Rudiger Named to CoSIDA All-District V
Second Academic All-America Team

May 7, 2009

Falcon softball player, Mindy Rudiger (Sr., Menomonie, Wis.), has been named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) second District V All-Academic team.

Rudiger had an outstanding career both on the field and in the classroom at UWRF. She was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete in 2007 and 2008. She has been named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Rolls in all three years of her collegiate career. She has been on the UWRF Dean's List for five semesters. Rudiger has also been actively involved in several on and off campus organizations. She was a member of the UWRF Student Athlete Advisory Committee for three years and was the University's representative at the WIAC SAAC meeting in the fall of 2008. She chaired SAAC's Soles for Souls committee and was a member of the Trick or Treat for Canned Goods the past two years. Since 2006 she has been a volunteer with the River Falls Big Brother, Big Sister program, and a YMCA volunteer and youth basketball coach. Rudiger has been a tutor in the River Falls school district and a teacher's assistant at the UWRF CHILD care center.

Rudiger is an elementary education major with a 3.601 grade point average. She is working on a coaching minor.

Rudiger was named to the first All-WIAC softball teams in each of the last three seasons and earned honorable mention in 2006. She was named to the second NFCA All-Great Lakes Region team in 2009 and to the organization's third team in 2008. She holds several Falcon career records. This year she hit 12 home runs which ties her for the UWRF single season mark. She has hit 38 career homers and that ties her for the WIAC career mark. Rudiger has scored 171 career runs and has 142 RBI and those marks are second and third respectively in the WIAC career records book. She hit .410 this year and led the Falcons in hits (59), doubles (11), slugging percentage (.736) and RBI (56). She is the Falcon career leader in at bats (562), runs (171), hits (208) home runs (38), RBI (142) and walks (96). She is second in career hitting with a .370 average. Rudiger started and played in every game in her UWRF career (171). The Falcons finished the 2009 season with a 27-16 overall record.

Rudiger is a two-sport student-athlete at UWRF. She has earned four letters in both tennis and softball. In tennis she was a team co-captain this year and placed second at No. 6 singles at the WIAC Meet in October. She earned All-WIAC second team honors. In 2006 she won the team's Most Valuable Player award after earning All-WIAC second team honors in doubles. In 2005 she was named the team's Most Improved Player. Rudiger finished her career with a 34-25 singles record.

Recently Rudiger earned the UW-River Falls Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.

The district V team is comprised of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA student-athletes from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota and is voted on by CoSIDA members.

The Academic All-America program honors male and female student-athletes annually who have succeeded at the highest level on the playing field and in the classroom. Individuals are selected through voting by CoSIDA, a 2,000 member organization consisting of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

To be eligible for the CoSIDA Academic All-American team, a student-athletes must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.

Falcon Statistics

Six Falcons Named to All-WIAC Teams

May 6, 2009

Six Falcons were named to 2009 All-WIAC softball teams.

Shortstop Mindy Rudiger (Sr., Menomonie, Wis.), center fielder Jessica Lundgren (Jr., Cushing, Wis. St. Croix Falls HS) and first baseman Sarah Fern (Fr., Brooklyn Center, Minn. Park Center HS) were all named to the first team. Left fielder Rachel Mathias (Sr., Ripon, Wis.) and pitcher Rose Tusa (Fr., Roseville, Minn. St. Anthony Village HS) both earned honorable mention. Second baseman Cassie Peterson (Sr., New Richmond, Wis.) was named to the All-Sportsmanship team. The team is selected in a vote by the league coaches.

"I am very pleased with the All-Conference selections for UWRF. Each one of the Falcons named to the team are hard-working student-athletes that are very deserving of the recognition they have received," said Falcon Coach Jody Gabriel.

Rudiger, who was named to the first team in 2007 and 2008 and earned honorable mention in 2006, holds several Falcon career records. This year she hit 12 home runs which ties her for the UWRF single season mark. She has hit 38 career homers and that ties her for the WIAC career mark. Rudiger has scored 171 career runs and has 142 RBI and those marks are second and third respectively in the WIAC career records book. She hit .410 this year and led the Falcons in hits (59), doubles (11), slugging percentage (.736) and RBI (56). She is the Falcon career leader in at bats (562), runs (171), hits (208) home runs (38), RBI (142) and walks (96). She is second in career hitting with a .370 average. Rudiger started and played in every game in her UWRF career (171).

Lundgren led the Falcons with a .419 average this year. The slap hitter also led the team in runs (49), sacrifices (16) and stolen bases (21). She has led the Falcons in stolen bases the past two years and has 49 in her career. Lundgren has a .356 career batting average. She started all 43 games.

Fern was one of only two freshmen named to the first All-WIAC team. She was third in hitting with a .398 average. She started in all 43 games this year and finished with 10 runs scored, five doubles, five homers and 51 RBI. She had a .549 slugging percentage. She made just two errors in the field and led the Falcons with a .992 fielding average. She also led the Falcons with a .481 on-base percentage.

Mathias started all 43 games for the Falcons and hit .286. She scored 18 runs and had three doubles and three homers. She had 23 RBI and had a .393 slugging percentage. She stole three bases. Mathias finished her career with a .282 batting average. She scored 71 runs and had 18 doubles, three triples and eight home runs. She finished with 60 RBI.

Tusa, a right-handed pitcher, had a solid freshman campaign. She led the Falcons with a 13-4 record and a 3.05 ERA. She appeared in 26 games and pitched a team high 105.2 innings. She struck out 116 and walked 43. Opponents hit .241 against her. She also hit .309 with four doubles, two homers and 12 RBI. She scored 11 runs and had a .432 slugging percentage. Tusa was perfect in the field handling 34 chances with no errors.

Peterson was named to the All-Sportsmanship team for the second straight year. She started all 43 games for the Falcons and hit .262. The slap hitter had one double and 15 RBI. She scored 15 runs. Peterson finished her career with a .246 average with 36 runs scored and 25 RBI.

The Falcons finished 27-16 overall and 8-8 in the WIAC. The Falcons advanced to the WIAC Tournament where they finished 3-2. UWRF defeated No. 20 ranked Eau Claire, 7-6, and No. 4 ranked Whitewater, 5-2, at the tourney.

Falcon Schedule
Falcon Statistics

Three Falcons Named to NFCA
All-Great Lakes Region Teams

May 5, 2009

Three Falcons were named to 2009 National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region teams.

First baseman Sarah Fern (Fr., Brooklyn Center, Minn. Park Center HS) was named to the first team. Shortstop Mindy Rudiger (Sr., Menomonie, Wis.) and center fielder Jessica Lundgren (Jr., Cushing, Wis. St. Croix Falls HS) were both named to the second team.

Fern was third in hitting for the Falcons with a .398 average. She started in all 43 games this year and finished with 10 runs scored, five doubles, five homers and 51 RBI. She had a .549 slugging percentage. She made just two errors in the field and led the Falcons with a .992 fielding average. She also led the Falcons with a .481 on-base percentage.

Rudiger, who was named to the third team in 2008, holds several Falcon career records. This year she hit 12 home runs which ties her for the UWRF single season mark. She has hit 38 career homers and that ties her for the WIAC career mark. Rudiger has scored 171 career runs and has 142 RBI and those marks are second and third respectively in the WIAC career records book. She hit .410 this year and led the Falcons in hits (59), doubles (11), slugging percentage (.736) and RBI (56). She is the Falcon career leader in at bats (562), runs (171), hits (208) home runs (38), RBI (142) and walks (96). She is second in career hitting with a .370 average. Rudiger started and played in every game in her UWRF career (171).

Lundgren led the Falcons with a .419 average this year. The slap hitter also led the team in runs (49), sacrifices (16) and stolen bases (21). She has led the Falcons in stolen bases the past two years and has 49 in her career. Lundgren has a .356 career batting average. She started all 43 games.

