubleheader. WSC grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Kristen Humphries singled up the middle to bring in Stacy Shonka. SMSU plated two runs in the third inning on two hits, Amanda Tucci’s RBI double and Jessica Donoho’s RBI single, as the Mustangs grabbed a 2-1 lead. SMSU starter Amanda Johnson then shut the door on the Wildcats, allowing just two hits the rest of the game, as the Mustangs completed the sweep over the Wildcats.
SMSU had one more hit than WSC 5-4. Kristen Humphries was 2 for 2 with an RBI to lead the Wildcats. Stacy Shonka and Dawn Spale also singled for the Wildcats.
Wayne State, now 22-13 overall and 5-4 in the NSIC, travels to Augustana College Wednesday afternoon for a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m.

GOTTSCHALK, WALKER JOIN TALENTED WSC SOFTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

April 13-----Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced that Sarah Gottschalk of Wahoo and Emily Walker of Beatrice have signed letters of intent to attend Wayne State College and play softball for the Wildcats in the 2007-08 academic year. The two players join an already talented recruiting class of seven recruits signed in the NCAA’s early signing period in November.
Gottschalk was a four-year starter at Wahoo High School, starting all but two games in her high school career. She earned Second Team Class C All-State honors in 2006 and was a two-time All-Area and All-Conference selection. Gottschalk was named Most Valuable Player of her team as a senior and was selected Gold Glove winner in 2005 and 2006.
“Sarah will add depth and range to our infield,” remarked Coach Unger. “With her speed and quickness, she will be a definite threat on the base paths.”
Walker will play soccer and softball at Wayne State College. She was a two-time Class B All-State First Team selection in softball while earning Super State honors two seasons for Beatrice. Walker hit .443 her senior season with 12 doubles and 36 RBI’s and played on four state tournament teams, including one state championship and two state runner up finishes in Class B.
“Emily is a great all-around athlete who will play two sports at Wayne State,” commented Unger. “Look for her to be a threat at the plate and a solid addition to our infield.”
Gottschalk and Walker join Amber Baird and Samantha Earleywine of Sergeant Bluff-Luton (Iowa), Hannah Engelkamp of Omaha Skutt, Katie Goetzinger of Harlan, Iowa, Alaina Novotny of Millard North, Allison Padomek of Sioux City East (Iowa) HS and Jennifer Radley of Des Moines East HS in Iowa as members of the 2006-07 WSC softball recruiting class.
Wayne State is currently 21-10 on the season under first year head coach Krista Unger, already doubling the win total (10-34) from the entire 2006 season. Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

WILDCATS RANKED NINTH IN NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL RANKINGS

April 12-----The Wayne State College softball team is ranked ninth in the NCAA Division II North Central Regional Softball Rankings released by the NCAA. Emporia State leads the rankings with a 29-7 record through games as of Sunday, April 8. Minnesota State -Mankato is second, followed by Nebraska-Omaha, Southwest Minnesota State and Northwest Missouri State in the top five. Winona State is sixth with Central Missouri State, Washburn, Wayne State and MSU Moorhead rounding out the top 10. The top eight teams in the region at the end of the season will advance to the North Central Regional Tournament.

The following is a complete listing of the North Central Regional Softball Rankings with overall Division II record and in-region record:

1. Emporia State 29-7, 14-0
2. Minnesota State 17-10, 8-2
3. Nebraska-Omaha 14-9, 6-2
4. Southwest Minnesota State 12-5, 5-0
5. Northwest Missouri State 10-6, 6-4
6. Winona State 16-10, 7-5
7. Central Missouri State 17-12, 9-2
8. Washburn 17-11, 9-2
9. Wayne State College 14-6, 6-4
10. MSU Moorhead 12-5, 7-1

#19 UNO TAKES TWO FROM WILDCATS, 3-0 AND 2-1 IN 9 INNINGS

April 12-----#19 Nebraska-Omaha defeated Wayne State in non-conference college softball played in Omaha Thursday afternoon as the Mavericks topped the Wildcats 3-0 and 2-1 in nine innings. UNO improved to 17-10 with the wins while Wayne State slipped to 21-10.
In the first game, UNO plated single runs in the first, fifth and sixth innings to blank the Wildcats 3-0. Both teams had six hits in the game. Valerie Robinson led WSC at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a pair of singles. Kiley Peterson (11-4) suffered the pitching loss for WSC, giving up three runs (one earned) on six hits with four strikeouts and two walks.
The second game saw UNO score in the bottom of the ninth inning to pick up a 2-1 win over the Wildcats. Wayne State scored its lone run in the fourth inning on Sara Salmen’s RBI single that drove in Bre Parks, who walked to start the inning. WSC had five hits in the game with Cassandra Ward going 2 for 3 to lead the Wildcats at the plate.
Karen Hain (10-6) was tagged with the pitching loss for the Wildcats, allowing two runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and three walks.
Wayne State travels to Blair Friday evening for a doubleheader at Dana College starting at 5:00 p.m.

