Softball Recap: Wittenberg-Birnamwood Takes a Loss

Chargers

Previous 5 Games

05/08/25 @ Manawa	2-4
05/06/25 vs Amherst	6-4
05/06/25 vs Amherst	10-3
04/28/25 vs Weyauwega-Fremont	7-2
04/24/25 vs Shiocton	10-0

Wittenberg-Birnamwood dropped their record down to 11-6 on Thursday, which also ended the team's three-game streak of wins. They fell just short of the Manawa Wolves by a score of 4-2. Having soared to a lofty ten runs in the game before, the Chargers couldn't push the score so high this time.

Rory Salvesen made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles, one triple, and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Chloe Hanson, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and one run.

As for Manawa, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-2 record this season. Four seems to be a good number for they as the squad scooped up a win with the same number of runs in their previous game.

On Manawa's side, Olivia Zielke was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and only one walk). Zielke has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple and one RBI. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lily Krenke, who went 1-for-4 with one home run. She is on a roll when it comes to home runs, as she's now launched at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Bre Bonikowske was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Coming up, Wittenberg-Birnamwood will look to defend their home field on Saturday against Antigo at 10:00 a.m. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (the Chargers have won four straight at home, while the Red Robins won four straight on the road), something that'll have to change. As for Manawa, they will head out to challenge Rosholt at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Hornets have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 16.18 runs per game on average), something the Wolves will no doubt try to take advantage of.