UOlivet splits doubleheader at Grace Christian

KENTWOOD, Mich. – The University of Olivet softball team split a non-conference doubleheader against Grace Christian University today at Kellogg Woods Park. In the first game, the Comets scored a run in the top of sixth to post a 2-1 win. In the nightcap, the Tigers rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win 6-4.

THE BASICS

• Final Scores: Olivet 2, Grace Christian 1; Grace Christian 6, Olivet 4
• Location: Kellogg Woods Park; Kentwood, Michigan
• Records: Olivet 1-7 overall, Grace Christian 4-12 overall

GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS

• The Comets scored a run in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Haylie Wenke reached on an infield single and advanced to second base when the shortstop threw the ball away. Freshman Madison Helms then drove her home with an RBI-single to center field. Grace Christian tied the game in its half of the first.
• There was no scoring for the next four innings. In the sixth, sophomore Alexis Bond hit a leadoff single and went to third when the centerfielder misplayed the ball. A passed ball moved her to third base and then an errant throw on a pick-off attempt allowed her to score. The Tigers had the tying run on base in the bottom of the sixth before a double play ended the inning. Both teams were retired 1-2-3 in the seventh on three groundouts.
• At the plate, Olivet recorded five hits. Freshman Alisha Gahn was 2-for-3. In the circle, freshman Cayla Konop earned the win after giving up the run on two hits over the first five innings. Senior Briana Gitchell threw the last two innings to pick up the save.

GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS

• Olivet grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third inning when Bond blasted a two-run homer. An inning later, the Comets loaded the bases. Junior Shaelyn Lampinen lined a single into right-center field to score two runs. Grace Christian got one run back in the last half of the fourth before scoring four runs in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead. The Tigers added an insurance run in the sixth.
• For the game, Olivet had nine hits. The top four batters in the lineup – Wenke, Lampinen, senior Mattie Akom and Bond – each were 2-for-4. Gahn started in the circle and gave up one run on four hits over four hits over three and two-thirds innings. Junior Izzy Abalos was charged with the loss after surrendering four runs (two earned) on four hits over one inning.

UP NEXT

• The Comets open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Saturday when they host Hope College. The first pitch from game one of the doubleheader is at 1 p.m.