WILDCATS CLOSE CROSSOVER WITH BIG WINS OVER MSU MOORHEAD, NORTHERN STATE

April 10-----The Wayne State College softball team won two games Tuesday morning and afternoon to close out play at the NSIC Crossover Tournament in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Wildcats rallied for a 7-6 win over MSU Moorhead and took care of Northern State 10-1 to finish the two-day tournament with a 3-2 mark.
In the MSU Moorhead win, Wayne State rallied from a 5-0 first inning deficit to pick up an exciting 7-6 win over the Dragons. Kristen Humphries produced a game-winning two out, run scoring single in the bottom of the seventh inning that scored Caitlin Rowland with the winning run as the Wildcats rallied for the thrilling win. Freshman catcher Cassandra Ward started the rally for the Wildcats with a three-run homer in the second inning to reduce the Dragon lead to 5-3. After MSUM scored a run in the top of the fourth, WSC pinch hitter Dawn Spale laced a two-run double to left centerfield, scoring Val Robinson and Kristen Humphries, to make the score 6-5. Robinson led off the sixth inning with a solo home run to knot the score at 6-6. In the seventh, Rowland singled with one out and advanced to second on Bre Parks’ sacrifice bunt. Humphries then belted a single to right field to bring in Rowland with the game-winner for the Wildcats.
WSC had eight hits in the game, led by Humphries going 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Ward and Robinson homered for the Wildcats in the win. Sophomore Kiley Peterson (11-3) pitched six strong innings of relief to earn the pitching win, allowing just one run on six hits with four strikeouts.
The second game saw Wayne State produce 12 hits in a 10-1 victory over Northern State. Bre Parks was 3 for 3 with five RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wildcats at the plate. Parks had a three run homer in the second inning and a two-run double in the ‘Cats four-run third inning. Kristen Humphries, Kiley Peterson and Caitlin Rowland each added two hits in the win for WSC.
Karen Hain (10-5) was the winning pitcher, allowing just one run on three hits with three strikeouts in the game.
Wayne State is now 21-8 overall and 5-2 in the NSIC. The Wildcats’ scheduled doubleheader at Concordia-St. Paul Wednesday at noon was postponed due to bad weather in the Twin Cities. The next scheduled action for WSC will be Friday evening, April 13th, when the Wildcats visit Dana College for a 5:00 p.m. doubleheader.

WAYNE STATE GOES 1-2 AT NSIC CROSSOVER - KILEY PETERSON THROWS NO-HITTER VS. MINNESOTA, CROOKSTON

April 9-----The Wayne State College softball team lost two of three games played in the opening day of the Northern Sun Conference Crossover Tournament played in St. Paul, Minnesota. WSC opened with a 8-0 win over Minnesota, Crookston, lost to the University of Mary 2-1 and closed the day with a 3-1 loss to Bemidji State.
In the 8-0 win over Minnesota, Crookston, Kiley Peterson tossed a no-hitter to lead the Wildcats in the win. The sophomore from Utica Centennial HS struck out four and walked just one batter in throwing the no-hitter. Offensively, senior third baseman Kristen Humphries homered twice while going 3 for 3 with four RBI and three runs scored at the plate. Valerie Robinson was 2 for 3 with two runs scored while Amy Sandstrom also homered for the Wildcats in the win.
The second game saw the Wildcats leave 12 runners on base in a 2-1 loss to the University of Mary. WSC outhit the Marauders 8-5, but Mary used a two-run first inning and then held off numerous Wildcat threats to preserve the 2-1 win. Stacy Shonka went 3 for 3 with an RBI single in the fourth inning to score Cassandra Ward with the only run of the game for the Wildcats. Ward doubled for the Wildcats’ lone extra base hit in the contest. Karen Hain (9-5) suffered the pitching loss despite allowing just five hits and two runs with five strikeouts and one walk in the game.
Wayne State was held to just three hits Monday evening in a 3-1 loss to Bemidji State. The Wildcats scored their lone run in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Valerie Robinson, her third of the season. The only other hits for WSC were singles by Caitlin Rowland and Bre Parks. The Wildcats left eight runners on base in the loss to BSU. Kiley Peterson (10-3) suffered the pitching loss, allowing two runs in the first two innings. Karen Hain worked the final five innings, allowing one run on three hits with five strikeouts.
Wayne State will face MSU Moorhead (10 a.m.) and Northern State (2 p.m.) on Tuesday at the NSIC Crossover Tournament in St. Paul, Minnesota.

