MSOE snaps 57-game losing streak
MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- MSOE softball put an end to a 57-game streak of futility and began one of success as they toppled Mt. Mary in a non-conference doubleheader, Tuesday in Milwaukee. The Raiders swept the doubleheader by the scores of 13-5 and 8-5.

The 57 game losing streak started on May 5, 2006 with a 7-0 loss to Concordia-Wisconsin in the second round of the Lake Michigan Conference softball tournament. Later that day, they lost their final game in the 2006 tournament to Marian, 3-2. In 2007, the team was 0-26 for the season and had a 0-29 record for 2008, coming into yesterday’s doubleheader with Mt. Mary.

Former Concordia-Wisconsin assistant coach Rod Wilterdink was a common thread between the beginning and the end of the streak. In 2006, he coached in the game that started the streak that he would see end almost two years later. Hired by MSOE at the end of the 2007 season, Wilterdink was asked by Athletic Director Dan Harris to bring the softball program back to prominence the program held in the past. The Raiders were LMC conference champions in 1984, 1985, 1997, and 1998. Without a recruiting class under his belt, or any starting pitching with experience on the mound, coach Wilterdink brought the Raiders to their first victory in almost two seasons.

In the doubleheader, MSOE was led by Brittany Remington, who pitched steady and strong going the distance in both games. Each game, Remington pitched seven innings, giving up 3 earned runs in both games.

Offensively for the Raiders, Leah Kutz went 7-for-9 at the plate. Kutz had one double and one triple in game one, followed by a pair of doubles and triples in the second game. She totaled five RBIs on the day.

Other Raider superlatives include Rachel VandenBranden, going 4-for-9 with 4 RBI, Jen Riffer was 5-for-9 at the plate, while Kimball hit .500 (4-for-8) in the doubleheader.

Before starting this year’s two-game winning streak, MSOE’s last victory was a 5-3 Lake Michigan Conference first round victory over Maranatha Baptist on May 2, 2006. MSOE will complete their season with a home doubleheader against Mt. Mary on Tuesday, May 6. Game time is 3pm. .

Courtesy of MSOE, Sports Information Department, April 30, 2008.