By Mark DeHaan

Calvin softball hosted Wheaton College for a non-conference doubleheader on Friday. The Knights entered at 7-7 with a four-game win streak, while the Thunder were 8-7.

Wheaton, behind a pair of strong offensive efforts, defeated Calvin 8-0 and 15-5.

In game one, Wheaton received strong pitching from starter Katie Thornton, who allowed just two hits in six innings of work to end the Knights win streak.

Calvin allowed six runs in the top of the second inning, and the six run advantage is all the Thunder pitcher would need.

Wheaton went on to beat Calvin 8-0 in six innings.

Freshman Kaley Frank and sophomore Lydia Gildea had the only two hits of game for the Knights.

In game two, the Thunder again jumped out to an early lead as another six-run second inning put Wheaton ahead 6-0.

The Thunder added another run in the third before the Knights responded with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, including a two-run single from junior Alyssa Bryan.

Trailing by three, Calvin's offense was held quiet over the next two innings, and in the top of the sixth, the Thunder added five insurance runs to pull ahead 12-4.

The Knights scored one run in the bottom half of the inning, but Wheaton responded with three runs in the seventh and strong defense to down Calvin 15-5 in game two.

Bryan finished 2-for-4 with two RBI for the Knights, while senior Christie VanderMeer was 2-for-4 with one run scored and one RBI.

Freshman Makela Chapman took the loss in the circle, pitching 5.0 innings and striking out four, but allowing eight earned runs.

Calvin falls to 7-9 with the pair of losses.

The Knights now have a quick turnaround as they host the Belles of Saint Mary's at home on Saturday.

First pitch between Calvin and Saint Mary's is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.