The Badgers continued their strong start to the fall, using a seven-run third inning to defeat Highland College 12-0 in five innings Friday night at Goodman Softball Complex.
Sophomore pitcher Sarah Fonk dominated, striking out six in three innings of work while giving up only one hit and flashing the upside that earned her pitcher of the year honors in high school.
“We’re happy to see the pitching come along because it all starts from there,” said head coach Yvette Healy. “Sarah was injured a lot last year but did a great job for us tonight.”
Freshman infielder Nyah Rodman powered the Wisconsin offense, going 2-2 with two RBIs and three runs scored in addition to pitching two scoreless innings in relief. Senior outfielder Marissa Mersch also went 2-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored while junior infielder Ashley Van Zeeland and senior outfielder Maria Van Abel both chipped in two RBIs.
“Collectively, everybody was putting the ball in play,” Healy said. “It’s promising to see them squaring it up and flashing some speed on offense.”
Despite a relatively easy win, Healy still sees a lot to be gleaned from fall games like this one.
“We’ve got a lot of freshmen and we’re just trying to let them get their legs underneath them,” she said. “It’s all about trying to get in the habit of winning and gaining some confidence.”
