The UW softball team's trip to the University of Texas-El Paso over the weekend began and ended in losses but in between they showed resiliency and a lineup that could be dangerous when conference play rolls around.
The star of the weekend was outfielder Katie Hnatyk. The junior from Ontario hit four home runs in five games, collected 13 RBIs and scored seven runs. Hnatyk had 11 hits in her 14 at-bats and is looking for a third straight season on the All-Big Ten team.
The Badgers began the UTEP invitational by losing to Utah 7-1 Friday. Senior starting pitcher Eden Brock was hit hard giving up three home runs but did strikeout six batters. The only Badger run came off a Hnatyk double which scored senior leadoff hitter Samantha Polito.
Later that evening, the Badgers would strike back in a big way, crushing Northern Colorado 17-0. Hnatyk set the school record for home runs with her 21st career homer. Senior designated hitter Stephanie Chinn had four RBIs and four runs while Brock combined with sophomore Leah Vanevenhoven for a one-hitter over five innings.
The Badgers continued their hot hitting against Buffalo, downing the Bulls 13-3. Brock fanned eight batters and notched win number 52 of her career.
Wisconsin jumped out to a four-run lead in the first and added two in the third to put the game fully out of reach. Junior second baseman Ricci Robben knocked in four runs and junior catcher Joey Daniels scored three times.
The Badgers closed out round robin play by beating host UTEP 3-0 Saturday afternoon. Freshman Letty Olivarez tossed a four-hit shutout, striking out seven and only allowing six baserunners.
Wisconsin scored on a sacrifice fly by Daniels in the first and added two on Hnatyk's home run in the fifth. Junior shortstop Lynn Anderson made an excellent defensive play in the sixth to get a ball in the hole and gun down Kelly Lombard at first.
The 3-1 record in the round robin earned the Badgers a rematch against UTEP in which Wisconsin did not fare as well, losing 9-2. Miners pitcher Nicole Tunget bounced back from her first loss of the season to get the win, allowing only two runs in six innings.
UTEP's offense came back with a vengeance, putting up 12 hits and knocking Brock out in the fourth inning. The Badgers committed four errors which led to three unearned runs.
UTEP went on to beat Utah 3-2 and take the tournament title.
Robben hit .538 for the tournament with two home runs and six RBIs. She is now hitting .393 on the season and is second on the team in hits, home runs, RBIs and walks.
Next weekend the Badgers will go to Woodstock, Ga. for the Georgia Tech Classic.
—uwbadgers.com
contributed to this report.
