HOLLAND, Mich. – The Calvin softball team came out on top of the storied Calvin vs. Hope rivalry on Monday afternoon at Hope College. The visiting Knights defeated the No. 20-ranked Flying Dutch 2-1 and 4-1 on Monday. Calvin has now won the last seven meetings in the rivalry. With the sweep, Calvin moves into a tie for second place with Hope at 9-3 in the MIAA standings. Over, Calvin improves to 24-5 and No. 20 Hope falls to 23-6. Calvin's magic number is down to one game to clinch a spot in the MIAA Tournament.

"Today was exciting," said Calvin head coach Becky Hilgert. "The rivalry, Calvin versus Hope, it is fun. We came and did our thing today and focused on being Calvin and doing what we do best. It was a fun day. We have an awesome bench, as a coach it's hard for me because I can't get everyone in the game, but everyone is a part of what we are doing. From top to bottom, everyone is on top of what we are doing. The energy helped carry us today. We have 20 strong in the dugout and as a coach, that is what gives me the greatest excitement about our team.

The Calvin defense started off strong on Monday, in the second inning, Alex Knorp advanced to third base with no outs. Junior Anna Gernant (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) responded with three-straight strikeouts to end the threat.

Senior Kaley Frank (Edwardsburg, Mich./Edwardsburg) doubled to left field in the fourth inning to score senior Kimiko Hinastsu (Romeo, Mich./Romeo) from second base.

Sophomore Bri Noorman (Jenison, Mich./Covenant Christian) grounded the Flying Dutch's hopes in the bottom of the fourth inning with a laser from right field to throw out Abby Waller at the plate.

In the fifth inning, senior Jessica Brasser (Rockford, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) singled to score junior Kristen Newman (Chelsea, Mich./Chelsea).

Hope scored its lone run on an error in the seventh inning as Shay Pinhey crossed home plate. Sierra Mutschler then flied out to center field to end the game.

Anna Gernant, who was named the MIAA Pitcher of the Week earlier on Monday recorded seven strikeouts in game one.

Maddie DeGroot led all players with three hits.

"It's tough," Hope coach Mary VandeHoef said. "You want to win for that group of six, but we didn't get the timely hit. We have no option but to regroup."

The Flying Dutch wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in game two. Senior Hayley Reitsma hit a home run in center field that gave her the Hope single-season record with 11 on the year.

The Knights got dirty and gained the lead in the third inning. Maddie DeGroot and Jessica Brasser both slid home safely off a fielder's choice from freshman Grace Stock. Stock then slid in safely off a single from junior Abby Colon (Caledonia, Mich./South Christian). Colon later scored on an error.

"I think today helped define the rest of our season," said Brasser. "We have a huge week this week and it is somewhat daunting, but getting these two wins was just the beginning of climbing the mountain of success this week."

Freshman Ellie Borst kept the Dutch under control on Monday and only allowed two hits. Borst recorded four strikeouts in her 12^th victory of the season.

Calvin returns to action on Wednesday for a non-conference doubleheader at Wheaton.