Wayne State University's softball team split their opening games in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) against Purdue Northwest. The Warriors, now with a 9-14 overall record and 1-1 in the GLIAC, faced off against the Pride, who hold a 16-14 overall record and are 1-3 in conference play.
In the first game, Wayne State scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Junior Rylie Josephson led off with a single and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Becky Hodder. Abby Favela then hit an RBI double, followed by Kiley Lewandowski's RBI single. Shelby Miller grounded out but allowed Favela to score due to a throwing error.
Purdue Northwest responded with their first run in the third inning through singles by Aubrey Shroyer and Selena Michko. They narrowed the gap further in the sixth inning with hits from Kylie Dugan, Michko, and Emma Fair.
The seventh inning saw Purdue Northwest capitalize on a fielding error by Wayne State. Shroyer's bunt single was followed by another bunt that loaded the bases for Michko. After two quick strikes on Fair, her check-swing single brought home two runs, with Allison Arnold adding another RBI single to secure a 5-3 victory for Purdue Northwest.
Sydney Long pitched for Wayne State, allowing five runs (two earned) over seven innings with four strikeouts. Maddison Roop pitched for Purdue Northwest, conceding three runs (one earned) over eight innings while striking out five.
In game two, Wayne State took an early lead before Purdue Northwest tied it at 2-2 in the third inning. The Warriors regained the lead in the sixth but saw it slip away as Purdue Northwest equalized again at 3-3 before Wayne State clinched victory with a walk-off hit in extra innings.
Logan Forman played a crucial role for Wayne State with multiple hits and scoring three times. Alexis Bonk pitched eight innings for Wayne State, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out five batters.
Gabby Paliska pitched for Purdue Northwest in game two, giving up four runs (two earned) over 7.1 innings with three strikeouts.
Wayne State will host Parkside next on March 30th at 1 p.m., continuing their conference play.
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