WILDCATS OPEN NSIC PLAY WITH WINS OVER UPPER IOWA

April 6-----The Wayne State College softball team opened Northern Sun Conference play Friday afternoon with a sweep over Upper Iowa University, winning 4-3 and 6-0 in bitter cold conditions (mid-teen wind chills) at the Pete Chapman Softball Complex in Wayne. WSC moves to 18-6 overall and 2-0 in the NSIC while UIU slips to 7-14 overall and 0-2 in the league.
The first game saw WSC rally from an early 3-0 deficit to record a 4-3 win. After the Peacocks scored three runs in the first inning, WSC scored one in the bottom of the inning when Bre Parks’ RBI fielders’ choice scored Caitlin Rowland to make the score 3-1. The score stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth inning when WSC plated three runs to grab a 4-3 lead. Kristen Humphries blooped a single down the right field line to score Val Robinson and Amy Sandstrom to knot the score at 3-3, then Cassandra Ward doubled to center field, scoring Humphries with the go-ahead run, to give WSC a 4-3 lead that the Wildcats never relinquished.
Karen Hain (8-4) worked 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in place of starter Kiley Peterson to pick up the win. She allowed just three hits while striking out four batters. WSC had seven hits in the game by seven different players. Ward had the only double for WSC.
The second game saw Hain strike out nine batters over six innings as the Wildcats completed the sweep with a 6-0 win. Offensively, WSC got off to a quick start scoring four runs in the first inning to set the tone early. Valerie Robinson started the scoring with a run-scoring double to bring in Amy Sandstrom. Cassandra Ward’s two-run double scored Robinson and Kristen Humphries while Sara Salmen’s RBI single brought in Ward to account for the four-run inning. WSC added solo runs in the second and fourth innings to pick up the 6-0 win.
Sandstrom and Sara Salmen each finished with two hits to lead WSC. Robinson and Ward also doubled for the Wildcats.
Wayne State travels to St. Paul, Minnesota Monday and Tuesday for the re-scheduled NSIC Crossover Tournament, followed by a doubleheader at Concordia-St. Paul on Wednesday at noon.

MINNESOTA STATE SNAPS WSC SEVEN GAME WIN STREAK WITH 6-0 AND 5-4 WINS OVER WILDCATS

March 30-----The Wayne State College softball team had their seven-game win streak come to an end on Friday afternoon as Minnesota State recorded 6-0 and 5-4 wins over the Wildcats at the Pete Chapman Softball Complex in Wayne. The visiting Mavericks have now won six straight, improving to 17-11 overall, while Wayne State slipped to 16-6 on the season.
In the first game, Minnesota State starter Samantha Rohr tossed a three hit shutout with seven strikeouts as the Mavericks topped the Wildcats 6-0. Kiley Peterson recorded two singles for WSC while Kristen Humphries doubled for the only Wildcat hits in the game. Minnesota State scored single runs in the second and fourth innings and added four insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Abby Wagner homered and was 3 for 3 with three RBI to lead the Mavericks’ 12 hit attack in the win. Ashley Jay was 3 for 3 with two RBI and Jess Anderson went 3 for 4 with one run scored for Minnesota State.
Karen Hain (7-3) suffered the pitching loss for Wayne State, allowing four runs (two earned) over six innings with three strikeouts and one walk. Kiley Peterson worked one inning of relief, allowing three hits and two runs, both unearned.
The second game saw Minnesota State edge Wayne State 5-4. The Mavericks held a 3-0 lead entering the bottom of the third inning, but WSC tied the score with three runs in the bottom of the inning as Kristen Humphries drilled a two-run single to center field, scoring Kiley Peterson and Amy Sandstrom. Cassandra Ward then singled to center field to score Caitlin Rowland, making the score 3-3.
Minnesota State regained the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth inning to go in front 5-3. Ward connected on a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning for Wayne State to cut the Maverick lead to 5-4, but that’s as close as the Wildcats would get as they were retired in order against MSU reliever Samantha Rohr and MSU held on for the 5-4 win.
Ward was 2 for 3 with a homer and two RBI to lead Wayne State at the plate as the Wildcats recorded four hits in the game. Humphries added a two-run single and Kiley Peterson singled to account for the other WSC hits.
Hain (7-4) was tagged with the pitching loss, allowing five runs on seven hits over seven innings with four strikeouts and four walks.
Wayne State will play at the Nebraska-Omaha Tournament this weekend. Saturday’s games have already been cancelled due to the weather, but Sunday’s games are still on as scheduled at this time with Wayne State facing Truman State at 11 am and Pittsburg State at 1 pm.

VALERIE ROBINSON NAMED NSIC SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

March 26-----Valerie Robinson of Wayne State College has been named the Northern Sun Conference Softball Player of the Week as announced by the league office Monday afternoon. The freshman shortstop from Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson High School was 9 for 13 (.692) in four games last week as she extended her hitting streak to six games while helping the Wildcats extend their win streak to seven games with sweeps over Mount Marty and South Dakota.
For the week, Robinson had two home runs, one double, five RBI and four runs scored. She recorded a pair of three hit games, going 3 for 4 with a double in a 6-1 win over Mount Marty last Tuesday and then was 3 for 3 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases in a 5-1 win at South Dakota last Wednesday. Robinson is hitting .397 on the season for the surprising Wildcats, who are off to a 16-4 start this season under first year head coach Krista Unger after WSC was just 10-34 last season.
Wayne State will face Chadron State and Peru State in single games on Wednesday afternoon in Cozad, Nebraska.

