Softball team swept by Albion in its MIAA opener

The Olivet College softball team was swept by Albion College at home this afternoon in its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) season-opening doubleheader. The Lady Comets lost the games, 3-2 and 4-3 in 12 innings.

In the first game, Olivet (5-7, 0-2 MIAA) scored its two runs in the second inning on a RBI single by junior Jill Shufelt (Millington High School) and a bases loaded by junior Jenn Newland (Tekonsha High School). The Britons (8-4, 2-0 MIAA) rallied for the victory with a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth inning.

The Comets had seven base hits, including junior Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs High School) with two singles. Seniors Theresa Flowers (Waterford/Kettering High School) and Jenna Little (Ortonville/Brandon High School) was credited with a double apiece. Sophomore Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City High School) pitched seven innings, allowing seven base hits and three runs (two earned). She struck out six and did not walk a batter.

Olivet scored a run in the first inning of the second inning. Albion tallied a run in the second and third innings. The Comets forced extra innings in the seventh inning when Flowers drove in the tying run. Both teams left the bases loaded in the 10th and 11th innings before the Britons used a one-out base hit to win the game.

At the plate, senior Kari Munson (Lansing Eastern High School) was four-for-four with two walks, a double and RBI. Flowers added two hits and a RBI. Newland went the distance in the pitching circle and gave up six hits and one earned run. She struck out five batters.

Olivet is next in action on Wednesday, March 31, when it plays a MIAA doubleheader at Hope College. The first pitch is slated for 3 p.m.