Softball team swept by Grand Valley, 10-2 and 6-2

The Olivet College softball team was swept by Grand Valley State University in a non-conference doubleheader today in its home-opener at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. The Lakers won by scores of 10-2 and 6-2.

In the first game, Grand Valley scored three runs in the first inning, two runs in the third inning and one run in the fourth inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead. The Comets got on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the fifth inning.

With one out, senior Kacie Rosecrants (Parma/Western) broke up the no-hitter single into right-centerfield. After another out was recorded, senior Felicia Smith (Spring Lake) lined a 2-1 pitch over the leftfield fence for her first collegiate home run.

The Lakers added four runs in the top half of the sixth. Olivet failed to score a run in its half of the sixth, and Grand Valley earned the run-rule victory.

For the game, the Comets were limited to three hits – Rosecrants' single, Smith's home run and a sixth-inning single by freshman Danielle Vespa (St. Clair Shores/Univ. Liggett). In the circle, sophomore Katie Harper (Vassar) suffered her first loss on the young season. She surrendered the 10 runs on 14 hits, while striking out one and walking one.

In the nightcap, Olivet jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a run in the first frame. Junior Jenny Robbins (Fenton) and senior Anna Braner (Belmond, Iowa/Marshall) started off the game with back-to-back singles. After each stole a base, Robbins crossed the plate on a RBI-single by Vespa. The Lakers tied the game at 1-1 with a run in the second inning.

The Lakers took the lead for good with a three-run third inning. The Comets closed their deficit to two in the bottom half of the third inning. Vespa singled and freshman Cortney Wernette (Remus/Chippewa Hills). Wernette went to second on a fielder's choice out at third base, and came around to score on a double by Rosecrants. Grand Valley added single runs in the fourth and fifth frames.

Olivet finished the game with eight hits, including three by Braner. Vespa had two hits to extend her hitting streak to nine streak. Robbins, Rosecrants and Smith each had a hit. In the circle, freshman Rachel Cook (Traverse City/Central) was the losing pitcher. She gave up six runs (four earned) on 14 hits. She walked zero batters and struck out three.

The Comets are now idle until next Thursday, March 26, when they host Hope College to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play. Game time is 3:30 p.m.