Softball team splits doubleheader at Calvin

The Olivet College softball team split a doubleheader with Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Calvin College this afternoon at Gainey Field in Grand Rapids. The Comets lost the first game, 2-1, and bounced back to win the second game, 6-4.

In the first game, Olivet (15-10, 3-6 MIAA) led 1-0 after scoring a run in the fourth inning. Sophomore Anna Braner (Belmond, Iowa/Marshall) led off the inning with an infield single. A sacrifice bunt, followed by a groundout advanced Braner to second and third base, respectively. Junior Amy Cooper (Bath) hit a single in the left-centerfield gap to score Braner. The 1-0 lead would hold up until the Knights (6-10, 2-2 MIAA) tallied two runs in the bottom half of the sixth inning.

Cooper finished the game with two of the Comets' three hits. Sophomore Corie Greene (Brown City) was the losing pitcher. She allowed two earned runs on

In the nightcap, Calvin took a 4-0 lead by scoring three runs in the second inning and one more in the fourth. The Comets cut their deficit to one run with a three-run fourth inning and then took a 6-4 lead when they pushed across three runs in the fifth.

Offensively, Cooper collected two hits, while sophomore Alisha Ridsdale (Laingsburg) had two RBI. In relief of senior Danielle Kapral (Lapeer/East), freshman Karlie McManaman (Williamston) earned the pitching win. Kapral pitched the first four innings, surrendering four earned runs on three hits. McManaman threw three scoreless innings. She gave up two hits and struck out two.

Olivet will return to the field Saturday, April 21, for a MIAA doubleheader at Saint Mary's (Ind.) College, beginning at 1 p.m.