Softball team swept by Saint Mary’s, 3-1 and 7-0, in MIAA doubleheader

The Olivet College softball team was swept by Saint Mary's College in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) doubleheader this afternoon at the SMC Softball Field in Notre Dame, Ind. The Belles won by scores of 3-1 and 7-0.

In the opener, Saint Mary's scored a run in the first inning. In the second inning, the Belles had the bases loaded with nobody out, but the Comet defense got three outs, including two at the plate, to get out of the jam. With runners on first and second base in the third inning, senior Kacey Darling (Hartford) made a diving catch in right-centerfield to end the inning. Saint Mary's scored another run in the fourth inning.

After two outs were recorded, Olivet rallied to score a run in the fifth inning. Four straight singles by resulted in the run, which was scored by freshman Mallory Schug (Climax/Galesburg Augusta) and driven in by senior Heidi Wear (Hastings/Wayland Union).

Wear and senior Cassie Bowerman (Quincy) each went 2-for-3 at the dish. Bowerman had the only extra base, a double in her first at-bat. Senior Anna Braner (Belmond, Iowa) reached base three times. In the circle, sophomore Katie Harper (Vassar) was tagged with the loss.

In the nightcap, the Belles scored three runs in both the first and second innings and they closed the scoring with a run in the seventh inning. Four different Comets each had a hit. Senior Amanda Egmer (Constantine) had a pinch-hit single, while. Braner was on base two times via a fielder's choice. Freshman Rachel Cook (Traverse City/Central) was the losing pitcher.

Olivet continues MIAA play Saturday when it travels to play Adrian College at 1 p.m.