By Mark DeHaan

Calvin softball hosted Adrian College on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The Knights fought hard with the Bulldogs but dropped both games of the doubleheader, losing game one 15-8 and game two 10-7.

In game one, the lead changed four times in an offensive shootout.

Adrian opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the top of the first. The Knights responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning, including freshman Jessica Brasser's first collegiate home run, and another run in the second to lead 3-2.

The Bulldogs scored two more in the third to go ahead 4-3, but allowed five runs a half-inning later to see the Knights pull ahead 8-4.

Adrian then scored four runs in the fourth to knot the game at 8-8. After two scoreless innings, Calvin gave up seven runs to the Bulldogs in the top of the seventh.

The Knights were unable to respond, and Adrian downed Calvin 15-8 in the first contest.

The Knights were led offensively by Brasser, who went 3-for-4 with one run scored and five RBI.

Junior Ashley Riemersma went 2-for-4 with one run scored.

Freshman Makela Chapman took the loss in the circle for Calvin.

For Adrian, Morgan Brandt went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI.

In game two, the Bulldogs jumped out to a fast start, plating seven runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a 7-0 lead.

Calvin responded with three runs in the third inning, then plated four in the fourth, including a bases-clearing double from Riemersma, to tie the game at 7-7. 

Adrian regained the lead in the fifth, scoring two runs. The Bulldogs scored another in the sixth, and held Calvin scoreless in innings five through seven to sweep the Knights by winning game two 10-7.

Riemersma finished game two 1-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBI, while senior Christie VanderMeer went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Chapman again took the loss in the circle for the Knights.

For the Bulldogs, Brooke Stewart went 3-for-4 with one run scored and two RBI while also earning the win in the circle.

The Knights fall to 3-9 in the MIAA and 9-19 overall, while Adrian moves to 6-6 in league play and 20-12 overall.

Calvin returns to action on Tuesday, traveling to Holland to face Hope College. First pitch between the Knights and Flying Dutch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.