Softball team sweeps doubleheader with Ohio Wesleyan, 6-3 and 2-0

Behind two solid pitching performances and outstanding defense, the Olivet College softball team swept a doubleheader with visiting Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) today in Olivet. Senior Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City) pitched a complete game as the Comets won game, 6-3. Sophomore Kim Green (Portland) also tossed a complete game and shutout OWU, 2-0. Olivet made only one error in the doubleheader.

In the first game, the Comets (12-4) scored three runs in the second inning. Leading off the inning, junior Heather Hinesman (Hudson) hit a triple and scored on a wild pitch. Junior Shannon Hall (Taylor/Truman) ripped a double to the right centerfield gap and scored on a single by freshman Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western). Rosecrants came around to score on a double by freshman Kacey Darling (Hartford).

After OWU scored a run in the top half of the fifth inning, Olivet answered with two runs in its half of the fifth. Freshman Danielle Martin (Lansing/Catholic Central) reached base on a fielder's choice. Freshman Aryn Perkins (Lansing/Sexton) replaced her on the bases. Perkins moved up to second base on a single by junior Katelan Schoen (Climax/Climax-Scotts). Perkins and Schoen scored when freshman Kortney Ewing (Nashville/Maple Valley) hit a triple over the right fielder's head.

The Comets tallied an unearned run in the sixth inning. The Bishops (9-9) scored two runs in the seventh, but it was not enough.

At the plate, Darling and Rosecrants had two base hits apiece. Ewing, Hall, Hinesman, Schoen and freshman Alisha Ridsdale (Laingsburg) each had a hit. In the circle, Anderson yielded nine hits, while striking out four batters.

In the nightcap, Olivet scored its runs in the second inning. Freshman Katie Walker (Lansing/Everett) walked to lead off the inning. Ewing hit a single to move Walker to second base. A passed ball, followed by a wild pitch, plated Walker and moved Ewing to third base. Ewing scored on a RBI single by Rosecrants.

For the game, Ewing, Rosecrants, Schoen and freshman Heather Jones (Trenton) each had a hit. Jones' hit was the only one for extra bases, a double down the left field line. In the circle, Green allowed six hits and struck out four. OWU left eight runners on base, including the bases loaded in the seventh inning.

The Comets open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Friday, March 31, at defending champion Alma College. The first pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3 p.m.