Posted 4/6/07
UW-Platteville's Becky Swanson hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the eighth to beat Loras 11-9 on March 29. The junior outfielder from Neenah is the first Pioneer to ever hit a walk-off home run to win a game.
Have you ever had a game-winning home run before doing it against Loras?
"No I haven't. That was definitely a first. I was just trying to get a base hit, but once the ball left the bat, I was 'Oh yeah, that works.' It felt good."
What did it mean to the team to get two wins?
"It's huge. We've had problems winning both games, so getting that second one was big for us. They were good wins coming up before the conference season."
How do you think the team is doing so far?
"So far we're doing pretty well. It didn't really show we were doing very well in California (3-7 record), but I thought we played well, and I feel we're going to continue to play pretty well."
Where do you see UWP finishing the year in the conference?
"I think we can finish in the top five. We just have to stick in there and keep winning the second games. That was our downfall last year. "
What are you personal goals?
"Just play well. Get the hits when we need them and not make any errors."
The Pioneers are pretty exciting to watch, the way you hit the ball.
"Last year we weren't much of a hitting team, but this year we're definitely coming through with our bats. It's nice. It's good to get those runs in."
You have two high school teammates, Maggie Medlicott and Ashley Ribich, on the Pioneer team with you. Does that help?
"It does because you can talk to people, and they can relate."
What is your major and what would you like to eventually do?
"I'm in criminal justice major, and I'd like to get into the police field first then hopefully later on in my years become a detective. That's like my ultimate goal, and we'll see where it goes."
Interview by SID Paul Erickson