Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University softball team managed a split in a doubleheader against Grand Valley State University. In the first game, Grand Valley claimed a 3-1 victory with late-inning runs, while Wayne State seized the second game with a thrilling 5-4 win in extra innings courtesy of a walk-off home run by Logan Forman.

In game one, Wayne State initially took the lead in the bottom of the first inning. Logan Forman began with a single and later scored on a two-out single by Elly Koopman. However, Grand Valley responded in the sixth inning, scoring twice to take the lead before extending it with another run in the seventh. Sydney Long pitched for Wayne State, allowing three runs over seven innings, while Karli Dorr led Grand Valley with a strong pitching performance, yielding one unearned run in a complete game.

The second game saw Grand Valley start strong with a three-run first inning. Wayne State answered back immediately, narrowing the gap to 4-2 by the second inning, and then tying the score by the fifth. Forman's performance was pivotal again, contributing significantly with a home run in the fourth inning and ultimately delivering the decisive solo home run in the eighth inning. Grace Fisher pitched for Wayne State, allowing four runs over eight innings, while Nevaeh Ingram took the loss for Grand Valley, conceding five runs in her performance.

Forman's contribution in the second game was crucial as she went 3-for-4, scoring three times and driving in two runs. For Grand Valley, Grace Usher also made a substantial contribution with two hits and two RBI.

Wayne State will continue its GLIAC campaign with an upcoming doubleheader against Purdue Northwest on Sunday.