Softball team sweeps Kalamazoo, 9-0 and 5-0; Newland tosses no-hitter in second game

Behind two solid pitching performances, the Olivet College softball team swept a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) doubleheader, 9-0 and 5-0, from Kalamazoo College this afternoon in Kalamazoo. In the first game, sophomore Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City High School) threw a four-hitter and in the nightcap, junior Jenn Newland (Tekonsha High School) tossed a no-hitter.

In the opener, the Lady Comets (8-10, 3-5 MIAA) pounded out 10 base hits. Olivet scored four runs in the second inning, two in the third, one in fourth and two more in the sixth to force a eight-run mercy ending. Anderson struck out four batters.

At the plate, junior Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs High School) had three base hits, including two doubles, with two runs scored and two RBIs. Senior Kim Horanburg (Grand Ledge High School) collected two hits. Horanburg, Newland and seniors Theresa Flowers (Waterford Kettering High School) and Jenna Little (Ortonville Brandon High School) had a RBI apiece. Flowers scored two runs and junior Jill Shufelt (Millington High School) drove in two runs.

In the nightcap, the Comets took advantage of seven Kalamazoo (4-11, 0-4 MIAA) errors in the win. They scored four runs in the third inning when Horanburg ripped a bases clearing double. She scored on a single through the left side by Little. Newland came around to score on a wild pitch in the sixth inning. Horanburg reached base three times, twice on doubles.

Newland, who transferred to Olivet from Kellogg Community College, pitched a gem, allowing two base runners on an error and walk. She struck out seven batters. The no-hitter is the seventh in school history, and the first since March 29, 2000 when Jessica Davenport no-hit Saint Mary's (Ind.) College.

The Comets will next be in action on Thursday, April 8, when they host Adrian College for a MIAA doubleheader at 3:30 p.m.