Softball team opens MIAA play with two losses at Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Olivet College softball team began Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play by getting swept in a doubleheader, 14-3 and 22-5, against Kalamazoo College at the K Softball Field.

• Final Scores: Kalamazoo 14, Olivet 3 (5); Kalamazoo 22, Olivet 5 (5)
• Location: K Softball Field; Kalamazoo, Michigan
• Records: Olivet 0-8 overall, 0-2 MIAA; Kalamazoo 12-8 overall, 2-0 MIAA

• The Hornets scored four runs in the first inning, two runs in the second and eight runs in the third to take a 14-0 lead. The Comets sent eight batters to the plate and scored three runs in the top of fifth. The big hit of the inning was a two-run double by junior Meredith Morell.
• For the game, Morell and senior Jessica Barnes had two hits apiece, including one double each. Sophomore Malaya Shireman suffered the pitching loss after giving up 10 runs (six earned) on five hits over the first two and one-third innings.

• After Kalamazoo scored a run in the top of first inning, Olivet answered with four runs in the bottom half of the first. Barnes, Morell and sophomore Summer Smith each had an RBI-single in the inning, and the fourth run scored on a wild pitch.
• The Hornets responded by scoring 21 runs over the next three innings (five in the second, 10 in the third and six in the fourth) to go up 22-4.
• The Comets plated their final run in the fifth when Barnes hit a double to score Morell.
• At the plate, Morell was 3-for-3 with three singles. Barnes and junior Brielle Broderick tallied two hits apiece, and each had a double. Barnes drove in two runs. In the circle, Barnes was charged with the loss, as she allowed 14 runs (nine earned) on eight hits and seven walks over the first two and two-thirds innings.

• The Comets return to the field next Tuesday, April 11, when they host Trine (Ind.) University. Game one of the twinbill is slated to start at 3 p.m.