Softball team sweeps doubleheader against Defiance (Ohio), 11-1 and 10-2

The Olivet College softball team banged out 23 base hits and scored 21 runs en route to a doubleheader sweep at home against non-league foe Defiance (Ohio) College. The Lady Comets won 11-1 and 10-2 with both contests ending after five innings because of the eight-run mercy rule.

In the first game, Olivet took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Comets added five runs in the second, three in the third and two in the seventh inning. At the plate, junior Jill Shufelt (Millington High School) was three-for-three with three runs. Senior Kim Horanburg (Grand Ledge High School) also collected three hits, scored two runs and drove in two. Junior Beth Shunkwiler (Berrien Center/Berrien Springs High School) had a two-run double.

Five other Olivet players reached base on singles. Juniors Lindsey Daniels (Galesburg Augusta High School) and Jenn Newland (Tekonsha High School) scored two runs apiece. Sophomore Erica Anderson (Casnovia/Kent City High School) pitched four innings to earn the win in the pitching circle. She allowed three hits, one run and struck out two.

Olivet again jumped out to an early lead, 2-0, after the first inning. The Comets scored five runs in the third and three more in the fourth inning. Senior Theresa Flowers (Waterford Kettering High School) was three-for-three with a double, two runs scored and two RBIs. Shunkwiler had two doubles and scored two runs.

Horanburg extended her hitting streak to 12 games with a hit. She also scored two runs and drove in two. Newland and senior Kari Munson (Lansing Eastern High School) collected two hits apiece. Daniels hit a two-out bases loaded double. Newland tossed five solid innings, allowing four hits and two unearned runs.

The Comets will travel to Angola, Ind. to play a non-league doubleheader at Tri-State University on Saturday, April 17. The first pitch is slated for 1 p.m. EST.