The Falcons finished 27-16 overall and 8-8 in the WIAC. The Falcons advanced to the WIAC Tournament where they finished 3-2. UWRF defeated No. 20 ranked Eau Claire, 7-6, and No. 4 ranked Whitewater, 5-2, at the tourney.

Falcon Schedule
Falcon Statistics

Falcons Win Twice, But Are Eliminated
From WIAC Tourney After Loss to UWS

May 2, 2009

The Falcon softball team won two of three games on Saturday at the WIAC Tournament, but with the loss were eliminated from play.

The Falcons opened with a 10-5 win over Stevens Point, and then beat No. 4 ranked Whitewater, 5-2. But UWRF lost a 9-3 decision to Superior. Superior proved to be the difference in the tourney for the Falcons as UWRF lost twice to the host school in the double elimination event.

River Falls 10, Stevens Point 5
The Falcons scored 10 runs on 11 hits and made one error. UWSP scored five runs on 12 hits and made three errors. UWRF scored once in the first, five times in the second, once in the fourth and three times in the sixth. UWSP scored single runs in the second and fourth innings and three in the third.

Sarah Fern and Rose Tusa were both 3-4 for the Falcons. Tusa also scored a run and had a double. Fern  knocked in four runs and also doubled. She hit a bases loaded double in the fifth to score three runners. Mindy Rudiger was 2-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. She also had a double. Patty Olson, who was 1-3, scored three times and Jessica Lundgren, who was 1-5 scored twice. Cassie Peterson had two RBI and was 1-4. Rachel Mathias had the other Falcon RBI.

Tusa got the win on the mound. She started and worked the first inning, and then re-entered the game later. She pitched five and one-third innings and allowed six hits and just one earned run. She struck out seven and walked three. Heidi Emmer pitched one and two-thirds innings and allowed four earned runs. She allowed six hits and struck out two. She did not walk a batter.
 
River Falls 5, Whitewater 2
The Falcons put together a great game in the win over UWW. The Warhawks had beat the Falcons twice earlier in the season. But the Falcons got revenge in the elimination game.

UWRF scored five runs on seven hits and made three errors. UWW scored two runs on seven hits and they made five errors. The Falcons scored two runs in the first and second innings and a single run in the fourth. UWW scored single runs in the first and third innings.

The Falcons two first inning runs were unearned. Olson led off the game with a single to right and Lundgren was hit by a pitch. Rudiger advanced the two runners with a sacrifice bunt. After an out, Jamie Klein hit a sharp grounder to the pitcher, who threw wild to first base allowing Olson and Lundgren to score.

UWRF used the long ball to put two more runs up in the second. With out out, Tusa homered to straight away center field. It was her second homer of the season. After a second out, Olson hit a line drive homer to left. It was her first collegiate round tripper.

Leading 4-2, the Falcons added the final run of the game in the fourth and once again it was an unearned run. Peterson led off the inning reaching first on an error. Tusa also reached first on another error and the runners advanced to third and second on the play. Mathias then put down a bunt single to score Peterson from third.

Olson was 3-4 at the plate with two runs scored and one RBI. Tusa was 2-3 with a run scored and one RBI. Lundgren and Mathias had the other Falcon hits. Mathias also had a RBI.

Tusa pitched another great game for the Falcons to get the win. She went the distance and allowed two unearned runs. She allowed seven hits and one walk and struck out five.

Superior 9, River Falls 3
The Falcons were eliminated from play with the loss to the Jackets. UWS scored nine runs on 11 hits and made no errors. UWRF scored three runs on seven hits and made one error. The Falcons scored all of their runs in the first. UWS scored single runs in the first and second, four in the fourth and three in the fifth.

Rudiger finished 1-3 with a run scored and two RBI. She knocked in two runs in the first with a double off the right field fence. The hit scored both Olson and Lundgren who led off the games with singles. With two out, Dana Book singled to drive home Rudiger with UWRF’s third run. Fern, Klein and Tusa, who doubled, also had hits for the Falcons.

UWS broke the game open in the fourth with a grand slam home run.

Tusa started on the mound and worked the first three innings. She allowed two earned runs on three hits. She walked one and struck out two. Emmer pitched the next inning and took the loss. She is now 3-4. She allowed seven earned runs on five hits. She walked one. Klein pitched the last three innings and allowed no runs and three hits. She struck out two and didn’t walk a batter.

UWRF ends its season with a 27-16 overall record.

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Fall in Round Two

May 1, 2009

The Falcons pulled off a 7-6 first round win against Eau Claire but were shut out in the second round 7-0 against Superior Friday at the WIAC Conference Tournament in Superior.

Falcons 7, Eau Claire 6

Starting pitcher Rosa Tusa did it all for the Falcons, going 3 for 4 at the plate and pitching six solid innings. Sara Fern knocked in four with a grand slam that helped motivate a Falcon offense.

The Falcons pounded out ten hits for seven runs and committed two errors in the field. Eau Claire knocked in six runs on six hits while committing three errors in the field.
The Falcons seven runs came with five in the third and two in the fifth. Eau Claire scored a trio of runs in the second, third, and sixth innings.

The Falcons offense was jump started in the top of the third inning. Patty Olson and Jessica Lundgren both reached on errors. Mindy Rudiger walked to load up the bases. Sara Fern came the plate and knocked out her fifth homerun of the season that cleared the bases and gave the Falcons a 4-2 lead. With the bases loaded again, Tusa singled in a run to put the Falcons up 5-2.

Eau Claire cut their deficit to one with an RBI single in the third, making it 5-4 Falcons.

Dana Book singled with one out to start the Falcon fifth and advanced to second on a Cassie Peterson ground out. Tusa knocked in Book and advanced to second on the throw. Rachel Mathias singled and later scored on a Patty Olson double making it 7-4 Falcons.

Eau Claire put in a final threat, scoring twice in the bottom of the sixth but came up short and the Falcons held on for the 7-6 win.

Tusa picked up the win for the Falcons and improved to 11-3 on the season. She went the distance, going seven innings and allowing five earned runs. She struck out seven and walked six.

Superior 7, Falcons 0

The Falcons only scrapped up four hits as they were shut out 7-0 in the night cap.

The game was close until the fifth. Superior scored a single run in the first and added five in the fourth.  They tallied a single run in the sixth en route to a 7-0 win.

Neither player recorded more than a single hit for either team.
Tusa was tagged for the loss for the Falcons. She allowed four earned through  three and a third innings in the circle. She struck out five and walked one as she fell to 11-4 on the season. Klein relived her and allowed two earned on three hits in two-thirds innings. Heidi Emmer allowed one run and stuck out one in two innings pitched.

With the loss, the Falconsdropped to the loser’s bracket and will face Stevens Point tomorrow at 11 a.m. If the Falcons lose, they are out of the tournament.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Win Two at St. Mary's;
Rudiger Ties WIAC Career Home Run Record

April 28, 2009

The Falcon softball team swept two games at St. Mary's on Tuesday afternoon.

The Falcons won the first game, 7-5, and the second game, 11-10.

River Falls 7, St. Mary's 5

The Falcons scored seven runs on 16 hits and made one error. UWRF scored one run in the first and six in the fourth. SMU scored five runs on six hits and they made one error. The Cardinals scored twice in the fourth and three times in the fifth.

The Falcons scored an unearned run in the first. Patty Olson led off the inning with a single to center and she was sacrificed to second by Jessica Lundgren. Mindy Rudiger then singled up the middle and Olson scored on an error by the center fielder on the play.

