Softball team posts two shutout wins over Manchester, 4-0 and 6-0

The Olivet College softball team posted a pair of shutout wins over non-conference foe Manchester (Ind.) College today in Olivet. The Comets (14-6) won by scores of 4-0 and 6-0.

In the first game, Olivet tallied two runs in the fourth and fifth innings. In the fourth, junior Katelan Schoen (Climax/Climax-Scotts) singled to lead off the inning. Freshman Heather Jones (Trenton) brought her home on a triple to the right-center gap. Jones scored on wild pitch.

In the fifth, freshman Danielle Martin (Lansing/Catholic Central) doubled and advanced to third on a play at home. Freshman Alisha Ridsdale (Laingsburg) lined a single to left centerfield to score Martin. Freshman Cassie Bowerman (Quincy) entered the game to run for Ridsdale. Schoen ripped a double to centerfield to score Bowerman.

At the plate, Schoen was two-for-two. Freshman Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western) also collected two hits. Four others each had a hit. In the circle, senior Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City) earned her sixth win of the season, while giving up two hits. She struck out four, walked nobody and allowed only one runner past first base.

In the nightcap, the Comets led 1-0 after four innings, 3-0 after five and 6-0 after six. Martin led off the fourth inning with a double off the left field fence, moved to third on a groundout and scored on a single by Jones. The runs in the fifth inning were unearned as a wild pitch plated the first run and Martin drove in the second run. Olivet sent seven players to the plate to score its three runs in the sixth.

For the game, Jones and Martin were each three-for-three. Jones' hits were two doubles and a single. Martin had a double and two singles. Freshman Katie Walker (Lansing/Everett) was credited with two hits, including a double. In the circle, sophomore Kim Green (Portland) gained the win, allowing four base hits in seven innings. She walked one and struck out five batters.

The Comets resume Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Wednesday, April 5, when they host Calvin College at 3:30 p.m.