Softball: Two-hit pitching performances lead to Comet wins over Rockford and Drew

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Freshman Delaney Maki and sophomore Ashlynn Grubb both tossed complete game, two-hitters to lead the Olivet College softball team to a 3-0 win over Rockford (Ill.) University and 6-1 win over Drew (N.J.) University today at the Gene Cusic Classic in Cape Coral, Florida.

The Comets scored the only run they would need against Rockford in the first inning. Freshman Haley Reed reached on an infield bunt single. On the very next pitch, she stole second base and came all the way around to score when the throw from the catcher sailed into center field.

Olivet plated its final two runs in the second. Sophomore Kelsey Scheenks walked on four pitches to start the inning. She then crossed the plate when freshman Olivia Peraino lined a pinch-hit double over the left fielder's head. Senior Ashley Milheim followed with a single to shallow center field to score Peraino.

Meanwhile, Maki was brilliant in the circle, striking out six and allowing three base runners to improve to 2-2 on the season. Throwing 101 total pitches, she retired the final 13 batters she faced. At the plate, Reed and Grubb each collected two hits in three plate appearances.

Against Drew, Grubb was perfect in the circle through the first five innings. Olivet left six runners stranded on the bases in the first four innings. The Comets dented the scoreboard in the fifth inning with three runs. Milheim scored the first run on a sacrifice fly off the bat of freshman Kris Forest. Freshman Larissa Ludwick then sent a 1-1 pitch over the fence for a two-run home run, the first of her collegiate career.

Olivet doubled its lead to 6-0 with a three-run sixth inning. Peraino reached on a fielder's choice, stole second went third on Milheim's single. With runners on the corners, the Ranger defense let Milheim steal second base.

Sophomore Devon Mayse then executed a perfect squeeze bunt. The throw to the plate was late, with Peraino slipping under the tag. Reed entered back into the game and promptly stole second base. Grubb hit a two-run double down the right field line, scoring Milheim from third and Reed from second.

Drew was held hitless until the seventh inning. A batter reached on a Comet error and then advanced to third on the Rangers' first hit of the game. After an out was recorded, a bloop hit to left field scored the runner from third base.

In the circle, Grubb struck out six and the only run given up was unearned. At the plate, Milheim collected three hits and scored two runs. Reed was 1-for-1 with two runs scored. Grubb and Ludwick had two hits apiece.

Following a day off tomorrow, the Comets will resume play in Florida on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. against Bridgewater State (Mass.) University, followed by a game against University of Minn.-Morris.