Wayne State University’s softball team experienced mixed results during their games on Friday in Florida. The Warriors, with a current record of 9-10, first faced Hillsdale College and suffered a 6-0 defeat. However, they rebounded in the second game to secure a 5-1 victory over Slippery Rock.
In the first game against Hillsdale, the Chargers took an early lead with Emma Vis’s two-out single bringing in a run. The score remained tight until the fourth inning when Sydney Davis’s two-run single extended Hillsdale’s advantage to 3-0. The Chargers added more runs in the fifth inning, securing their win with Davis contributing significantly with four RBIs.
Wayne State struggled offensively against Joni Russell, who pitched effectively for Hillsdale by striking out 13 batters and allowing only three hits. “Sophomore Logan Forman was the lone Wayne State batter to reach base twice – via a single and a walk,” but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
In contrast, Wayne State found success in their matchup against Slippery Rock. Although Alexsa Hurd hit an early home run for Slippery Rock, giving them a 1-0 lead, Wayne State responded strongly later in the game. Katelyn DeWitt tied the game with her hit in the fourth inning, followed by Hunter Near’s two-run single that put Wayne State ahead.
Pitcher Elly Koopman delivered a solid performance for Wayne State, allowing only one earned run across seven innings while striking out four batters. Both DeWitt and Koopman contributed two hits each to secure the win.
Looking ahead, Wayne State is set to conclude its spring break trip with games against Saint Michael’s and Emporia State on Saturday morning.