UWRF exploded for six runs in the fourth after there were two outs. With one out Jamie Klein singled to center and Dana Book followed that with a single to the left side that put runners on first and second. After a second out, Rose Tusa singled to center to score Klein. Rachel Mathias followed that with a single to center that scored Book. Olson then doubled to center to score Tusa and put runners on second and third. Lundgren then reached on an infield hit and Mathias scored on the play. Rudiger was up next and singled to center to score both Olson and Lundgren with the final runs of the inning. UWRF sent 11 batters to the plate.

Rudiger finished 3-4 with two RBI. Five other Falcons had two hits each - Olson, Fern, Klein, Book and Tusa. Olson, Lundgren, Tusa and Mathias each had RBI and Olson scored twice.

Tusa, who earned the win, started on the mound and pitched the first three innings. She allowed no runs and just one hit, a single. She walked one and struck out one. Klein pitched the fourth inning and allowed two runs and two hits. She walked one. Heidi Emmer pitched the fifth inning and allowed three earned runs on three hits. She walked one and struck out one. Tusa re-entered the game in the sixth and pitched the final two innings. She didn't allow a hit. She walked two and struck out five to get the win.

River Falls 11, St. Mary's 10

Mindy Rudiger hit her second homer of the game, a three-run shot in the seventh, that helped UWRF to the 11-10 win. It was Rudiger's 12th home run of the season which ties her own record for homers in a season.

The home run was the 38th of her career and ties Rudiger for the lead in career homers in the WIAC. Eau Claire's Casey Leisgang (2005-08) and Superior's Sarah Tarasewicz (2002-05) also had 38 career homers.

Game two was a wide open offensive affair. The two teams combined for 32 hits with the Falcons finishing with 17. Both teams made two errors in the field.

The Falcons scored five runs in the first, two in the second, one in the fifth and three in the seventh. The Cardinals scored once in the first, four times in the second and five times in the third.

The Cardinals trailed 5-1 after the first inning and 7-5 after two. But by the end of the third inning they held a 10-7 lead.

The Falcons scored five runs in the first inning to take an early lead. Klein knocked in Olson and Rudiger with a single up the middle. Cassie Peterson singled up the middle with one out and scored Fern from third. Tusa then doubled to right center to score Klein and put runners on second and third. Mathias scored Peterson on a fielder's choice to end the scoring in the inning.

The Falcons added two runs in the second when Rudiger hit her 11th homer of the season. Lundgren also scored on the homer after she led off the inning with an infield hit.

After falling behind (10-7), the Falcons added a single run in the fifth to make it a 10-8 game. Olson led off the inning reaching first on an error. Lundgren's sacrifice advanced her to second. Rudiger singled to left to move Olson to third. Fern then reached first on an infield single and the hit scored Olson from third.

In the seventh, Mathias led off with a walk and went to second when Lundgren walked. Rudiger then smacked the game-winning homer that scored Mathias and Lundgren.

Rudiger was a perfect 5-5 at the plate with five RBI and three runs scored. Klein was 4-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Olson and Lundgren each scored twice. Peterson was 2-5 with a run scored and one RBI. Tusa and Fern also had RBI.

Christina Korger started on the mound for the Falcons. She pitched 2.1 innings and allowed nine runs - eight were earned. She allowed nine hits and she walked two. Klein pitched two innings and allowed one earned run on five hits. She struck out one and didn't walk a batter. Tusa picked up the win in relief. She pitched the final 2.2 innings and allowed no runs and just one hit. She struck out one and didn't walk a batter. With the two wins she is now 10-3.

The Falcons, now 24-14 overall, will play in the WIAC Tournament on Friday at UW-Superior. Their opponent is yet to be determined.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

April 28, 2009

Left fielder Rachel Mathias (Sr., Ripon, Wis.) helped the Falcons to five wins in six games last week and has been named the WIAC position Player of the Week.

Mathias, 5-5, hit .438 in the six games. She was 7-16 with four runs scored. She hit three home runs and had 10 RBI. She also walked four times and had a .550 on-base percentage. She finished the week with a 1.000 slugging percentage. Mathias also had four put outs in the field and made no errors. She hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to win the game in the team's 8-5 extra inning victory over UW-Oshkosh on Friday. In the team's 5-1 win over UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, she hit a grand slam home run in the second inning to put the Falcons ahead 4-0 at the time. Trailing 3-0 against Hamline on Thursday, Mathias led off the seventh inning with a solo homer to left. The Falcons tied the score in the seventh and won the game in the ninth. This year Mathias is hitting .311 with two doubles, three homers and 19 RBI. She has scored 15 runs and stole three bases.

On Tuesday the Falcons play a non-conference doubleheader at St. Mary's starting at 4 p.m. This weekend the Falcons will play in the WIAC Tournament that will be held at UW-Superior.

Falcons Top Pointers Twice

April 25, 2009

BIg bats powered the Falcons to 5-1 and 9-1 wins over UW-Stevens Point on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Falcons 5, Pointers 1

The Falcons five runs came off nine hits. For the second straight game, Mindy Rudiger blasted a grand slam.

The Falcons scored four runs in the second and a single run in the sixth. UWSP broke up the shutout in the sixth inning.

The Falcon runs all came via the long ball. Rudiger pounded her ninth homerun this season that brought in four in the second. Rachel Mathias homered for the third time this season in the fifth.

Rose Tusa started on the hill and came out after three innings. In her no-decision, she allowed only one hit and struck out five. Jamie Klein picked up the win for the Falcons and is 9-6 on the season. She did not allow a hit or a run while walking three and striking out two in two innings pitched. Heidi Emmer closed the game. In two innnings she allowed two hits and an earned run. She walked one batter.

Falcons 9, Pointers 1 (6 innings)

In game two, the Falcons tattooed the ball for 15 hits and nine runs. They were perfect in the field.

Jessica Lundgren, Sara Fern, and Rudiger all had three hits. Rudiger and Fern combined to drive in five runs.

The Falcons scored a pair of runs in the sixth and third innings, a single run in the fourth, and four runs in the fifth.

The Falcons were down 1-0 in the bottom of the third when Rudiger hit her third homerun in as many games. Her two run shot, and 10th this season, put the Falcons up 2-1.

Dana Book helped distance the Falcons from the Pointers in the bottom of the fifth. Her three-run-blast, her fifth this season, put the Falcons up 7-1.

Tusa picked up the win after pitching five innings. She fanned eight batters and walked two. She gave up one run on five hits. Christina Korger relieved Tusa for one inning and walked two batters.

The Falcons, now 22-14 overall, finished 8-8 in the WIAC. They will travel to St. Mary's to play a set of non-conference games on Tuesday. Action is set to get underway at 4 p.m.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Split With Oshkosh

April 24, 2009

The Falcons split a pair of WIAC games against UW-Oshkosh Friday afternoon at Ramer Field winning 8-5 in eight innings) but losing 7-5.

Falcons 8, Titans 5

The Falcons eight runs came off nine hits. Oshkosh pounded the ball for 14 hits for five runs. The Falcons committed one error in the field, Oshkosh committed three.

The Falcons scored two runs in the first, one in the second, and their final three runs came in the bottom of the eigth. Oshkosh knocked in a single run in the first and pairs of runs in the fifth and sixth.

Mindy Rudiger was 1 for 1 with a homerun two RBI and Rachel Mathias went 1 for 3 with her second homerun of the year that drove in the winning three runs.

Rudiger's seventh blast of the season came in the bottom of the first inning. With a runner aboard, she tattooed the ball over the fence to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead.

The Falcons caught a big break in the top of the third with the bases loaded. After playing a wild pitch, the Oshkosh catcher tried to throw out Rudiger at home but threw the ball down the right field line. All Falcons scored on the play, increasing the Falcon lead to 5-1.

Oshkosh scored four unanswered runs to force extra frames. In the bottom of the eighth Dana Book and Cassie Peterson each singled. Mathias homered to give the Falcons their fifth straight win.

