Softball team opens 2006 season with a split at Gene Cusic Classic

The Olivet College softball team opened the 2006 season today with a split of two games at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. The Comets fell to Capital (Ohio) University, 7-2, and bounced back to beat Anna Maria (Mass.) College, 6-3.

Capital took a 7-0 lead with two runs in the first inning, one in the third, two in the fifth and two in the sixth. Olivet got on the scoreboard with two runs in the bottom half of the sixth inning. Freshman Heidi Wear (Hastings/Wayland) doubled to centerfield, moved to third on a single by junior Heather Hinesman (Hudson) and scored on a groundout by sophomore Jessica Schmansky (Clarkston/Waterford Our Lady of Lakes). Freshman Alisha Ridsdale (Laingsburg) hit a double down the right field line to plate Hinesman.

At the plate, Wear was two-for-three. In the circle, senior Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City) suffered the loss, pitching six innings. She allowed 12 base hits and seven runs (four earned).

Against Anna Maria, the Comets jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top half of the third inning. Freshman Kacey Darling (Hartford) tripled and scored on a double by freshman Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western). Anna Maria came back with three runs in its half of the third.

Olivet tied the game and took the lead for good with five runs in the fifth frame. Luna singled and was replaced by freshman Aryn Perkins (Lansing/Sexton) on the base paths. Perkins scored on a triple by junior Shannon Hall (Taylor/Truman). She scored when Darling hit a ball that was misplayed by the Anna Maria third baseman.

Wear continued the inning with a single to move Darling to third base. Rosecrants came to the plate and hit her second double of the game, scoring Darling and moving Wear to third base. Hinesman reached base on a single, which scored Wear and moved Rosecrants up one base. Rosecrants crossed the plate on a fielding error.

For the game, Darling and Rosecrants each had two hits. Sophomore Kim Green (Portland) went the distance to earn the win in the circle. She allowed four hits, while striking out four.

The Comets continue play tomorrow when they play Alfred (N.Y.) University at 9 a.m., and Anna Maria at 11 a.m. On the trip to Florida, Olivet will play 12 total games.