GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin softball team finished the 2017 season with a 20-20 record on Saturday. The Knights finished the year splitting with Olivet. The Knights took game one 2-1 and fell in game two, 6-3. The Knights finished in sixth place in the MIAA with a 5-11 record.

"While I am disappointed we didn't achieve our goal of making the conference tournament," said Calvin head coach Becky Hilgert. "I am excited about the future of our program. There are many positives to build upon this season. I can't wait to get our team back together this fall."

The scoring started in the third inning on Saturday when sophomore Maddie DeGroot flied out to center field and scored sophomore Kristen Newman (Chelsea, Mich./Chelsea).

DeGroot led the Knights in 2017 in many batting categories, including 29 runs, 51 hits, three triples, four homeruns, 21 RBI, 10 stolen bases, .364 batting average, and .550 slugging percentage.

Olivet tied the game in the fourth inning on an error.

Freshman Bri Noorman (Jenison, Mich./Covenant Christian) was the winning run on Saturday, crossing home plate on a passed ball.

Sophomore Anna Gernant (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) only allowed two hits on Saturday and tallied 11 strikeouts. Gernant had 10 or more strikeouts in 14 games and set school records in single game strikeouts with 18, twice, and single-season strikeouts with 241. She finished the season with 15 victories and five shutouts.

The Knights scored twice in the top of the first inning in game two. Freshman Kayla Groen (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln Way East) singled to third base and scored junior Jessica Brasser (Rockford, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) and Maddie DeGroot.

Olivet scored all six of their runs in the first inning.

Maddie DeGroot scored in the second inning when Anna Gernant was walked with the bases loaded.

Saturday was the final game for senior Paige Groom (Potterville, Mich./Potterville). Groom finished the game with a season-high three strikeouts in the game. Groom finished her career with15 victories, 114 strikeouts, and helped Calvin defeat Hope three times in the circle.

"Paige had a great career at Calvin," said Hilgert. "She faced a lot of adversity, but leaves the program in a great place. I am very pleased with how she finished this season.  She left it all on the field and led our team throughout. It was an honor to coach her."

This was the first time since 1995 that Calvin had played a full 40-game regular season.