Rose Tusa picked up the win for the Falcons and pitched the first four innings and final two and one third innings. Overall she allowed only one run on seven hits. She struck out six and walked two. Heidi Emmer came in to relieve Tusa and threw an inning and two thirds. She allowed four runs - all eanred - on seven hits. She struck out two batters.

Titans 7, Falcons 5

In game two, the Falcons rallied late for four runs in the seventh, but the Titans held on to knock of the Falcons 7-5.

The Falcons scored one run in the first and four in the seventh. Oshkosh scored a pair of runs in the third and sixth and tallied three in the fourth.

Down 7-1, the Falcons rallied but fell short. Lauren Roberts held the Falcons to four hits all game. With two out Rudiger blasted a grand slam, her eighth homerun of the season, to cut the deficit to 7-5. The Titans held on for the win

Jamie Klein was handed the loss for the Falcons and is now 8-6 on the season. She allowed five runs, all earned, in three and one third innings pitched. Klein walked four batters and struck out one. Tusa relieved Klein and gave up three hits and no runs. She struck out three and walked none. Christina Korger tossed the final two innnins and allowed two runs, each earned - on four hits. She struck out three and walked one

The Falcons, now 20-14 overall and 6-8 in the WIAC, will host Stevens Point Saturday afternoon in a WIAC match up. Action is set to get underway at 2 p.m., at Ramer Field.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Sweep Pipers

April 23, 2009

The Falcons picked up two big non-conference games against Hamline, winning, 4-3, in 9 innings in game one and shutting out the Pipers, 8-0, in game two .

Falcons 4, Pipers 3

Down 3-0 in the bottom of the seventh, the Falcons scored three to send the game into extra frames.

The Falcons four runs came off eight hits. The Pipers knocked out eight hits for three runs. In the field, each team committed two errors.

The Pipers scored single runs in the first, second, and seventh innings. The Falcons tallied a trio in the seventh and a single run in the bottom of the ninth to win the game.

Rachel Mathias chose a great time to get her first homerun of the season as she led off the bottom of the seventh with a shot to left field. With the bases loaded and one down, Jamie Klein singled to the pitcher and brought in Patty Olson from third. Dana Book's base-on-balls tied the game up at 3 but the Falcons ended the frame with the bases loaded.

The Falcons and Pipers couldn't score in the eighth so each team 's play started the ninth with a runner on second due to the International tie-breaker. The Falcons escaped the top of the frame when Hamline left runners on the corners.

In the bottom of the ninth, Mindy Rudiger scored the game winning run on Cassie Peterson's bunt single.

Klein started on the hill for the Falcons. In four innings pitched, she allowed two runs - one earned - on three hits. She fanned four and walked three. Heidi Emmer relieved Klein and tossed five innings in relief. She surrendered one earn run on five hits. She fanned four batters and walked one while evening her record to 3-3

Falcons 8, Pipers 0

In game two, the Falcons blew through the Pipers. The Falcons scored eight runs on 11 hits and played perfect defense. Hamline was held to two hits and was shutout by Rose Tusa, her first this season.

Olson went 3 for 4 with two runs scores and six Falcons drove in runs in the 8-0 win.

The Falcons scored single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings. They tallied a five spot on the Pipers in the sixth.

The five-run-sixth scoring spree started when Peterson singled with runners on the conrners, bringing in Book from third. After a Tusa walk, the bases were loaded for Mathias who walked in a run. Olson brought in a run with a single to left. Tusa scored on Rudiger's hit that was misplayed at third. Sarah Fern brought in the final run with a single to center.

Tusa picked up the win for the Falcons. She went six innings and recorded her first shutout this season. In six innings she allowed two hits and fanned a season high 12 batters while walking one. She is 6-3 on the season.

The Falcons, now 19-13 overall and 5-7 in the WIAC, will now host Oshkosh one Thursday in a WIAC match up. Action is set to get underway at 3 p.m. at Ramer Field.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

April 21, 2009

Shortstop Mindy Rudiger (Sr., Menomonie, Wis.) was one of the team's top hitters in six conference games last week and has been named the WIAC position Player of the Week.

Rudiger, 5-7, was 11-20 at the plate for a .550 average. She scored eight runs and had eight RBI. She led the team with three doubles and she also hit a three-run homer in the team's 16-6 win at UW-Platteville on Saturday. She was 4-5 in the game with three runs scored and four RBI. She also walked three times, had a .609 on-base percentage and a .850 slugging percentage. This year Rudiger is hitting .404, has scored 30 runs and leads the team with 40 hits. She leads UWRF with eight doubles and six home runs. She has 34 Rbi and has stolen five bases. Rudiger has a team-best .667 slugging percentage.

The Falcons have a busy schedule this week with three doubleheaders scheduled. On Thursday the Falcons host Hamline at 4 p.m. The Falcons then play their final two WIAC games of the season. On Friday the Falcons host UW-Oshkosh at 3 p.m., and on Saturday they host UW-Stevens Point at 2 p.m. All games are at Ramer Field.

Falcons Crush Platteville

April 18, 2009

The Falcons picked up a pair of WIAC wins 11-1 and 16-6 against UW-Platteville Saturday afternoon on the road.

Falcons 16, Platteville 6

The Falcons scored a run in the first and third innings and rallied in the fourth and sixth for sevens runs. Platteville crossed the plate three times in the first, two in the fourth and once in the fifth.

The Falcons 16 runs came off 19 hits, led by Mindy Rudiger who went 4 for 5, with a HR, her sixth this season, scored three times, and four RBI. Sara Fern was perfect at the plate, going 3 for 3 in five at-bats, reaching base each time. She drew two walks, hit her fourth homerun this season, drove in three runs, and scored once. Rachel Mathias went 3 for 3 with a double, three RBI, and two runs scored.

The Falcons took the lead for good in the top of the fourth. Down 3-2 in the top of the frame, the Falcons put up their first seven-run inning of the afternoon. Jessica Lundgren tied the game at three with an RBI single. Fern brought in a run with another RBI single. Dana Book brought in two runs with a sharp single up the middle into center. Mathias brought in two with a single up the middle.

Big bats highlighted the top of the sixth. Mindy Rudiger parked her team-leading sixth dinger of the season. It was a three-run shot. Sara Fern knocked one out as well. It was her fourth of the season. Fern (38) and Rudiger (34) have driven in over half of the runs for the Falcons this season.

Jamie Klein started for the Falcons and was yanked after one inning. She gave up three runs that we all earned on four hits. She walked one and struck out one. Heidi Emmer  came in for five innings of relief and got the win. She allowed three runs, one was earned on four hits. She stuck out two and is 2-3 on the season.

Falcons 11, Platteville 1

In game two, the Falcons blew through Platteville. The Falcons scored five in the first, two in the fourth, and four in the sixth. Platteville’s lone run came in the fourth inning. The Falcons 11 runs came on 14 hits. Platteville was held to three hits.

Rudiger and Fern had big bats again for the Falcons. Rudiger went 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI, and two runs scored. Fern was a perfect 3 for 3, scoring once and driving in three. Mathias went 2 for 3 with two singles, two batted in and scored once.

In the first, the Falcons put up five runs. Mathias singled to bring in two runs. Fern had an RBI single, Cassie Peterson brought in a run with a single to right, and Rose Tusa brought in a run after being hit by a pitch.
The Falcons four-fun sixth started off with Rudiger’s RBI double to center.  Klein brought in a run with a double to center; Book had a sac-fly that brought in the final Falcon run.

Tusa picked up the win for the Falcons. She went five innings and allowed one unearned run on one hit. She fanned six batters and walked one. She is 5-3 on the season. Emmer pitched one inning of relief and allowed only one hit. dfdfd

The Falcons 17-13, 5-7, will now host Hamline University this Thursday, April 23. Action is set to get underway at 4 p.m. at Ramer Field.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

La Crosse Sweeps Falcons

April 17, 2009

The Falcons split were swept by UW-LaCrosse in a WIAC double-header friday afternoon.

