ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. -- The Adrian College softball team split a pair of tightly contested contests on Saturday, falling 13-7 to Maryville College (Tennessee) before dropping a narrow 1-0 decision to Transylvania University.
Maryville 13, Adrian 7
The Bulldogs opened the day in a high-scoring battle with Maryville, collecting 13 hits but unable to overcome a big fifth inning from the Scots.
Adrian answered an early Maryville home run with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Taylor Gerhardt and Karsyn Malinich recorded back-to-back singles before Abbie Hoff delivered an RBI single and Hanna Walker drove in the tying run on a fielder's choice.
After Maryville regained the lead, the Bulldogs responded again in the third inning. Hoff drove in a run with another single before Alaina Craig launched a two-run home run to give Adrian a 5-4 advantage.
The Scots evened the game in the fourth inning before erupting for six runs in the fifth to reclaim momentum. Adrian answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame on RBI hits from Walker and Maddisyn Miller, but Maryville added insurance runs late to secure the victory.
Gerhardt led the Bulldogs at the plate with three hits, while Hoff also recorded three hits and two RBIs. Craig added two hits and two RBIs, highlighted by her home run.
Transylvania 1, Adrian 0
The Bulldogs closed the day in a pitcher's duel against Transylvania, ultimately falling by a single run despite a strong performance in the circle.
Avery Clark turned in a complete-game effort, allowing just three hits and one unearned run while striking out seven over six innings.
Adrian threatened offensively throughout the game, recording five hits. Taylor Gerhardt led the offense with two hits, including a double, while Abbie Hoff and Addison Inskeep each added a hit.
The game remained scoreless through four innings before Transylvania pushed across the lone run in the fifth inning following a defensive miscue and an RBI single. Adrian placed runners on base late but was unable to find the equalizer.
Gerhardt finished the game 2-for-4, while Clark's strong outing in the circle kept the Bulldogs within striking distance throughout the contest.
Adrian will look to rebound as they continue in the Pioneer Classic Sunday facing DePauw and Hanover. Opening pitch against Depauw will start at 11:00 AM and 1:15 PM against Hanover.
