Softball team sweeps Saint Mary’s, 5-2 and 11-0

OLIVET, Mich. – Behind a complete game pitching performance in both games from freshman Ashlynn Grubb (LaGrange, Ind./Lakeland), the Olivet College softball team swept a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) doubleheader from Saint Mary's (Ind.) College, 5-2 and 11-0, this afternoon at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

In the opener, Grubb helped her own cause with a two-run single in the first inning to plate seniors Lauren Lenard (Dimondale/Lansing Catholic) and Terri Hurosky (Nashville/Maple Valley). Olivet added two more runs in the second inning on an RBI-single by Lenard to score sophomore Maddy Siebenmark (Bridgman) and a throwing error to plate junior Ashley Milheim (Eaton Rapids).

The Comets capped their scoring with a run in the third inning. Hurosky led off the frame with a single through the left side of the infield and advanced to third on Grubb's second double of the game. After a pitching change, the first pitch was thrown wild, allowing Hurosky to cross the plate. The Belles strung together three straight hits, including a two-run hit, in the sixth inning to score their runs.

Olivet finished the game with only five hits, two doubles by Grubb and singles by Hurosky, Lenard and Milheim. Hurosky also scored twice. In the circle, Grubb allowed the two runs on seven hits, while striking out six.

In the nightcap, Grubb faced only the minimum number of batters. The leadoff batter reached on a double, but was then thrown out on a double play at second base when the next batter popped up a bunt attempt. Offensively, the Comets scored the only run they would need in the top half of the first inning. Milheim started the inning with an infield bunt single and came around to score on a double to right-center field off Lenard's bat.

Olivet plated two more runs in the third. Hurosky walked and then Grubb hit a single. Both came around to score on a triple by senior Alyssa Nielsen (Greenville). The three-bag hit broke the Comets' single-season for triples. Olivet put the game away with a five-run fourth inning. Highlights of the inning were a two-run triple by Hurosky, an RBI-single by Grubb and a two-run double by Siebenmark.

The Comets ended their scoring with three runs in the fifth inning. Hurosky hit a two-run single and Grubb added an RBI-groundout.

Olivet recorded 13 hits in the win, as every starter except one had at least one hit. At the leadoff position in the lineup, Milheim went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Hurosky was also 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBI. Grubb and Nielsen were each 2-for-4 with two RBI. Freshman Devon Mayse (Adrian/Madison) also collected two hits. Freshman Christine Wood (East Lansing/Haslett) was 1-for-1 with two runs scored.

Grubb needed to throw 49 pitches in earning her ninth win of the season. She gave up just one hit and struck out five.

The Comets return to the field next Tuesday, April 15, against Albion College for another MIAA doubleheader, starting at 3:30 p.m.