LaCrosse knocked off the Falcons 8-3 in game one and 6-2 in game two.

Lacrosse 8, Falcons 3
LaCrosse scored all eight of their runs in the first three innings. The Falcons tallied one run in the first, third, and sixth inning.

In the field the Falcons commited four errors and scored three runs on eight hits at the plate. LaCrosse scored their eight runs on ten hits and only allowed one error in the field.

Jessica Lundgren, Mindy Rudiger, and Cassie Peterson each had two hits for the Falcons.Rudger and Lundgren each scored a run apiece.

Jamie Klein started on the mound for the Falcons and pitched two innings. She allowed five runs and three were earned. She allowed four hits, walked two and struck out one. She was tagged with the loss and is now 8-5 on the season. Heidi Emmer came into relieve Klein and went six innings, allowing three runs and one was earned. She fanned five batters and walked two.

LaCrosse 6, Falcons 2
The Falcons rally late, but were challenged at the plate in game two. They only started LaCrosse starter Kaylyn Von Glahn for three hits.

The Falcons two runs came off three hits. In the field the Falcons commited three errors. LaCrosse scored their six runs on nine hits and commited four errors in the field

The Falcons played down two to nothing the enitre ballgame until the top of the sixth when they rallied to score two, each on errors. Olson and Mathias scored on errors by LaCrosse in the field.

Rachel Mathias led all Falcon hitters, going 2 for 3 with two singles.

Rose Tusa started for the Falcons and got the loss - she is now 4-3 this year. Of her six runs allowed, only one was earned. She allowed nine hits, walked two and struck out four .

The Falcons, now 15-13 overall and 3-7 in the WIAC, will play at conference doubleheader at UW-Platteville on Saturday with action starting at noon.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Split at Superior

April 14, 2009

The Falcons split in a WIAC doubleheader at UW-Superior on Tuesday.

UWS won the first game, 16-7 in five innings, and the Falcons won the second contest, 8-0.

Superior 16, River Falls 7
UWS scored 16 runs, including 11 in the second inning, to get the win in the first game.

UWRF scored seven runs on 10 hits but made five errors. UWS scored 16 runs on nine hits and made three errors. UWRF scored three times in the first and two runs in the second and third innings. UWS scored twice in the first, 11 in the second and three more in the fourth.

Rachel Mathias led the Falcons at the plate going 3-3 with a run scored. Patty Olson was 2-4 with two runs scored. Sarah Fern was 2-3 with two RBI. Rose Tusa, who was 1-3 with a double, also had two RBI. Dana Book was 1-3 with a run scored and one RBI.

Jamie Klein started on the mound for the Falcons and pitched one inning. She five runs and four were earned. She allowed three hits, walked four and struck out one. Heidi Emmer took the loss in relief. She pitched three innings and allowed 11 runs, but only three were earned. She allowed seven hits and she struck out one. Emmer is now 1-3 this year.

In the second when UWS scored 11 times, they had five hits, but the Falcons made four errors in the inning. UWS sent 14 batters to the plate in the inning.

River Falls 8, Superior 0
The Falcons rebounded nicely to win the second game.

The Falcons scored eight runs on 14 hits and made two errors. UWS had just four hits and made no errors. UWRF scored twice in the third, once in the fourth and seventh and four times in the fifth.

Cassie Peterson led the Falcon hitting attack and was 4-4 at the plate and had two RBI. Mindy Rudiger was 3-3 with a run scored and one RBI. Olson was 3-4 with two runs scored. Fern, Klein, Book and Tusa also had RBI for the Falcons - Fern had two. Book tripled to lead off the seventh inning. It was her second three-base hit of the season. Olson, Fern and Klein all doubled - it was Olson's third, Fern's fourth and Klein's fifth double of the year.

Klein started on the mound and got the win - she is now 8-4 this year. She allowed three hits, walked one and struck out three. Emmer pitched the last three innings. She allowed just one hit and struck out one. She did not allow a walk.

The Falcons, now 15-11 overall and 3-5 in the WIAC, will play at conference doubleheader at UW-Platteville on Saturday with action starting at noon.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Beat UW-Stout Twice, 3-2, 8-0

April 10, 2009

The Falcons beat Stout twice in WIAC play on Friday afternoon at Ramer Field.

The two games were different stories. The Falcons won a close battle, 3-2, in the first game, then beat the Blue Devils, 8-0, in five innings in game two.

River Falls 3, Stout 2
The Falcons jumped ahead, 3-0, and held on for the win in the first game.

UWRF scored three runs on eight hits and made one error. UWRF scored two runs in the first and added a single run in the third. UWS scored two runs on six hits and made one error. They scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings.

Patty Olson led off the Falcon first inning with a double to center. After an out, Mindy Rudiger singled to center and Olson went to third. Rudiger then stole second base and Olson scored on the play. Sarah Fern then singled to left and Rudiger scored the second run on the inning.

UWRF scored what proved to be the winning run in the third. Jessica Lundgren led off the inning with a walk. She stole second and a throwing error advanced her to third on the play. Rudiger then singled to center to score Lundgren.

Rudiger finished 2-3 with a run scored and a RBI. Fern was 3-3 with one RBI.

Jamie Klein started on the mound and worked the first three innings. She allowed only three hits and no runs. She walked two and stuck out two. She could not get credit for the win since she worked only three innings. Heidi Emmer picked up the win in relief. She worked the final four innings and allowed three hits and two earned runs. She struck out three and walked two. It was Emmer's first collegiate win and she is now 1-2.

River Falls 8, Stout 0 (5)
The Falcons dominated game two of the series. They scored eight runs on nine hits and made no errors in the field. UWRF scored two runs in the first and fourth innings, a single run in the third and three in the fifth. UWS had three hits and made six errors.

Klein went the distance on the mound to get the win. She is now 7-4. She allowed just the three hits, all singles. She struck out three and walked two. Klein allowed only two runners to reach second base.

Fern led the Falcons at the plate finishing 3-3 with three RBI. She singled home two runs in the first and single home another run in the third. Lundgren was 2-2 with two runs scored. Rose Tusa came up with a big bases loaded single down the left field line in the fifth that scored two runners.

In the two games Fern finished a perfect 6-6 with four RBI.

The Falcons, now 14-10 overall and 2-4 in the WIAC, will next play another WIAC doubleheader at UW-Superior on Tuesday. The first pitch will be thrown at 3 p.m.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Split at Bethel

April 9, 2009

The Falcons split a doubleheader at Bethel University on Thursday afternoon.

The Falcons won the first game, 6-4, in nine innings. But Bethel took the nightcap, 4-1.

River Falls 6, Bethel 4
Mindy Rudiger and Jessica Lundgren each had three hits and Jessica Fern added three RBI as the Falcons ended their losing streak with an extra inning win.

With Patty Olson on third and two out, Fern singled to score the first run of the game and give the Falcons an early 1-0 lead in the first.

In the third Bethel retook the lead. With the bases loaded a Jamie Klein wild pitch advanced all runners and brought a run home tying the game at one apiece. A second run came in on a fielder's choice. The final run came in on an RBI single.

The Falcons brought it to within one in the top of the third. Lundgren got onboard with a one-out single and stole second. Lundgren scored on a Rudiger single.

The Falcons took a 4-3 lead in the top of the fifth. With runners on second and third, Dana Book tripled, scoring Rudiger and Fern.

Bethel tied the contest in the sixth, scoring on a throwing error.

In the ninth, with runners on the corners, Lundgren hit into a fielders choice and Rachel Mathias was called out at home. Rudiger singled to load up the bases. Fern cracked a single to center that scored two runs and give the Falcons a 6-4 lead.

