Softball team sweeps Alma, 2-1 and 2-0

ALMA, Mich. – Freshmen pitchers Ashlynn Grubb (LaGrange, Ind./Lakeland) and Morgan Stratton (Grand Blanc) combined to allow one run, as the Olivet College softball team opened Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play by sweeping a doubleheader from Alma College, 2-1 and 2-0, today at Scotland Yard in Alma.

In the first game, Alma pushed across its only run in the fourth inning. Olivet answered right back with a run in the top of the fifth inning. Sophomore Maddy Siebenmark (Bridgman) reached base on an error, and freshman Chantel Johnston (Williamston) came into the game to run for her.

Freshman Devon Mayse (Adrian/Madison) hit a single and junior Ashley Milheim (Eaton Rapids) walked to load the bases with one out. Senior Lauren Lenard (Dimondale/Lansing Catholic) came through with a sacrifice fly to left field to score Johnston.

Alma loaded the bases with one out, but Grubb got out of the jam with an out at the plate and pop out. The Comets used that momentum to plate the winning run in the seventh inning. Freshman Shannon Huntley (Clio) singled, and freshman Christine Wood (East Lansing/Haslett) entered the game as a pinch runner.

Siebenmark sacrificed Wood over to second with a bunt. Mayse followed with a single to plate Wood with what proved to be the winning run. The Scots left the tying run stranded in scoring position in the bottom half of the seventh.

Olivet had only five hits in the game, including two for Mayse from the nine spot in the lineup. Grubb scattered eight hits over seven innings, while striking out four and walking one.

In game two, the Comets scored a run in the second inning when Stratton's RBI-groundout scored senior Alyssa Nielsen (Greenville). Olivet added to its lead with a run in the bottom half of the third. Lenard led off the inning with a single and came around to score on a two-out double by Nielsen.

Alma's best chance to score came in the sixth inning. The Scots had two runners in scoring position with one out, but Stratton induced two fly outs to get out of the jam. Alma brought the tying run to the dish in the seventh before another fly out ended the game.

The Comets finished the game with seven hits. Nielsen went 3-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. Mayse reached base safely twice, once each on a hit and a walk. Stratton allowed only three hits in improving to 8-0 on the season. She struck out six batters and walked three.

Olivet (13-2, 2-0 MIAA) continues MIAA play with two more road doubleheaders this week. On Thursday, the Comets travel to play Hope College at 3:30 p.m., and on Saturday, they play Trine (Ind.) University at 1 p.m.