WSC EXTENDS WIN STREAK TO SEVEN WITH SWEEP AT SOUTH DAKOTA

March 21-----The Wayne State College softball team extended their win streak to seven games Wednesday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep at the University of South Dakota, downing the Coyotes 4-2 and 5-1. WSC improves to 16-4 on the season while dropping USD to 9-13 overall.
In the first game, Sara Salmen doubled twice and scored two of the four runs to power Wayne State in a 4-2 win over the Coyotes. Amy Sandstrom, and Cassandra Ward each went 2 for 4 to help the Wildcats at the plate as WSC out-hit South Dakota 8-6 in the win. WSC took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Caitlin Rowland’s double scored Salmen, who doubled earlier in the inning. The Wildcats built a 3-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning when Salmen doubled to left center, scoring pinch runner Jessi Gatzemeyer followed by an RBI groundout from Sandstrom that scored Salmen to make the score 3-0. USD scored in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 3-1, but WSC added an insurance run in the seventh when Kristen Humphries scored on Cassandra Ward’s RBI double, giving WSC a 4-1 lead. USD scored once in the bottom of the seventh to make the final 4-2.
Karen Hain (7-2) pitched a complete game to earn the win. She allowed just six hits and two runs (one earned) with three strikeouts and one walk.
The second game saw Wayne State score five runs in the final three innings to pull away for a 5-1 win over South Dakota. Trailing 1-0 entering the fifth inning, Wildcat freshman shortstop Valerie Robinson connected on a two-run homer to put WSC ahead 2-1. Cassandra Ward scored in the sixth inning on a wild pitch to give WSC a 3-1 lead then Bre Parks delivered a two-run homer in the seventh to make the final score 5-1. WSC had nine hits in the game just four by the Coyotes. Robinson was 3 for 3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored while Cassandra Ward and Amy Sandstrom each went 2 for 2 at the plate.
Kiley Peterson (9-2) worked the first four innings to get the win while Hain pitched the final three to earn the save.
Wayne State is off until Wednesday March 28 when the Wildcats travel to Cozad, Nebraska to face Chadron State and Peru State in single games.

WILDCATS BELT FIVE HOME RUNS IN SWEEP OVER MOUNT MARTY

March 20------The Wayne State College softball team belted five home runs Tuesday afternoon in a doubleheader sweep over Mount Marty College, 6-0 and 6-1, in games played at the Pete Chapman Softball Complex in Wayne.
Kiley Peterson and Valerie Robinson each connected for three run homers to lead WSC in a 6-0 win over the Lancers in the first game. Peterson’s three run shot in the second put WSC in front 3-0 while Robinson’s three run blast in the fifth inning gave the ‘Cats a 6-0 cushion. Robinson finished the game 2 for 4 with three RBI to lead WSC at the plate as the Wildcats out-hit MMC 7-3. Karen Hain (6-2) worked the first six innings, allowing just three hits, to earn the pitching win recording nine strikeouts on the mound.
The second game saw Kristen Humphries, Bre Parks and Cassandra Ward each hit home runs in the ‘Cats 6-1 win. Humphries and Robinson each went 3 for 4 at the plate to lead Wayne State’s 13 hit attack. Parks finished 2 for 3 with three RBI and two runs scored. Ward and Sara Salmen also finished with two hits apiece for WSC. Kiley Peterson (8-2) pitched four innings to earn the win, allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts.
Wayne State will visit South Dakota for a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Dakota Dome at Vermillion.

HUMPHRIES EARNS NSIC PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

March 19------Kristen Humphries of Wayne State College has been named the Northern Sun Conference Softball Player of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. The senior designated hitter/third baseman, a former all-conference women’s basketball player at Wayne State, was 10 for 20 in six games last week, recording at least one hit in every game. Her best game was a 4 for 4 performance with three RBI in an 11-10 win over Northern State on Saturday at the USD Dome Tournament in Vermillion. For the season, Humphries is hitting .462, going 24 for 52 with three homers and 15 RBI, helping the Wildcats to a 12-4 start. WSC has already surpassed their entire win total from last season when the Wildcats finished with a 10-34 record.
Wayne State will host Mount Marty on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the home opener for the Wildcats.