Klein finished the bottom of the ninth in style. She fanned the first two batters and the final out came on a foul popout to first.

Klein worked the first four innings and then reentered the game to work the final two innings to get the win. She allowed four runs – two earned – on nine hits while striking out five and walking none. She is now 6-4 on the season. Heidi Emmer pitched three innings and allowed three hits and one unearned run.

Bethel 4, River Falls 1
In game two Olson went 2 for 3 and drove in a run, but the Royals held on for a 4-1 win.

Bethel jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first on a Lynnae Thompso RBI double with two outs..

Bethel added to its lead in the third with a Lauren Habisch double that brought Lisa Patnode in from second, making it a 2-0 game.

The Falcons made it a 2-1 in the top of the fifth. With runners on first and second, Olson lined a single to the gap scoring pincher runner Mara Petrich. Krista Friberg had led off the inning with a single.

In the bottom of the fifth with one out, Habisch made it a 4-1 Bethel lead with a two-run home run to center.

Emmer was tagged with the loss and is now 1-1 on the season. She allowed two runs – all earned – on six hits in four innings pitched. She struck out one. Klein relieved Emmer in the fifth and allowed two runs – both earned – and struck out two.

The Falcons are now 12-11 overall and 0-4 in the WIAC. They will host UW-Stout on Friday at Ramer Field with the first pitch set for 2 p.m.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Whitewater Sweeps Falcons

April 2, 2009

Sarah Fern had two RBI in Game 2, but No. 11 Whitewater proved too much for the Falcons winning, 10-0 and 7-3, on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

In game one, it was all Whitewater’s Jessica Stang who two-hit the Falcons, fanning eight batters and walking one in seven innings pitched.

Whitewater scored one run in the first, three runs in the third, one in the sixth and added five more in the seventh. The seventh was highlighted by Haley Krueger’s two-run double.

Patty Olson and Mindy Rudiger each went 1 for 3, both singles.

Jamie Klein started on the hill for the Falcons and fell to 5-4 on the season. In 3 1/3 innings, she allowed four runs – three earned – on five hits. She struck out two and walked two. Heidi Emmer walked four and fanned two, allowing one run on two hits. Christina Korger walked three and allow five runs – three earned – on two hits.

In game two, Whitewater jumped out to another 1-0 lead in the top half of the first. In the bottom half of the inning, Fern’s sacfly scored Jessica Lundgren and tied the game at one.

The Warhawks went on to post one in the second, three runs in the third, and one run in the fourth and seventh.

The Falcons posted two runs in the fifth. Fern singled to center that scored Lundgren. Rachael Mathias scored on a wild throw.

Emmer was tagged with the loss and is now 0-1 this season. In three innings, she allowed five earned runs on eight hits. She struck out two and walked one. Klein relieved Emmer and tossed four innings. She struckout four and walked two. She allowed two runs – one earned – on three hits.

The sweep drops the Falcons down to 11-9 and 0-4 in conference play this season. The Falcons are scheduled to host UW-Oshkosh on Sunday at Ramer Field.

Box Game 1

Box Game 2

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Win Twice, Extend Winning Streak to Eight Games

March 28, 2009

The Falcon softball team won a pair of matchups at the Augustana Tourney in Moline, Illinois on Saturday. The Falcons topped Ripon 7-3 and Grinnell 9-1 on Saturday to extend their winning streak to eight games.

River Falls 7, Ripon 3
Sarah Fern crushed a towering three-run homerun in the third inning to propel the Falcons past Ripon College. Fern's blast, her third of the season, hit the 250 foot fence.

Mindy Rudiger also homered in the game. Rudiger sent a solo shot over the fence in the first inning to give the Falcons an early lead. It was her team-leading fifth homerun this season.

RC would respond in the fourth inning with three runs of their own, but they could get no closer to the Falcons. UWRF added two runs in the top of the seventh inning on a sacrafice fly by Cassie Peterson to secure the win.

Falcon freshman Jamie Klein picked up the win. She pitched five innings giving up three hits, one walk, and zero runs while striking out four. Kristina Korger pitched two innings and gave up three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three.

River Falls 9, Grinnell 1
Jamie Klein and Mindy Rudiger each had a two-RBI double and Sarah Fern drove in three to beat Grinnell in the afternoon matchup.

The Falcons scored nine runs on 10 hits and did not commit an error. Rachel Mathias was 2-2 with an RBI in the game for the Falcons.

Rose Tusa pitched for the Falcons and picked up her fourth win of the season. In four innings of work Tusa allowed five hits, one walk, and only one run while striking out five batters. Heidi Emmer gave up a hit and struck out one batter in one inning of work in relief of Tusa.

Jessica Lundgren had three stolen bases on the day for the Falcons. Dana Book finished the day 3-7 at the plate with a stolen base and an RBI.

RF has won eight games in a row to improve to 11-5 overall.

The Falcons will take the field against Tourney host Augustana at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The Falcons then take on Ripon at 1 p.m. to wrap up the Augustana Tourney.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Extend Win Streak to Six At Rebel Spring Games

March 20, 2009

The Falcon softball team won a pair of matchups at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida on Friday. The Falcons topped Anderson 4-0 and Fontboone 4-1 on Friday at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida to extend their winning streak to six games.

River Falls 4, Anderson 0
Falcon pitcher Jamie Klein did not allow a runner past first while she was on the mound and struck out seven in the game.

The Falcons scored a run in the first, third, fourth, and sixth innings to knock off Anderson. Jessica Lundgren was 2-4 at the plate and Sarah Fern was 1-2 with two walks in the game to pace the Falcons.

Christina Korger and Heidi Emmer pitched in relief of Klein to preserve the shutout.

This was the third time the Falcons have shut out a foe at the Rebel Spring Games this week.

River Falls 4, Fontbonne 1
UWRF scored four runs on five hits to secure the win against Fontbonne. Jessica Lundgren continued her hot hitting, finishing the game 2-2 with a walk. Mindy Rudiger also added two hits for the Falcon offense.

Rose Tusa pitched four innings, striking out two, and walking one while giving up zero runs. Heidi Emmer pitched the final three innings and gave up one run and three walks for the Falcons.

The Falcons travel home from the Rebel Spring Games in Florida with a 9-5 overall record and are next scheduled to play at Bethel on Wednesday, March 25 at 4 p.m.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Win A Pair At Rebel Spring Games

March 19, 2009

The Falcon softball team won a pair of matchups at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida on Thursday. The Falcons topped Nichols College 5-0 in the early game and rallied to beat Millikin University 5-3 in the late game. UWRF has won four in a row after Thursday's action, improving to 7-5 overall on the season.

River Falls 5, Nichols College 0
Jamie Klein and Christina Korger combined on a two-hit shutout of Nichols by striking out 11 and walking only one batter in seven innings. NC managed a double in the second inning and a bunt single in the fifth inning, but could not string anything together against the Falcon hurlers.

Sarah Fern put the Falcons on the board in the top of the third inning when she knocked a two RBI single into center field. The Falcons would add another run in the inning off a NC passed ball to take a 3-0 lead.

The Falcons added two more runs in the sixth inning. Miller hit an RBI double to center before the fifth run crossed the plate on another NC passed ball.

Klein (3-2) picked up the win for the Falcons. She gave up two hits and one walk in five innings, striking out nine. Christina Korger pitched the final two innings striking out two and not allowing a hit.

This was the second time the Falcons have shut out a foe at the Rebel Spring Games this week.

River Falls 5, Milikin University 3
UWRF put the pressure on MU early in the game. In the bottom of the first inning the Falcons successfully executed a double steal moving runners up to second and third with no outs. Jamie Klein followed with a two RBI double to center field and staked the Falcons to the early lead.

The Falcons added to the lead in the third inning when Mindy Rudiger knocked an RBI single to left field.

