Softball team wins two games, finishes Spring Break trip with 7-5 record

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Backed by two complete game, pitching performances from sophomore Jessica Duell (Ionia), the Olivet College softball team won two games this morning in its final day at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. The Comets beat Wisconsin Lutheran College, 8-1, and University of Dallas (Texas), 4-3. With the wins, Olivet finishes its Spring Break trip to the Sunshine State with a 7-5 record.

Against WLC, the Comets pushed across five runs in the bottom half of the first inning. The big hit of the inning was a two-run single by junior Lauren Lenard (Dimondale/Lansing Catholic).  Other RBI hits were by seniors Marlene Packer (Grand Rapids/Creston) and Ciara Santos (Lansing/Everett).

The Warriors scored an unearned run in the third inning. Olivet capped its scoring with a three-run sixth inning, including a RBI-single by Packer.

Offensively, the Comets recorded 11 total hits. Packer and freshman Lorren Springer (White Pigeon/Constantine) each went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Lenard and Santos finished with two hits apiece, while Packer and Lenard both scored twice. Defensively, Lenard threw out three runners attempting to steal second base.  In the circle, Duell threw 106 pitches, allowing the unearned run on nine hits, with three strikeouts and two walks.

Dallas jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one inning. Olivet dented the scoreboard in the third inning with three runs. With the bases loaded, Iuelle cleared them with a single over the right-fielder's head. The Lady Crusaders tied the game on a RBI-groundout in the fifth inning.

The Comets manufactured the go-ahead run in the bottom half of the sixth inning. Freshman Lexi Johnson (Horton/Addison) had a one-out single and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Springer. Senior Lindsey Maas (Pinckney) then hit a 2-0 pitch into left-centerfield, and Johnson slid under the tag at the plate. Dallas left the tying run stranded in scoring position, as Duell got the next batter to groundout back to her in the circle for the final out.

At the plate, Iuelle, Packer and Santos were all 2-for-3 at the plate. Johnson scored two runs, while Iuelle drove in three. Duell scattered 11 hits, while allowing two earned runs and striking out six to improve her record to 5-3.

The Comets will return to Michigan, and are scheduled to host Bluffton (Ohio) University for a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday, March 20, starting at 3:30 p.m.