Softball team splits doubleheader with Wittenberg

The softball team split a doubleheader with non-conference foe Wittenberg (Ohio) University this afternoon in Olivet. Behind a 16-hit attack, Olivet (11-5) won the first game, 10-5. Wittenberg (4-14) bounced back to win the nightcap, 5-1.

In the first game, Olivet scored its first run in the second inning when freshman Kim Green (Portland) ripped a double to plate sophomore Heather Hinesman (Hudson). The Tigers clawed came back with two unearned runs in the top half of the third inning.

The Lady Comets responded with three runs in their half of the third frame and two runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-2 lead. Wittenberg made it a 6-5 game with three runs in the fifth inning. Olivet answered right back with three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and then put the game away with a run in the sixth inning.

At the plate, every Olivet starter had at least one base hit. Senior Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs) led the way with three hits and four RBIs. Green, Hinesman, seniors Lindsey Daniels (Galesburg Augusta) and Jenn Newland (Tekonsha) and sophomore Katelan Schoen (Climax-Scotts) collected two hits apiece. Newland scored three times while Daniels and Schoen each scored twice. In the circle, junior Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City) pitched seven innings. She allowed seven hits and five unearned runs.

In the nightcap, Olivet scored its run in the first inning. Newland walked to lead off the inning, stole second base, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior Jill Shufelt (Millington) and scored on a wild pitch. The Tigers took a 2-1 lead in the second inning. Wittenberg then closed the scoring with a three-run, sixth inning.

Offensively, the Comets were held to three hits. Freshman Jessica Schmansky (Clarkston/Waterford Our Lady of Lakes) had a double while Hinesman and Shunkwiler each had a single. Green suffered the loss in the circle. In seven innings, she gave up seven hits, three earned runs and two walks.

Olivet will resume Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Tuesday, April 5, when it hosts Hope College. The first pitch of the doubleheader is 3:30 p.m.