Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's softball team faced a doubleheader against Roosevelt University on Saturday, resulting in one win and one loss. The Warriors, playing at home, secured a 5-3 victory in the opening game but fell 6-2 in the second match to the GLIAC newcomer.

In the first game, Wayne State quickly took the lead, with sophomore Logan Forman hitting a triple and scoring on a ground out by Katelyn DeWitt. The Warriors expanded their advantage with a four-run third inning, highlighted by Mady Ruczynski's double and a home run from Elly Koopman. The game's critical moment saw Wayne State pitcher Sydney Long navigate a challenging sixth inning, ultimately securing the win despite several Roosevelt hits. "Sydney Long (5-6) allowed three earned runs on three hits in seven innings with six strikeouts to two walks," the report noted.

Leading Wayne State's efforts in the first game were Morgan Williams and Jessie O'Donnell, each reaching base twice, while Brynn Dvoracek led Roosevelt with a two-run single. The final inning wrapped up with Long retiring the last four batters.

Game two saw Roosevelt scoring three early runs due in part to a series of misplays by Wayne State. Despite an unearned run in the sixth and another Wayne State run in the seventh, Roosevelt secured their victory with insurance runs in the last inning. "Junior Grace Fisher allowed six earned runs on 10 hits in 6.1 innings," was reported about the Warriors’ pitching performance. Kailey Hancock of Roosevelt maintained control in the circle, limiting Wayne to two runs on seven hits without conceding a walk.

Key performances for Wayne came from Rylie Josephson, who scored and drove in a run, and Maddie Hool with two hits. Roosevelt's Ella Dvoracek and Athena Pomele-Pen significantly contributed to their team's success, both in runs and hits.

Wayne State looks forward to their upcoming home games against Parkside, which will conclude their home GLIAC series on Sunday, with special ceremonies planned for graduating seniors.