HOLLAND, Mich. - At Wolters Stadium, the Adrian College softball team saw its perfect start to conference-play halted at the hands of Hope College.
 
Game 1: Adrian 4, Hope 12 (6 Innings)

In the first edition of Thursday afternoon's doubleheader, the homestanding Flying Dutchmen got the bats swinging and often, striking for four runs in the first inning en route to 12 total runs on 14 hits.

The Bulldogs themselves had a solid outing at the plate, finishing with 10 hits. However, the runs did not come as easily as their opposition's.

Trailing 5-0 entering the third inning, Adrian got itself on the scoresheet for the first time behind an RBI-single by Maggie Leveille to plate Keira Stampfly. After a response by Hope in the subsequent half-inning, the 'Dogs got the run right back in their next at-bat, courtesy of a double by Paige Stein to deep center to bring home Katie Connolly.

The Dutchmen went on to increase their advantage to 8-2 after four frames of action. Then, in the fifth inning, Hailey DeChalk connected on her second home run of the season, sending a two-run shot to left-center field to trim the deficit down to just four runs.

Unfortunately, another four-piece by the home side in the bottom leg of the sixth inning proved to be the deciding runs.

Of the eight different batters who garnered hits for Adrian in the contest, Ava Ferrarelli and Connolly paced them all with two each.
 
Game 2: Adrian 0, Hope 9 (5 Innings)

In game two, Hope starter Chloe Haskins fired a complete-game one-hitter to keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.

Adrian starter Allison Tenhove got off to strong as well, as neither pitcher allowed a hit over the first two innings.

But then, in the middle frame, the Flying Dutchmen broke through to take a 1-0 lead, and after adding a crooked-eight runs in the following inning, it came down to Haskins work in the circle to seal the deal for Hope.

Mackenzie Melody notched the Bulldogs' lone hit of the second game, taking a single to left field in the third inning.
 
Next on the docket for Adrian is a non-conference trip to Bluffton University on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.
 
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