Softball team shuts out Kalamazoo, 11-0 and 12-0

The Olivet College softball team kept its hopes of qualifying for the 2006 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament alive by posting a pair of shutout victories, 11-0 and 12-0, today at Kalamazoo College. The Comets (22-10, 8-6 MIAA) are tied with Albion College for the fourth and final spot in the tournament. Olivet will host Albion in its final MIAA doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m. In addition, the 22 victories equals last year's single-season school record win total.

In the first game of today's doubleheader, the Comets scored three runs in both the first and second inning, added four runs in the third and closed the scoring with a one run in the fourth inning. The game ended after five innings because of the eight-run mercy rule.

Every Olivet starter collected at least one base hit. The first three hitters in the lineup – freshmen Kacey Darling (Hartford), Danielle Martin (Lansing/Catholic Central) and Katie Walker (Lansing/Everett) – had two hits a piece. Each player had a double and a single. Darling's and Walker's double plated one run, while Martin's double came with the bases loaded and cleared them. Junior Katelan Schoen (Climax/Climax-Scotts) had a two-run double in the first inning.

In the circle, senior Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City) pitched the first three innings, allowing one base hit and striking out three. With the win, she improved her season record to 12-5. Freshman Corie Greene (Brown City) tossed the last two innings in relief. She gave up one hit and struck out four batters.

In the nightcap, Olivet sent 12 batters to the plate and scored eight runs in the first inning. The Comets tacked on their final four runs in the second, forcing another five inning mercy rule ending.

At the plate, Walker was 3-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored. Freshman Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western) also had three hits and three RBI in four trips to the plate. Freshman Christina Luna (Charlotte) finished with two hits. Darling and freshman Kortney Ewing (Nashville/Maple Valley) each scored two runs.

In the circle, sophomore Kim Green (Portland) earned the win, pitching five innings and giving up three hits. The Comets also played a solid defense as they turned two double plays, including an unassisted double play turned by first baseman Jessica Schmansky (Clarkston/Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes).

Before Saturday's showdown with Albion, Olivet will return to the field tomorrow when it hosts Rochester College for a non-conference doubleheader, beginning at 3:30 p.m.