WILDCATS WIN TWO THRILLERS AT USD DOME TOURNAMENT, NOW 12-4

March 18------The Wayne State College softball team surpassed last season’s win total under first year head coach Krista Unger Sunday evening with a pair of exciting wins at the USD Dakota Dome Tournament in Vermillion. The Wildcats edged Dakota State 4-3, then needed nine innings to outlast Morningside 9-7. WSC is now 12-4 on the season, surpassing last season’s mark of 10-34.
In the win over Dakota State, Wayne State held off a late Trojan rally to pick up the 4-3 win. With WSC leading 4-1 entering the top of the seventh inning, DSU scored twice and had the tying run at third base, but WSC pitcher Karen Hain struck out Dakota State’s Ashlee Kirschenman to end the game, preserving Wayne State’s 4-3 win.
Dakota State out-hit Wayne State 10-6 in the game. Valerie Robinson and Kristen Humphries each went 2 for 3 with Robinson scoring two runs for the Wildcats. Cassandra Ward added a double for WSC.
Hain (4-2) earned the pitching win, throwing a complete game with 11 strikeouts. She allowed just three runs (one earned) on nine hits.
The second game saw Cassandra Ward and Bre Parks hit clutch home runs to lead Wayne State in a 9-7 win over Morningside in nine innings. Ward’s two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning gave WSC a 6-5 lead while Parks’ two-run blast in the top of the ninth put WSC ahead 8-6. Caitlin Rowland also homered for Wayne State in the win.
The Wildcats had 15 hits in the game. Amy Sandstrom, Stacy Shonka, Valerie Robinson, Bre Parks, Cassandra Ward and Caitlin Rowland each recorded two hits to lead a balanced hitting effort for the Wildcats.
Hain (5-2) pitched seven innings to earn the win for WSC. She struck out four while allowing just two runs on five hits.
Wayne State will host Mount Marty College in the home opener on Tuesday afternoon starting at 3:00 p.m.

WAYNE STATE SPLITS HIGH-SCORING GAMES AT DAKOTA DOME TOURNAMENT

March 17------The Wayne State College softball team split a pair of games during the opening day of the USD Dome Tournament in Vermillion, South Dakota on Saturday, falling to South Dakota 11-6 while outlasting Northern State in nine innings 11-10.
In the first game, South Dakota scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to come up with an 11-6 win over the Wildcats. WSC got off to a quick start, leading 6-2 after 2 ½ innings, but the host Coyotes scored twice in the third inning and fifth inning to tie the score at 6-6, then plated five runs in the bottom of the sixth to record the 11-6 win.
USD held an 11-7 advantage in hits over the Wildcats. Senior right fielder Stacy Shonka was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored to lead WSC in hitting. Amy Sandstrom added a two-run double, Bre Parks connected on a RBI triple and Kristen Humphries added an RBI single for the Wildcats.
Karen Hain (2-2) was tagged with the pitching loss, allowing five runs on five hits over 3 1/3 innings.
The second game saw Caitlin Rowland deliver a single to right field with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring Sara Salmen with the game-winning run, as Wayne State won a wild 11-10, nine-inning contest over Northern State in a game that lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Kristen Humphries was 4 for 4 with three RBI’s to lead Wayne State’s 12 hit attack at the plate. Rowland finished the game 2 for 5 with three runs scored, including the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. Amy Sandstrom was 2 for 3 with a triple and four RBI’s. Cassandra Ward also had two hits for the Wildcats.
Karen Hain (3-2) was the winning pitcher, working six innings. Kiley Peterson pitched three innings for the ‘Cats.
Wayne State is now 10-4 on the season and will play in the Dakota Dome Tournament conclude play at the Dakota Dome Tournament in Vermillion on Sunday, playing Dakota State and Morningside starting at 3:30 p.m.

WILDCATS EARN SPLIT AT MISSOURI WESTERN

March 14-----The Wayne State College softball team split a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Missouri. The host Griffons won the first game 3-2 with Wayne State taking the nightcap 3-0.
In the first game, Missouri Western scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to rally for a 3-2 win over the Wildcats. The Griffons had one more hit than Wayne State, 5-4. Freshman catcher Cassandra Ward connected on a solo home run in the fourth inning to put WSC in front 1-0. Amy Sandstrom singled to lead off the fifth inning and scored on a fielding error by Missouri Western to give the ‘Cats a 2-0 lead. But Missouri Western used three hits to score three runs in the bottom of the sixth to pick up the 3-2 win.
Ward’s solo homer was the biggest of Wayne State’s four hits in the game. Kiley Peterson added a double for WSC. Peterson was tagged with the pitching loss despite yielding just three runs on five hits over six innings of work with two strikeouts and no walks.
The second game saw Karen Hain and Kiley Peterson team up on a five hit shutout as the Wildcats posted a 3-0 win. Hain worked six innings allowing five hits while Peterson worked a perfect seventh inning to record the save. Offensively, Kristen Humphries belted a solo homer in the fourth inning to give WSC a 1-0 lead. The ‘Cats added two more runs in the sixth inning when Valerie Robinson scored on a Missouri Western throwing error and Sara Salmen’s RBI double drove in Bre Parks to account for the Wildcat runs.
WSC had four hits in the game. Humphries had a solo home run, Salmen doubled while Robinson and Amy Sandstrom each singled.
Wayne State is now 9-3 on the season and will play in the Dakota Dome Tournament at the University of South Dakota on Saturday and Sunday.

