Softball team uses long ball to sweep Adrian, 8-7 and 9-1

The softball team swept a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) doubleheader from Adrian College this afternoon in Adrian. In the first game, the Lady Comets (15-9, 6-2 MIAA) hit three home runs to defeat the Bulldogs, 8-7. Olivet scored seven runs in the fifth inning and won the nightcap, 9-1.

In the first game, the Comets jumped out to 3-0 lead in the first inning. Senior Jenn Newland (Tekonsha) reached first base on error and moved to second on a single by senior Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs). Senior Lindsey Daniels (Galesburg Augusta) then hit a three-run home run.

The Bulldogs (8-17, 3-7 MIAA) answered with four runs in their half of the first inning. Olivet regained the lead at 6-4 in the third inning. Daniels led off the frame with a single and scored on a home run by freshman Jessica Schmansky (Clarkston/Waterford Our Lady of Lakes). Later in the inning, Newland doubled home junior Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City).

Adrian tacked on an unearned run in the fourth inning. The Comets scored what proved to be the game-winning runs in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by sophomore Katelan Schoen (Climax-Scotts). The Bulldogs scored two runs in the bottom of seventh.

At the plate, Olivet tallied 17 base hits. Newland was four-for-five with a RBI and run scored. Schmansky had three hits – a single, double and home run. Daniels, freshman Kim Green (Portland) and senior Jill Shufelt (Millington) collected two hits apiece. On the mound, Anderson improved to 9-3 this season. She pitched all seven innings, allowing five hits and seven runs (four earned) while striking out six Bulldogs.

The Comets led 2-0 after one inning in the nightcap. Adrian added a run in the second inning. Only one out had been recorded before Olivet ended the game with a seven-run fifth inning. Shufelt singled to start the frame. Shunkwiler then ripped a home run. She now has seven home runs to break the college's career record.

Anderson drove in one run with a single. Schoen hit a two-run double and Newland ended the game with a two-run double.

For the game, Schoen was three-for-three with two doubles. Newland, Schmansky and Shufelt each collected two hits. In the circle, Green tossed a complete game, two-hitter and struck out five batters.

Olivet is next in action Saturday afternoon when they travel to play Calvin College in a key MIAA doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. The Comets are one game behind the Knights in the MIAA standings.