Softball Comes Up Short Against Cleary Despite McConnell's Big Day
Warrior Softball fell short in its games against Cleary University on Thursday afternoon, with the team being defeated 6-1 and 6-5 during the doubleheader at Lake Trust Stadium.
HOWELL, MI - Warrior Softball fell short in its games against Cleary University on Thursday afternoon, with the team being defeated 6-1 and 6-5 during the doubleheader at Lake Trust Stadium.
Game 1 - L Final: 1-6
The first game started slow for both teams, with neither team being able to take a lead for the first four innings of the game. Pitcher Chloe Wolfe displayed an impressive showing on the day, not allowing an earned run in the first five innings of play.
Rochester's outfield also played very well to start. Shortstop Alicia McConnell had things contained on her end, being part of seven outs to keep the Cougars scoreless in the early innings. She connected with Wolfe on a double play to first base in the third to shut down the Cougars' inning.
Despite the strong defensive performance, Rochester had difficulty finding the plate. After Cleary scored on an error in the fourth inning, second baseman Victoria Dupuis hit a double to right center field, getting outfielder Kylee Dillard to score.
Things fell apart for the Warriors in the sixth inning, as Cleary caught fire at bat. The Cougars were able to get things going after an RBI double and proceeded to score another four runs to blow the game open.
For Rochester, the batting woes continued, with the team being unable to score in the final two innings and overcome the lead.
Game 2 - L Final: 5-6
The second game went from silent to a barn burner, as neither team could score until the final two innings. Scores came like an avalanche for both teams, with Cleary ending out on top.
The sixth inning started with two scores from the Cougars. McConnell emphatically answered, hitting a home run with two Warriors on bases to take a 3-2 lead. In the seventh inning, Cleary recovered, scoring four runs to regain the lead.
Rochester looked to get a comeback effort going, beginning with third baseman Sarah Hall hitting a double to get second baseman Giorgia Verni to home plate. Following that up would be McConnell once again, hitting a single to left field, allowing Hall to run home.
The run would end there for the Warriors, as Cleary wrapped things up on a ground out.
UP NEXT:
Rochester will travel to Detroit Country Day for a matchup with UM-Dearborn on Saturday. The Wolverines are coming off a sweep of the Lourdes Gray Wolves.
(Featured Image: David Victor/Cleary University)