Softball team sweeps doubleheader with Rochester, 12-4 and 10-0

The Olivet College softball team had 23 hits and scored 22 runs en route to a non-conference doubleheader sweep of Rochester College this afternoon in Olivet. The Comets won by scores of 12-4 and 10-0 as both games ended after five innings because of the eight-run mercy rule.

In the first game, Rochester scored a run in its half of the first inning. Olivet (12-6) came back with a run in the home half of the first. Sophomore Anna Braner (Belmond, Iowa/Marshall) walked to lead off the game. She stole second, moved to third on sophomore Heidi Wear's (Hastings/Wayland Union) sacrifice bunt and scored on sophomore Christina Luna's (Charlotte) sacrifice fly.

The Comets took a 2-1 lead in the second inning when senior Shannon Hall (Taylor/ Truman) scored on a wild pitch. The Warriors (2-8) took a 4-2 lead with three runs in the third inning. Olivet regained the lead and put the game out of reach with a 10-run fourth inning. Highlighting the inning was a three-run triple by Wear and a two-run double by sophomore Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western).

At the plate, eight starters each had at least one hit and the ninth starter walked twice. Hall finished the game with three hits and scored three runs. Sophomore Alisha Ridsdale (Laingsburg) had two hits. Braner crossed the plate two times. In the circle, sophomore Corie Greene (Brown City) pitched a complete game, allowing nine hits while striking out six with no walks.

In the nightcap, Olivet scored a run in the first inning, sent 10 batters to the plate and scored seven runs in the second and closed the scoring with a two-run third inning. Highlighting the second inning was a bases clearing triple by Luna.

At the plate, Braner and Luna each collected two hits. Braner scored three runs, while Luna drove in four runs. Wear scored a pair of runs. Ridsdale had two RBI. In the circle, senior Danielle Kapral (Lapeer/East) pitched three innings and allowed one hit to earn the victory. Freshman Karlie McManaman (Williamston) tossed two hitless innings of relief.

The Comets are back in action next Thursday, April 5, when they travel to play Calvin College. The first pitch of the doubleheader is 3:30 p.m.