Calvin University

ANGOLA, Ind. - Today the Calvin softball team returned to Trine University to compete in day two of the MIAA Tournament presented by Collegiate Credit Union. After falling to Trine in game one the Knights bounced back to defeat Hope and keep their postseason alive.
 
GAME ONE
CALVIN 4, TRINE 21 
 
In the first game of the day the Knights took on host Trine University where they were defeated 21-4. Trine got off to a hot start when it scored two runs in the top of the first inning before tacking on four more in the second to take a quick 7-0 lead.
 
The Knights created their first scoring opportunity of the game when they freshman Kendall Jordan (Fishers, Ind./Fishers) beat out an infield single in the bottom of the second inning. Back-to-back singles from junior Emily Sweetland (Ann Arbor, Mich./Saline) and sophomore Valeria Frias (Wyoming, Mich./Potters House) loaded the bases for junior Aubrey Herder (Kalamazoo, Mich./Kalamazoo Christian) who sent the ball to the grass for a two RBI single to make the score 7-2.
 
In the third inning, the Thunder offense exploded as they scored ten runs off of five hits. The onslaught of hits continued in the fourth inning where Trine rattled off four consecutive home runs to stretch their lead to 21-2.
 
Calvin tried to find some momentum in the bottom of the fifth inning as Dole recorded an RBI sacrifice to score Herder from third. On the next play, pinch runner Emily Cole (Canton, Mich./Canton) took advantage of a Thunder defensive error and crossed the plate for another run. However, that was as much damage as Trine would allow as they recorded the final out and the Knights fell 21-4.
 
Senior Brooke Hunderman (Grand Rapids, Mich./Calvin Christian) started the game in the circle with Cailin Knoop (Reed City, Mich./Big Rapids), Camila Rameriez-Quijada (South Bend, Ind./Mishawaka) and Ally Coffey (Zilwaukee, Mich./Michigan Lutheran Seminary) all chipping in throughout the game.
 
GAME TWO
CALVIN 10, HOPE 1
 
In the second game of the day, the Knights turned their attention to Hope College as they now found themselves in a win or go home situation. Freshman Bella Duimstra (Jenison, Mich./Unity Christian) got things rolling early as she forced a walk to lead off the top of the first inning before a single from Herder gave Calvin two early baserunners. The Knights didn't wait long to take advantage of the situation as Dole stepped into the box and delivered a double to left center to bring in Duimstra for the first run of the game.
 
Now, with two runners in scoring position, junior Natalie Bush (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian) hit a double of her own and boosted the Calvin lead to 3-0. This brought up Jordan who kept the momentum with the Knights when she homered over the left field fence and stretched the early lead to 5-0.
 
The Dutch scored one run of their own in the bottom of the first inning before Calvin picked up right where they left off in the second inning when senior Tory Decker (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian) notched an RBI single to add to the Knights lead.
 
In the third inning, Dole picked up her second RBI of the game when she doubled to center field to score Herder and make the score 7-1. The Knights rounded out their scoring with a bang on the next play when Bush launched a three-run homer over the left field fence to give Calvin a commanding 10-1 lead.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, senior Emma Ludema (Martin, Mich./Wayland) and the rest of the Calvin defense kept Hope's chances at minimum and were able to walk away with the victory in just five innings.
 
COACHES COMMENTS: "We had a great response in the top of the first inning against Hope after a tough outing versus Trine," said head coach Becky Hilgert. "This team keeps fighting to compete for a conference tournament championship. We made it and we go in with nothing to lose."
 
UP NEXT: The Knights will be back in action tomorrow when they return for day three of MIAA Tournament play against Trine at 12 PM.