WSC CLOSES SPRING TRIP WITH 8-2 MARK AFTER WINS OVER ST. ANSELM AND BRIDGEPORT

March 9-----The Wayne State College softball team finished a very successful spring trip to Fort Myers, Florida Friday afternoon with two more wins at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Tournament as the Wildcats blanked St. Anselm of New Hampshire 9-0 and defeated the University of Bridgeport (Conn.) 5-2. WSC finished the week-long tournament with an 8-2 record to start the 2007 season.
In the St. Anselm win, Cassandra Ward, Sara Salmen and Kiley Peterson each recorded two hits in the 9-0 win. Peterson and Karen Hain shared pitching duties with Peterson earning the win while Hain notched a save.
The second game saw the Wildcats score five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to rally for a 5-2 win over the University of Bridgeport. WSC had all four hits in the game during the key sixth inning rally. Kristen Humphries single drove in two runs while Caitlin Rowland, Amy Sandstrom and Stacy Shonka also recorded hits for the Wildcats. Kiley Peterson pitched a complete game to earn the win for Wayne State.
Wayne State’s schedule for early next week has been adjusted due to wet field conditions in Wayne. Tuesday’s scheduled home doubleheader vs. Nebraska-Kearney at 2:00 p.m. has been postponed until a later date while Wednesday’s doubleheader against Missouri Western has been moved to St. Joseph, Missouri and will start at 2:00 p.m.

WILDCATS USE LATE RALLIES TO BEAT QUINCY AND HOLY FAMILY

March 8-----The Wayne State College softball team used a pair of late inning rallies to beat Quincy College of Illinois and Holy Family University of Pennsylvania Thursday afternoon at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida. The Wildcats scored five runs in the sixth inning to nip Quincy College 8-7 and then plated two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Holy Family 4-3 to avenge a 9-7 loss to the same team on Monday.
In the Quincy win, freshman catcher Cassandra Ward (Waverly) went 3 for 3 with a double and two RBI’s to lead a balanced hitting attack for the Wildcats. Valerie Robinson and Amy Sandstrom each produced two hits while Dawn Spale and Stacy Shonka each recorded one hit for WSC. Karen Hain was the winning pitcher in relief of starter Kiley Peterson.
Senior Bre Parks laced a bases-loaded, two run double with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Wayne State the come-from-behind win over Holy Family. Kristen Humphries (Omaha Burke) went 2 for 2 with a triple to lead the Wildcats in hitting while Amy Sandstrom and Valerie Robinson also recorded two hits apiece. Kiley Peterson earned the pitching win, tossing a complete game with four strikeouts for WSC.
Wayne State, 6-2 on the season, will conclude play Friday morning at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Florida with games against St. Anselm College of New Hampshire and the University of Bridgeport from Connecticut.

WSC PRODUCES 22 RUNS AND 25 HITS IN TWO WINS OVER ST. ANSELM, DOMINICAN COLLEGE IN FLORIDA

March 6----The Wayne State College softball team scored 22 runs on 25 hits in two games Tuesday to post a pair of wins at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida. The Wildcats blanked St. Anselm College of New Hampshire in the first game 9-0 and later outscored Dominican College of New York 13-5.
In the St. Anselm win, Stacy Shonka, Valerie Robinson, Kristen Humphries and Caitlin Rowland each produced two hits to lead a 10-hit attack for the Wildcats. Kiley Peterson and Karen Hain combined on a shutout on the mound with Peterson getting the win, improving to 3-1 on the season.
The second game saw Wayne State record 15 hits in a 13-5 win over Dominican College of New York. Kristen Humphries was a perfect 3 for 3 with two triples to pace Wayne State at the plate. Kiley Peterson and Caitlin Rowland also recorded three hits apiece in the win while Amy Sandstrom went 2 for 3. Peterson earned the pitching win with Karen Hain being credited with a save.
Wayne State, 4-2 on the season, will continue play on Thursday at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Florida with games against Quincy College of Illinois and Holy Family University of Pennsylvania.

WILDCATS DROP TWO ON SECOND DAY OF FLORIDA SPRING BREAK TRIP

March 5-----The Wayne State College softball team dropped two games Monday at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Softball Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida. The ‘Cats lost to Grand Valley State of Michigan in the first game of the day 7-0 then fell to Holy Family University of Pennsylvania 9-7.
In the Grand Valley State contest, the Wildcats fell 7-0 despite recording seven hits in the game. Sophomore Amy Sandstrom (Millard North) had two hits to lead Wayne State. Stacy Shonka, Bre Parks, Valerie Robinson, Dawn Spale and Kiley Peterson also had singles for the Wildcats. Kiley Peterson (2-1) suffered the pitching loss for WSC, working all seven innings. She allowed seven runs (four earned) on 12 hits with six strikeouts and two walks.
The second game saw Holy Family edge Wayne State 9-7 despite three hits from Sandstrom, which included a triple. Senior Kristen Humphries was 2 for 4 with a home run and triple while Caitlin Rowland contributed two hits for the Wildcats, who finished the game with 11 hits. Karen Hain (0-1) was tagged with the pitching loss for the Wildcats.
Wayne State, 2-2 on the season, will continue play on Tuesday at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Florida with games against St. Anselm College of New Hampshire and Dominican College of New York.