MU responded with a run in the top of the fourth inning and two more in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game.

Tied at three in the bottom of the fifth inning, Lundgren opened the inning with a single. Rudiger followed with a double to left field to put two runners in scoring position with no outs. After a Falcon strikout, Fern hit the game-winner with a clutch two RBI double to center field.

Rose Tusa started the game for the Falcons and pitched four and two thirds innings giving up four hits, one earned run, and one walk while striking out one batter. Christina Korger finished the final two and a third innings without giving up a hit, walking one, and striking out one.

Combined on the day the Falcon offense was carried by Lundgren and Fern. Lundgren was 4-6 from the plate with four runs scored and two stolen bases while Fern finished the day 2-4 with four RBI and two walks.

The Falcons, 7-5 overall, are next scheduled to play Anderson at 9 a.m. and Fontbonne at 11 a.m. on March 20 at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Win Twice At Rebel Spring Games

March 17, 2009

The Falcon softball team won a pair of matchups at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida on Tuesday. The Falcons topped Rutgers-Newark 13-0 in the early game and defeated Mass. Liberal Arts 3-1 in the late game.

Three Falcon pitchers combined for a one-hitter against Rutgers-Newark and Mindy Rudiger had all three RBI in the 3-1 Falcon win over Mass. Liberal Arts.

River Falls 13, Rutgers-Newark 0
Dana Book and Rutiger both homered in the game to lead the Falcon offense while pitchers Rose Tusa, Christina Korger, and Heidi Emmer combined for a one hit shutout over Rutgers-Newark.

Rudiger opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when she blasted a three-run homer to left center, her fourth of the year. The Falcons followed with four runs on five hits in the second inning and six runs on five hits in the fourth inning.

Book swatted her second home run of the season, a three-run shot, and also had a double to finish the game 2-3 with three RBI. Rudiger finished 1-3 with four RBI, Jamie Klein had two RBI, and Cassie Peterson was 2-2 with an RBI and a stolen base. Sarah Fern continued her hot hitting going 2-3 with a double while Patty Olson and Jessica Lundgren each had three hits in the game.

Korger (2-1) picked up the win in relief of Tusa, who started the game. Each pitcher struck out four batters in two innings of work. Emmer pitched a perfect fifth inning to round out the Falcon performances on the mound.

River Falls 3, Mass. Liberal Arts 1
Rose Tusa picked up her first win as a Falcon on seven strong innings of work. Mindy Rudiger provided the offense for the Falcons with a three-run double that proved to be the difference.

The offense for each team was held in check until the fourth inning. MLA opened the top of the frame with an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the fourth the Falcons responded. With two outs and a runner on first, the Falcons reeled off two striaght singles to load the bases for Rudiger. Rudiger doubled to left field to clear the bases and give the Falcons the 3-1 lead.

Tusa would do the rest as she allowed only three hits and no walks through the final three innings to secure the win. Tusa finished the game with seven strikeouts in seven innings and allowed six hits, one earned run, and one walk.

Falcon catcher Patty Olson threw out two MLA baserunners while Rudiger and Rachel Mathias each had a stolen base in the game.

Falcon pitchers combined to issue only one walk while striking out 15 batters in 12 innings of work in the two games today.

The Falcons, 5-5 overall, are next scheduled to play Nichols at 11 a.m. and Millikin at 1 p.m. on March 19 at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Earn Split At Rebel Spring Games

March 16, 2009

The Falcon softball team won the early game over Illinois-Springfield 17-2, but dropped a close 5-3 game against Utica College in the afternoon matchup at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida. The Falcons snapped a four game losing streak with the morning victory.

Sarah Fern finished the day a combined 6-6 from the plate with a double, home run, and four RBI to lead the Falcon offense. Pitcher Jamie Klein started both games and combined for seven and two thirds innings, three hits, three strikeouts, and only one earned run.

River Falls 17, Illinois-Springfield 2
After getting shut out for the first time this season the previous day, the Falcons broke out the bats in a convincing 17-2 win. UWRF scored 17 runs on 17 hits and only allowed one hit in the game.

UWRF got on the board in the top of the first when Klein singled home Jessica Lundgren from third to take an early lead. The UIS Praire Stars answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first to drop the Falcons into a one run deficit. The UIS lead would not last as Mindy Rudiger's RBI single knotted the score at two.

The Falcons broke open the game in the top of the third inning with four runs on four hits. UWRF tacked on seven runs in the fourth inning and four more runs in the fifth inning while Klein and Rose Tusa combined to allow only one hit through five innings of work.

Klein (2-2) picked up the win for the Falcons with three innings pitched, one hit, and one earned run. Tusa finished the final two innings of the game and did not give up a hit or run while striking out three.

Falcon right fielder Dana Book smacked a double and had two RBI and two runs scored. Fern finished 3-3 with two RBI, Lundgren was 2-4 with one RBI, Klein was 2-2 with one RBI, and Cassie Peterson was 2-3 with two RBI and three runs scored. Rudiger finished the game 3-4 from the plate with two RBI while Courtney Miller and Rachel Mathias also added two RBI each.

Utica College 5, River Falls 3
UWRF pitchers only gave up one earned run in the game, but the Falcons could not hold on to a one run lead in the top of the seventh inning as Utica College came from behind to win.

UC started the scoring in the top of the third inning. UC took the lead when they scored an unearned run off a single to center. The Falcons answered in the bottom of the third when Fern knocked an RBI single to left field. UWRF stranded a pair of runners in the inning, but managed to tie the game at one.

The score remained tied at one until the bottom of the fifth when the Falcons manufactured the go-ahead run after Lundgren singled to center field. She stole second before Patty Olson bunted Lundgren over to third. Klein hit a sac fly to center for the RBI and the one run lead. Fern followed with a solo home run, her second of the season, to give the Falcons an extra cushion and finished the bottom of the fifth with a 3-1 lead.

UC fought back in the top of the sixth, scoring a run on two hits and one Falcon error.

In the top of the seventh inning, clinging to a one run lead, the Falcons allowed a single and a walk to start the inning. After retiring a batter, the Falcons were charged with an error and a run scored on the play to tie the game. UC was not finished, however, as they added a pair of RBI singles to extend their lead to 5-3.

Lundgren opened the inning with a single and Klein represented the tying run after reaching on a UC error, but a pop out, a fly out, and a line out closed the book on the Falcons.

Fern finished 3-3 at the plate with a double, a home run, and two RBI. Klein also had an RBI in the game. Lundgren and Olson each chipped in a pair of hits for the Falcons.

Rose Tusa (0-2) took the loss for the Falcons in relief giving up four runs (one earned), on five hits in two and a third innings, striking out two. Klein started the game and gave up one unearned run in four and two thirds innings, striking out three.

The Falcons, 3-5 overall, are next scheduled to play Rutger-Newark at 3 p.m. and Mass-Liberal Arts at 5 p.m. on March 17 at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Lose 5-0, 11-2 At Rebel Spring Games

March 15, 2009

The Falcon softball team opened play at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida on Sunday with a pair of losses. The Falcons dropped the opening game 5-0 against Illinois Wesleyan and the second game 11-2 against William Paterson.

Illinois Wesleyan 5, River Falls 0
UWRF was held to only two hits in the game and was shut out for the first time this season.

Falcon catcher Patty Olson and second baseman Cassie Peterson each tallied a hit in the game, but the Falcons could not cross the plate. IW pitcher Christy Engel struck out nine Falcons in seven innings allowing only two hits and two walks.

IW jumped out to the early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on three hits, including a RBI double from Alison Ward. In the third inning IW scored three more runs on four hits and an error to close out the scoring.

