WAVERLY, Iowa-- The Wartburg softball team (13-21 overall, 3-5 IIAC) achieved its biggest upset win in program history in the 12-4 six inning victory over No. 2 Luther (30-2, 7-1) Tuesday.

Notes:
-This win ended Luther's 27-game winning streak
-The win snapped Wartburg's 12-game losing streak to the Norse in the series history.
-This was the biggest upset win in program history as the previous best was 9-0 win over #6 Central on 4/17/07
-Prior to this game, Luther had surrendered one run or less in the last 11 games.

"Today's win was a big one for us as we continue to compete for a spot in the IIAC conference tournament," said head coach Jamie Mueller. "The Luther softball program is a well-respected, perennial power house in DIII softball. I hope this win can be a confidence boost for our young team as we work to enhance the culture and level of play of Wartburg softball."

WARTBURG vs. LUTHER HIGHLIGHTS


The Norse were the first team on the board as they had a solo home run in the second inning for the early lead. Sophomore Kristie Sommer (Cedar Rapids) gave the Knights the 3-1 lead in the bottom of the frame on her three-run homer to left field and classmate Erica Countryman (Plainfield, Ill.) crossed the plate in the third on a fielding error to make it 4-1.

Luther answered with a two-run single in the fourth which made the score 4-3. Wartburg extended its margin further in the next inning thanks in part to a two-run single by sophomore Kimberly Wedeking (Clarksville) and two more runs scored to make it 8-3. The Norse tallied their final run in the sixth and sophomore Mara Forsyth (Charles City) launched a two-run shot over the left field fence which made the game 11-3. Wedeking would seal the run-rule win on her double to right field which scored sophomore Sarah Grabowski (Plainfield, Ill.).

Wedeking also pitched the complete game and earned her eighth win of the season.

In the finale, the game was tied 1-1 after two as freshman Victoria Brandon (Cedar Rapids) had a leadoff home run in the frame. Luther tallied five in the third, six in the fourth and two in the fifth to take the 14-1 lead. Freshman Hannah Blaske (Bettendorf) hit a leadoff homer of her own in the fifth but the rally ended on a double play to end the game.

Wartburg returns to the field Saturday when it hosts Simpson at 1 p.m.

Waterloo Courier recap
KCRR recap