WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Adrian College softball team saw its six game win streak come to an end Thursday after dropping game one of the afternoon double header 3-0. However, the Bulldogs would defeat Chatham University 14-2 to close out the day on a high note, improving their record to 7-1 on the season.
GAME ONE
The Adrian College softball team was held to only four total hits in game one. Savannah Godfrey, Karson Bagelmann, and Genna Marasco, each recorded hits, with Godfrey leading the way with two in game one.
During the top of the first inning, the junior Bagelmann would start the game with a leadoff line drive single down the left field line. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were unable to score Bagelmann, as three consecutive players recorded outs to end the first half of the inning.
Marasco would see her hit during the top of the third, driving a hard ground ball to center field. However, Marasco would be stranded on first as the Bulldogs would receive their third out during the following at bat.
Later in the game, MSOE would tack on one run during the bottom of the second, fifth, and sixth innings to take a 3-0 lead over the women's softball team. As the Bulldogs began the top of the seventh facing their last three outs, Godfrey singled off of a hard ground ball up the middle to center field, notching her second hit of the game. However, the Bulldogs were unable to build momentum, as three straight batters were retired to close out the first game of the afternoon.
GAME TWO
The Bulldogs responded to their offensive struggles in game one during their matchup against Chatham University. As a group, the Adrian College softball team recorded nine hits, scoring 14 runs in the process. During the bottom of the second, the Bulldogs made their first scratch on the board, after Brynn McKay grounded into a fielder's choice. During the play, Maggie Leveille scored, giving the softball team a 1-0 lead.
Later in the third inning, the Bulldogs scored five runs to take a six-to-zero lead over Chatham. The softball team was able to increase their lead with the help of a wild pitch, scoring Marasco. As the inning progressed, Godfrey would single on a hard ground ball to left field, driving in Hailey DeChalk. In the final frame of the inning, Ava Ferrarelli would hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Leveille. Just like that, the Bulldogs were ahead by five. Meghan Lupu would conclude the scoring with a double on a line drive to left field. Godfrey would score during the play, giving the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead.
The softball team was able to surpass their third-inning run total during the bottom of the fifth, scoring a game-best eight runs in the inning. During the fifth, Lupu would start the scoring by singling on a line drive to center field. With her hit, Lupu would drive in Johnson and McKay. As the inning progressed with the bases loaded, DeChalk would walk, advancing Lupu home. Next, Leveille walked, scoring Bagelmann in the process. The Bulldogs would continue to score after Godfrey doubled on a fly ball to the right fielder, driving in Marasco and DeChalk. Later in the inning, Leveille took advantage of a wild pitch with a run of her own, while McKay would single on a ground ball scoring Godfrey.
Historical Notes
For the first time since the 2015 season, the Adrian College softball team is off to a 7-1 start. Prior to today, the softball team had only recorded four 7-1 or better starts in its first eight games of a season since 2000.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will conclude play in Winter Haven, Florida tomorrow, Friday, March 3, against University of Northwestern (MN) at 9:00 AM and University of Dubuque at 2:00 PM. The Adrian College softball team will then have 11 days off before facing Manchester University on the road in a double header starting Wednesday, March 15, at 3:00 PM.
