Softball team splits doubleheader with Trine

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College softball team split a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) doubleheader with the visting Trine (Ind.) University Thunder in contrasting ways today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. After losing the first game 11-0 in five innings, the Comets bounced back to win the second game, 3-1.

In the first game, the Thunder scored eight runs in the second inning and three runs in the fourth to cause the game to end early because of the eight-run mercy rule. Olivet was held to just one base hit, a single by junior Brooke Coshow (Niles/Brandywine). Senior Katie Harper (Vassar) was the losing pitcher, as she gave up all 11 runs (eight earned) on 11 hits.

In the second game, the Comets scored twice in the second inning without getting a base hit. Freshman Lauren Lenard (Dimondale/Lansing Catholic) and junior Kelsey Greene (Burr Oak) each walked to start the inning. Junior Bridget Lathers (Grass Lake/Lumen Christi) successfully advanced them up one base with a sacrifice bunt.

Sophomore Breanna Bunker (Charlotte) put down a perfect squeeze bunt, but Lenard did not score until the Trine third baseman threw the ball away at the plate. Greene moved to third and Bunker got to second on the errant throw. A passed ball allowed Greene to score.

The Thunder got one back in the fourth inning. Sophomore Ciara Santos (Lansing/Everett) answered the run with a solo home run in the sixth inning.

For the game, the Comets had just three hits. Meanwhile, in the circle, junior Rachel Cook (Traverse City/Central) allowed only an unearned run on three hits. Throwing 99 pitches in the complete game performance, she retired the last 11 batters in the game.

Olivet will conclude its season next week with two MIAA doubleheaders. On Friday, the Comets travel to play Saint Mary's (Ind.) College in a rescheduled doubleheader at 3:30 p.m., and on Saturday, they host Kalamazoo College at 1 p.m.