The UW-Platteville softball team’s participation in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C., seems to be paying off for the Pioneer softball team. The Pioneers began their 2008 WIAC season with a 2-1 victory over UW-Oshkosh on April 3 and a double-header split with UW-La Crosse on April 4.

The team played nine games while in Myrtle Beach from March 16 - 20.

“The spring break trip helps every year,” said head coach Heather Townsend. “It helps the team get out and play some ball.”

The Myrtle Beach trip also helped “build camaraderie,” said junior second baseman Tera Burr.

Along with the Myrtle Beach trip, the Pioneers had a split with the Beloit College Buccaneers on March 29.

The location had to be moved from the UW-P Softball Complex because it was snowing. That didn’t stop the Pioneers from beating the Buccaneers 10-2 in the first game. They put up a good fight in the second game but lost to the Buccaneers 14-12.

Weather continued to affect the Pioneers as their first game of the season against UW-LC on April 1 was postponed to April 4 because the field in La Crosse was unplayable due to wetness.

The Pioneer’s first home game was against UW-O. During the game, senior shortstop Nikki Hansen had 2 base hits while outfielder Becky Swanson hit a two-run home run to beat the Titanas 2-1.

“Oshkosh is a very tough opponent,” said Burr. “Everyone pulled through.”

The day after their Oshkosh win, the Pioneers played their rescheduled double-header against UW-LC which ended in a split.

In the first game, it was close but UW-LC won 10-5 after some clutch hits in the fifth inning. The Pioneers came back in the second game and won 11-4.

“We really lit it up in the second game,” said Burr. “We had three home runs and Katie Sutter pitched very well.”

“Everyone contributed,” said Hansen about the game against the Eagles. “Everyone had some accomplishment that helped us win the game.”

The Pioneers have had a recent home run binge in every game. Home runs don’t win games; base hits do, said Townsend.

“Home-runs are a good motivator and help to tie up a game,” said Hansen.

After UW-O, the Pioneers won’t be seeing much of home. Their next four games take place on the road. The Pioneers next game is at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Loras College, and the next day they have another away game at Cornell College. The team’s next home game isn’t until April 15 against the University of Dubuque.