WAYNE STATE OPENS SEASON WITH PAIR OF WINS IN FLORIDA

March 4-----The Wayne State College softball team won a pair of games to open the season Sunday afternoon at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida in head coach Krista Unger’s debut as Wildcat mentor. WSC opened the day with a 6-1 win over Dominican College of New York and later nipped Wilmington College of Delaware 7-5.
In the win over Dominican College, sophomore outfielder Amy Sandstrom (Millard North) went 2 for 4 with two RBI’s to lead a nine-hit attack for the Wildcats. Freshman Valerie Robinson (Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson HS) and sophomore Caitlin Rowland (Milford) each added two hits for Wayne State in support of winning pitcher Kiley Peterson. The sophomore from Utica Centennial tossed a complete game to earn the win, allowing just three hits for the Wildcats.
The second game saw Breann Parks club a grand slam to lead the Wildcats in a 7-5 win over Wilmington College of Delaware. Senior Kristen Humphries (Omaha Burke) was 2 for 4 to lead Wayne State, who finished the game with six hits. Kiley Peterson earned the pitching win with senior Karen Hain earning the save.
Wayne State will continue play on Monday at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Florida with games against Grand Valley State of Michigan and Holy Family University of Pennsylvania.

WILDCATS SELECTED SEVENTH IN NSIC PRESEASON COACHES POLL

February 14-----The Wayne State College softball team was picked to finish seventh in the 2007 Northern Sun Conference Preseason Softball Coaches poll as released Wednesday afternoon by the league office in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Wildcats received 45 votes in voting tabulated by the league coaches. In 2006, Wayne State finished 6-8 in league play and 10-34 overall. The Wildcats finished in a tie for fifth in the 2006 NSIC Tournament.
Defending league champion Southwest Minnesota State was selected as the team to beat this season, earning seven first-place votes and 88 points. Winona State was a close second with 84 points and the remaining three first-place votes. Concordia-St. Paul was third with 69 points, followed by MSU Moorhead (66), Upper Iowa (54), University of Mary (51), Wayne State (45), Northern State (36), Bemidji State (29) and Minnesota, Crookston (18).
Second baseman Bre Parks and pitcher Karen Hain were selected as Wayne State players to watch in the NSIC this season. Parks, a senior from Kansas City, Mo., led Wayne State in most offensive categories last season to earn First Team All-NSIC honors. She hit .339 while starting all 44 games for the Wildcats, recording 42 hits, 19 runs scored 12 RBI’s and eight stolen bases. Hain, a senior from Bee, Neb. (Seward HS), was 6-19 last season on the mound with a 3.84 ERA. She struck out 78 batters while tossing 20 complete games.
Wayne State opens the 2007 season at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida on March 4 facing Dominican College of New York.

WAYNE STATE ANNOUNCES EIGHT RECRUITS DURING EARLY SIGNING PERIOD

November 17-----Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced that eight recruits (seven high school players and one transfer) will attend Wayne State College and play softball for the Wildcats. The eight recruits signed with Wayne State College during the early NCAA signing period. They include Amber Baird and Sam Earleywine of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; Hannah Engelkamp of Omaha, Nebraska; Katie Goetzinger (Gut-zing-er) of Harlan, Iowa; Allison Padomek (Puh-doe-meck) of Sioux City, Iowa; Alaina Novotny of Omaha, Nebraska; Jennifer Radley of Des Moines, Iowa and Amy Sandstrom, a Millard North graduate in Omaha who is transferring to Wayne State from Division I Loyola University of Chicago. Sandstrom will be eligible to play for the Wildcats in the 2007 season while the rest of the recruits are high school seniors and will join the Wildcats for the 2007-08 season.
“I am very thrilled with the recruiting class we have coming in for next year,” commented Unger. “All of these student-athletes are driven to succeed both on and off the field. With their winning attitudes and work ethics, the outlook for the Wildcat softball program looks promising.”
Amber Baird, a right-handed pitcher from Sergeant Bluff-Luton HS in Iowa, is a two-time All-Conference pitcher who led her team to a fourth place finish at last summer’s Iowa Class 2A State Tournament. She earned Northwest All-District Team honors this year and was named Most Valuable Pitcher at the 2006 Wayne State camp. She was 25-11 with a 1.85 ERA and 156 strikeouts while hitting .400 at the plate with three homers, four triples and 27 RBI’s.
Samantha Earleywine, a catcher from Sergeant Bluff-Luton HS in Iowa, is a five-year starter in softball, earning All-State honors as a junior after hitting .462 with a school record 66 hits. As an eighth-grader, Earleywine earned Second Team All-Conference and Fifth Team All-State honors. She is a three-time All-District catcher and led her team to a fourth place finish in the Iowa Class 2A State Tournament last summer.
Hannah Engelkamp, a utility player from Omaha Skutt High School, is a three-year starter for the Skyhawks, hitting .380 this past season to earn All-River Cities Conference honors. She also excels in basketball and track and field, starting two seasons in both sports.
Katie Goetzinger, a pitcher from Harlan Community HS in Iowa, earned First Team Class 3A All-State honors in Iowa last summer leading her team to the state runner up spot. She was 41-8 with a 0.39 ERA while striking out 463 batters in 339 innings pitched with four no-hitters. Goetzinger was named to the Iowa Class 3A All-Tournament Team and was selected honorary captain of the Omaha World Herald’s All-Western Iowa Team. She is a three-year starter for Harlan entering her senior season.
Alaina Novotny, a third baseman from Millard North High School in Omaha, is a four-year starter who earned All-State, All-Conference and All-Metro honors this past season, helping her team qualify for the Class A State Tournament. Novotny was a Class A honorable mention all-state selection three seasons before earning All-State honors this season for the Mustangs.
Allison Padomek, an outfielder from Sioux City East HS in Iowa, is a three year starter and a two-time All-Conference selection after hitting .385 last summer as a junior with five home runs and 26 RBI’s. She was named to the Iowa Class 4A All-District team last season. Padomek also excelled in volleyball, starting three years for the Black Raiders and setting a new single season assist record this season with 730 set assists.
Jennifer Radley, a first baseman/utility player from Des Moines East HS in Iowa, is a two-year starter and four year letterwinner who hit a walk off home run to lead her team to the Iowa Class 4A State Championship in 2006. Radley hit .319 with two homers, eight doubles and a .513 slugging percentage last summer with 36 hits. Radley also excels in volleyball, earning First Team All Metro Conference honors in 2006 as a three-year starter.
Amy Sandstrom, an outfielder from Loyola University in Chicago, is a Millard North graduate who is transferring to Wayne State after one season as a Division I player. At Millard North, Sandstrom was a two-year starter and an all-state honorable mention performer.

