The Wayne State University softball team was defeated 12-0 by Minnesota Duluth in a five-inning game on Friday night at the Lewis Dome Invitational in Rosemont, Illinois. The loss brings Wayne State’s record to 3-2 overall, while Minnesota Duluth improves to 8-4.
Minnesota Duluth took an early lead, scoring five runs in the first inning with three hits and a walk. Ava Johnson contributed a three-run home run during the opening frame. The Bulldogs added two more runs in the third inning on a two-run triple by Paige Johnson.
In the fourth inning, Minnesota Duluth extended its lead with five additional runs on four hits and two walks. Taylor Dawyduk hit a two-run pinch-hit double as part of that rally.
Senior pitcher Hayden Batton started for Wayne State, allowing ten earned runs on seven hits and four walks over three-plus innings, striking out six batters. Sophomore Elly Koopman pitched the final two innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Minnesota Duluth’s Emmie Sylvia-Cochran pitched a complete game shutout, holding Wayne State to four hits over five innings while striking out seven and issuing no walks.
For Wayne State, freshman Brooke Bunch hit a one-out double in the first inning. Sophomore Abby Barnes led off the third with a single, while sophomore Kate DeWitt and senior Maddie Hool each singled in the fourth.
On offense for Minnesota Duluth, Morgan McMillan and Paige Johnson both recorded two hits. Paige Johnson and Ava Johnson each drove in three runs.
Wayne State will finish its participation at the Lewis Dome Invitational on Saturday with games against Quincy at 3:30 p.m. Central Time and Winona State at 6 p.m. Central Time.
Wayne State Warriors Women’s Softball is based in Detroit, Michigan and competes as part of NCAA Division II athletics within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (official website). The program is affiliated with Wayne State University and participates in intercollegiate events as part of its athletic offerings (official website).
