Luther softball deals pair of aces

DECORAH — Luther Coach Renae Hartl might have much experience at a poker table.

She certainly knows how to handle the pair of aces that have become safe bets to put the Norse in position to win when they take the circle.

Junior Amanda Witzlib and freshman Samantha Bratland provide a strong pitching duo, leading the Norse to a second straight Iowa Conference regular-season title and the top seed in the conference's postseason tournament. Luther (34-2, 11-1) received a bye Friday and will face No. 4 Central (24-14, 9-6), opening the second and final day of play at 11 a.m.

Witzlib and Bratland are a combined 30-2 this season, helping the Norse to a team 1.03 earned-run average. They have accounted for more than 190 of about 230 innings pitched for Luther.

'You can only take talent so far,' Hartl said. 'They really do work really hard and I think that they have shown the rest of the team that it is important to put in the hours and put yourself in the position they are in this year.'

The Norse produce plenty of offensive support, averaging seven runs a game with a .373 team batting average.

Hartl said they both have command of different pitches, countering velocity with effective off-speed offerings. They each have two to three types of balls in their repertoire.

'In terms of the way they get outs, it really depends on our opponents,' Hartl said. 'They have the capabilities to strike out 12 to 14 in a game, but they also rely on their defense in certain outings.'

Witzlib is 14-1 with a 0.97 ERA and 104 strikeouts in a little more than 86 innings. Bratland had seen Witzlib at camps and knew about her, but witnessed her poise once in competition.

'She has good control,' Bratland said. 'She really composes herself well.'

Bratland owns a 16-1 mark, striking out 153 in 104 innings and posting a 1.08 ERA. One of her keys is to warm up exactly the same way before each start, finding her groove for confidence. Even though she is in her first season, she has stepped right in and hasn't been intimidated by any opponent.

'She is very calm and collected,' Witzlib said of Bratland. 'You can tell the team is trusting in her. She does everything she can to get the job done. She works real hard. It's fun to watch and support her.'

Bratland, of Spring Grove, Minn., made a seamless transition from high school to the IIAC and NCAA Division III competition. She played with various elite teams, including the Rochester Royals.

'I was used to having a high role, being in the circle and knowing teammates would count on me,' Bratland said. 'I prepared myself to have great teammates around me, playing the way they knew how to play.'

Witzlib has picked up from where she left off last season when she was named IIAC Pitcher of the Year. She went 20-4 with a 2.54 ERA and 164 strikeouts, earning first-team all-Midwest Region honors. The right-hander from Germantown, Wis., found a good fit, transferring in from Gannon (Penn.) University.

'I was really looking to enjoy the game,' Witzlib said. 'Luther is a great school for academics, too.

'I was happy to be part of the team last year. I've enjoyed every game out there.'

Witzlib has kept opponents scoreless in 11 appearances, striking out at least 10 twice with a high of 13. Bratland has blanked foes in nine showings, tallying double-digit strikeouts seven games including a season-high 14 twice.

They might not compete with each other, but their performances can provide some motivation.

'Seeing what she is capable of doing pushes me as well, knowing that both of us are capable of doing great things,' Bratland said. 'It's nice to know that we don't have to throw strikeouts to win games.'

Luther has won five regular season conference titles in Hartl's 15 seasons as head coach. The Norse will likely earn a ninth national tournament appearance in the last 10 years. They will be looking for their fifth title since 2010 and first since 2014.

'It's going to be key for us to play our game,' Bratland said. 'It's as simple as that. If we don't play our game, we're not going to do as good as we normally do.'

IOWA CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

QUARTERFINALS - FRIDAY

(4) Central 5, (4) Coe 4

(6) Wartburg 7, (3) Buena Vista 2

SEMIFINALS - SATURDAY

(1) Luther vs. (4) Central, 11 a.m.

(2) Simpson vs. (6) Wartburg, 1:30 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP - SATURDAY

4 p.m.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com