Softball: Olivet defeated twice by Bethany, 10-2 and 8-7

BETHANY, W.Va. – The University of Olivet softball team suffered a pair of losses to Bethany (W.Va.) College in a non-conference twinbill today at Bison Field. After winning the first game, 10-2, in six innings, the Bison rallied in the seventh inning to win the second game, 8-7.

• Final Scores: Bethany 10, Olivet 2 (6); Bethany 8, Olivet 7
• Location: Bison Field; Bethany, West Virginia
• Records: Olivet 3-13 overall, Bethany 21-6 overall

• Olivet scored a run in the top of the first inning. Kaitlyn Witkowski walked, advanced to second a sacrifice bunt, stole third base and crossed the dish on a passed ball.
• The Comets added another run in the second inning. Mattie Akom led off the frame with a single and went to second when Autumn Wallington drew a walk. Akom stole third base and came around to score on a throwing error by the catcher.
• The Bison used six hits and two walks, while also taking advantage of two Olivet errors to push across six runs in the fourth inning.
• Bethany ended the game with a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth innings.

• Olivet recorded six hits.
• Akom went 2-for-3.
• Zola Smith had the lone extra base hit, a double.
• Michelle Michelin was charged with the loss. She did not give up four runs (zero earned) on five hits and four walks over the first three and two-thirds innings.
• Aubrey Starkel and Briana Gitchell threw in relief.

• After Bethany plated a run in the bottom of the first inning, the Comets quickly answered with three runs in the top of the second inning.
• The Bison responded with their own three spot in the third inning to take a 4-3 lead.
• Olivet grabbed the lead back with a pair of runs in the fourth inning.
• The Comets pushed across another run in the fifth inning to stretch their lead to two runs.
• Olivet tallied an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning to make the score 7-4.
• The Bison walked-off with the win after scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh. The last two runs came in on a two-out hit.

• Olivet tallied eight hits.
• Akom and Maddie Bailey each registered two hits.
• Bailey collected two RBI.
• Morgan Rachow scored two runs.
• Izzy Abalos started in the circle, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits over the first six and one-third innings.
• Michelin entered the game in the seventh but gave up the winning run to be charged with the loss.

• Olivet resumes its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association schedule Wednesday with a doubleheader at Kalamazoo College, starting at 3 p.m.