Softball team swept by Calvin, 4-3 and 8-2

The Olivet College softball team was swept by Calvin College in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) doubleheader this afternoon in Olivet. The Lady Comets lost, 4-3 and 8-2.

The Knights jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Olivet scored two runs in the third inning when the Calvin centerfielder misplayed a ball. The Comets added another run in the fifth when senior Jenna Little (Ortonville Brandon High School) scored on a wild pitch. Calvin won the game with a three-run sixth inning.

At the plate, senior Kim Horanburg (Grand Ledge High School) had three base hits, including a double. Junior Jill Shufelt (Millington High School) was two-for-three. Junior Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs High School) also had a double. Sophomore Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City High School) was the loser in the pitching circle.

In the nightcap, the Knights took advantage of four Olivet errors to score six unearned runs in the second inning. The Comets added two runs in the fourth inning on a bases loaded walk by junior Jenn Newland (Tekonsha High School) and a groundout by junior Lindsey Daniels (Galesburg Augusta High School). Calvin closed out the scoring with two runs in the fifth.

In the game, Shunkwiler had a base hit and walked in her other three plate appearances. Newland suffered the loss after pitching six innings. She allowed eight hits, eight runs (two earned) and struck out four.

The Comets will travel on Tuesday, April 6, for a MIAA doubleheader at Kalamazoo College. The first pitch is slated for 3:30 p.m.