Knights split weekend softball games

A sweep of Illinois College March 20 highlighted Wartburg College's weekend trek in central Illinois.

Coach Kara Kehe's Knights, improving to 5-11, rolled up 6-4 and 10-2 wins over the host Lady Blues. A two-run single from sophomore outfielder Ashley Bienemann of Alburnett closed a four-run seventh inning rally in game one, while four players had two hits or more in game two, led by senior Jacie Smith of Victor's three-for-four, four-RBI effort. Sophomore pitcher Samantha Kuntzelman of Leaf Rver, Ill., played a double role in game two, serving up five strikeouts over six frames and going three-for-three at the plate with two runs scored and three RBIs.

The two-day trip opened with 4-3 and 11-3 losses to Blackburn College of Carlinville March 19. Kehe's squad battled back from a 3-0 deficit in game to tie it in the seventh behind a solo home run from junior outfielder Lynn Heitkamp of Galena, Ill., and a two-run single off the bat of junior Lauren Popov of Collinsvlle, Ill., before the Beavers plated the winning run in the home half. Three players (sophomore infielder Stacy Kayser of Jesup, Smith and freshman shortstop Katie Henderson of Vinton) had two hits each in game two.

Wartburg continues its 2011 slate at Augustana College of Rock Island, Ill.'s two-day tournament Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27. The Orange and Black face UW-River Falls and Augustana Saturday and Finlandia College of Michigan and Ripon College of Wisconsin Sunday.