WILDCATS ADD TWO PLAYERS TO 2006 RECRUITING CLASS

August 8-----Wayne State College head softball coach Krista Unger has announced the addition of two players to the 2006 recruiting class, Mickayla Montalvo (pronounced mon-tal-vo) of Papillion, Nebraska and Jami Worrall (prounounced wur-ull) of Peru, Iowa. They will join Valerie Robinson (Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson HS in Iowa) and Cassandra Ward (Waverly, Neb.) as other members of the Wildcats’ 2006 recruiting class.
Montalvo is a utility player from Papillion-LaVista South High School, where she was a three-year starter and letter winner helping her team to a district championship and third place finish at the 2005 Class A state softball tournament. Montalvo is the daughter of Mary Jane Montalvo from Papillion and will major in pre-medicine at Wayne State College.
Worrall, an outfielder/pitcher, is a transfer from Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa and a graduate of Winterset High School in Winterset, Iowa. Worrall hit .320 this past season at Southwestern CC to earn honorable mention All-Region XI honors for the second straight season. She also earned Academic All-Region honors to go with the team’s outstanding hitter and offensive player of the year awards. In high school, Worrall hit .433 as a senior to earn All-State utility player honors, helping Winterset to a third place finish at the Iowa Class 3A state softball tournament and a 43-4 overall record in 2004. Worrall is the daughter of Doug and Paula Worrall of Peru, Iowa and will major in elementary education at Wayne State.
The two players joining the WSC softball program are the first recruits under new head softball coach Krista Unger. Wayne State College is an NCAA Division II school located in Wayne, Nebraska and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

KRISTA UNGER NAMED SOFTBALL COACH AT WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

June 19-----Wayne State College athletic director Eric Schoh announced today the hiring of Krista Unger as the head softball coach at WSC. Unger, who will begin her duties on July 1, comes to Wayne State after the past two seasons as an assistant coach at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and becomes the 12th head coach in the 35 year history of the Wildcat softball program.
“We are excited to have Krista join our staff,” commented Schoh. “She was a winner as a player and I’m confident those same results will follow her as a head coach.”
Unger recently completed her second season at St. Cloud State University. In her two seasons at the school, the Huskies notched records of 34-25 (2005) and 33-24 (2006), finishing second and third respectively in the North Central Conference.
Unger is a native of Missouri Valley, Iowa and a 2004 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where she was a standout pitcher helping the Mavericks to the NCAA Division II national championship in 2001. Unger was a four-year starter and a three-time All-NCC performer at UNO. She is the all-time winningest pitcher in UNO history with 106 wins and 530 strikeouts and ranks second in career shutouts with 43. Unger also excelled in the classroom at Nebraska-Omaha, earning three All-NCC Academic awards.
“I’m excited to be part of the Wayne State College athletic family,” said Unger. “I hope that my playing and coaching experiences will help turnaround the Wildcat softball program. My goal is to turn Wayne State into a winning program and contend for a conference championship, which will lead to competing for a spot in the regional tournament.”
While attending UNO, Unger also served as the JV-varsity pitching coach at Omaha Gross High School in 2003 and at state tournament qualifying Omaha Westside High School in 2004. She received her bachelors of science in physical education K-12 with an endorsement in coaching from UNO in 2004 and earned her masters degree in sports management from St. Cloud State in May, 2006.
Unger replaces Jon Misfeldt, who was dismissed on April 28 after serving as head coach for seven seasons at Wayne State College with a 140-197 record. The Wildcats finished the 2006 season with a 10-34 mark, including a 6-8 record in the Northern Sun Conference.

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