Softball team sweeps doubleheader at North Park, 4-0 and 16-0

CHICAGO, Ill. – Backed by complete game shutout pitching performances by juniors Carrie Chamberlain and Ashlynn Grubb, the Olivet College softball team blanked North Park University, 4-0 and 16-0, today at Holmgren Field in Chicago.

In the first game, the Comets scored two runs in the third inning. Junior Kelsey Scheenks hit a bloop single into right field and came around to score on an RBI-double down the left field line by junior Taylor Smith. Smith went to third on the throw to the plate and then scored on an error by the Viking shortstop off a batted ball by Grubb.

OIivet loaded the bases with only one out in the fourth inning. North Park escaped the damage without allowing any runners to score by getting a lineout and ground out to end the inning.

The Comets added to their total in the fifth inning with a pair of runs to go up 4-0. Smith led off the frame with a single and scored on an RBI-double by Grubb. Freshman Kristen Gressley came into the game to run for Grubb. Gressley advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Larissa Ludwick and scored on an RBI-single by Chamberlain.

For the game, Olivet had nine base hits. Smith was 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored, one double and one RBI. Scheenks also had two hits, including a double. Chamberlain went 2-for-3 with a walk. Grubb scattered seven hits over the seven innings for her eighth win of the season. She struck out nine batters.

In the first inning of the second, Grubb lined a double to become the college's all-time leader for two-base hits with 29. The Comets scored four runs in their half of the fourth inning. Chamberlain hit a single through the middle of the infield, sophomore Konnor Geiger laced a double into shallow right field and senior Sydney Tharp walked to load the bases with nobody out.

Freshman Dominique McKillop ripped a single over the left fielder's head to bring home Chamberlain. A ground out off the bat of junior Devon Mayse brought home Geiger with the second run. Sophomore Haley Reed followed with a single to plate Tharp and advance McKillop to third base. Olivet then executed the double steal, scoring McKillop with the last run of the inning.

In the sixth inning, the Comets sent 16 batters to the plate and put their final 12 runs on the scoreboard. Mayse led off with a double and went to third on a fielding error by the pitcher on Reed's bunt. Smith then stroked a double to score Mayse and move Reed to third base. Grubb grounded out to bring home Reed.

Ludwick followed with a stand-up double off the fence in center field to score Smith. Sophomore Hannah Hoover came into the game to run for Ludwick and then scored on a single by Chamberlain. A bloop single for Geiger and a fielder's choice for sophomore Katie Ordiway loaded the bases.

McKillop nearly cleared the bases with a double to center field, driving in Chamberlain and Geiger. Mayse kept the inning going with a two-run double down the left field line. Senior Christine Wood was hit by a pitch to put another run on base. Smith hit a three-run homer over the left field fence, and Ludwick capped the scoring with a solo dinger.

At the plate, Olivet roped 16 total hits. Smith led the way, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and four RBI. Chamberlain was also 3-for-5, while scoring two runs. Mayse and McKillop were both 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI. Both of Mayse's hits were doubles. Geiger and Ludwick each had two hits. Chamberlain allowed only three hits in her complete game pitching performance.

The Comets are scheduled to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play tomorrow with a 3:30 p.m. doubleheader at Hope College.