Starting pitcher Jamie Klein (1-2) picked up the loss for the Falcons. She pitched two innings, struck out two, walked one, and allowed four earned runs on five hits. Falcon Christina Korger pitched four scoreless innings in relief, gave up four hits, seven walks, and struck out one.

William Paterson 11, River Falls 2
The Falcons gave up a quick two runs to WP in the top of the first inning, but were able to tie the game in the bottom of the inning. Sarah Fern singled to right center to drive in Mindy Rudiger and Jamie Klein for the first Falcon runs of the day.

The lead would be fleeting, however, as WP added four runs on six hits in the top of the second inning. The Falcons could not respond as WP added five more runs in the fourth inning to finishe off the Falcons 11-2.

Fern finished 1-3 from the plate and had two RBI for the Falcons.

Starting Pitcher Rose Tusa (0-1) took the loss for the Falcons. She pitched two innings and gave up seven hits, five earned runs, three walks, and struck out two batters. Christina Korger pitched one inning of relief and gave up two hits, five earned runs, and five walks. Jamie Klein pitched two scoreless innings giving up one hit and three walks while striking out one for the Falcons.

The Falcons, 2-4 overall, are next scheduled to play Illinois-Springfield at 9 a.m. and Utica at 1 p.m. on March 16 at the Rebel Spring Games in Florida.

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Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Lose Twice to No. 5 St. Thomas, 10-6, 4-1

March 5, 2009

The Falcon softball team fell to St. Thomas in a pair of games on Thursday afternoon at the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount, Minn.

The big inning hurt the Falcons as they lost 10-6 and 4-1 to St. Thomas, ranked No. 5 in the NFCA pre-season poll.

St. Thomas 10, River Falls 6
UWRF finished the game with seven hits and one error while UST tallied nine hits and committed three errors. The Falcons were able to put runs on the board in the first game; however, they could not overcome the UST five-run third inning.

Falcon shortstop Mindy Rudiger cracked a home run, her third of the young season, to left field in the bottom of the second inning to give UWRF a 3-2 lead. UST responded in the top of the third with five runs on only two hits. UST's Steph Moores delivered the big blow as she hit a bases loaded double to clear the bases.

The Falcons pulled to within two, 8-6, when Rudiger scored on a UST throwing error, but they could not close the gap. UST scored a pair of runs in the top of the seventh inning to seal the game.

Rudiger was 1-5 from the plate and led the Falcons offense with two RBI and two runs. Jessica Lundgren finished 3-3 with two runs scored. Christina Korger (1-1) picked up the loss in relief. She pitched two and one-third innings, struck out four, and allowed five earned runs on one hit and seven walks. Rose Tusa started for the Falcons, struck out three, walked six, and gave up eight hits and five earned runs in four and two-thirds innings pitched.

St. Thomas 4, River Falls 1
The Falcons were able to tie the game 1-1 in the top of the sixth inning, only to have UST respond with three runs in the bottom of the inning to deal UWRF its second loss of the season.

In the top of the sixth inning, Rudiger and Lundgren hit back to back singles before Jamie Klein doubled to left field and drove in the only Falcon run of the game. Lundgren was thrown out trying to score on the play.

Besides her clutch hitting, Klein was on the mound for the Falcons and kept UST at bay for the first five innings of the game. Before the sixth inning, the only blemish for Klein was a solo home run by UST's Alison Wright in the fourth. In the bottom of the sixth, however, Klein surrendered a walk and a bunt single by UST before Moores homered to left field for the game winning hit. Klein finished the game with six strikeouts, two walks, one wild pitch, and four earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched.

For the Falcons offense, Rudiger finished 2-3 with a run scored and Klein was 1-2 with a walk and one RBI.

The Falcons, 2-2 overall, will next take the field in Florida at the Rebel Spring Games. The Falcons are scheduled to play Illinois Wesleyan at 11 a.m., and William Paterson at 3 p.m., on March 15.

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2009 Falcon Schedule

Falcons Sweep Augsburg, 8-3, 10-4

March 3, 2009

The Falcon softball team opened its 2009 season with a sweep of Agusburg College on Tuesday afternoon at the Irish Sports Dome in Rosemount, Minn.

The Falcons won, 8-3 and 10-4, and hit five home runs in the two wins. The Falcons had 14 hits in the first game and nine in the second.

River Falls 8, Augsburg 3
UWRF scored eight runs on 14 hits and made three errors. AC scored three runs on four hits and made one error. The Falcons scored three in the second, one in the fourth and two runs in the fifth and sixth innings. AC scored its three runs in the third.

Mindy Rudiger started the long ball fest with a three-run homer to right center in the second. That scored Patty Olson and Rose Tusa who had both singled to right earlier in the inning.

After the Auggies tied the game with three runs in the third, the Falcons got a single run in the fourth when Rudiger hit her second homer of the game to left field.

The Falcons put the game out of reach with two runs in the fifth and sixth. The long ball was used in the fourth to garner two more runs. Jamie Klein led off the inning with a single to left and Mara Petrich pinch ran. Sarah Fern followed with a homer to deep center field to put the Falcons ahead, 6-3. In the sixth, Rudiger got to first on an infield hit and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jessica Lundgren. Klein followed with a single to center that scored Rudiger. Fern singled to center to put runners on first and second. Dana Book then singled to center to score Klein with the game's final run.

Rudiger fininshed 3-4 with four RBI and three runs scored. Fern was also 3-4 with one run scored and two RBI. Klein was 2-3 with a run scored and one RBI. Book was 2-4 with one RBI and Tusa was 2-2 with a run scored.

Christina Korger picked up the win on the mound in relief. She worked the final four innings and allowed just a bunt single in the fourth. She did not allow any runs, walked four and struck out five in her first collegiate game. Rose Tusa started her first collegiate game and worked the first three innings. She allowed three hits and three runs - two were earned. She walked two and struck out four.

River Falls 10, Augsburg 4
UWRF trailed in the night cap, 4-0, but scored the last 10 runs of the game to get the win.

The Falcons scored 10 runs on nine hits and made three errors. UWRF scored twice in the fourth, five times in the fifth and three times in the seventh. AC scored once in the first and three times in the third. The Auggies scored four runs on seven hits and made one error.

The Falcons cut the AC lead to 4-2 with two runs in the fourth. With two outs, Fern singled to left and Petrich pinch ran. Book then hit a line drive to right field that rolled all the way to the fence. She rounded all of the bases and for an inside-the-park homer.

The Falcons sent eight batters to the plate in the fifth and scored five times. Olson led off with a single to left and Tusa reached on a fielding error to put runners and first and second. Rachel Mathias sacrificed the runners to second and third. Rudiger then doubled to left center to score Tusa and Olson. Lundgren followed with an infield single to put runners on first and second. Klein then hit a three-run homer to left field to score Rudiger and Lundgren.

The Falcons added three more runs in the sixth. With one out, Olson walked and Tusa singled to left to put runners on first and second. Mathias laid down a perfect bunt single to load the bases. Rudiger walked to force in Olson. Krista Friberg then pinch hit and also walked to score Tusa. Klein grouned out to second and Mathias scored the final run of the game.

Lundgren was the only Falcon with a multiple hit game - she was 2-3 with a run scored. Rudiger was 1-3 wtih a run scored and three RBI. Klein was 1-4 with a run scored and four RBI. Book finished 1-3 with a run scored and two RBI.

Korger started on the mound and worked the first inning. She allowed two hits and one earned run. She struck out one. Klein picked up the win in relief in her first collegiate pitching appearnace. She worked four innings and allowed four hits and three runs. Two runs were earned. She walked three and struck out two. Tusa worked the last two innings and allowed just one hit and no runs. She walked one and struck out two.

The Falcons will play St. Thomas at 10 a.m., on Thursday at the Irish Sports Dome. The Tommies wre ranked No. 5 in the NFCA pre-season poll.

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

2009 Falcon Schedule