Softball Loses Doubleheader Against Saint Mary's (Ind.)

NOTRE DAME, IND.  --  The Defiance College softball team lost a pair of non-conference games against Saint (Ind.) Mary's College, 8-5 and 5-2 in Notre Dame, Ind.

In game one, Defiance (4-14) jumped out early scoring four runs in the top of the first inning that included a two-RBI single by freshman Calli Bauer (Galion) and a RBI-ground out by fellow freshman Haley Patty (Bradford).  The Yellow Jackets then added another run in the third thanks to a RBI-single by sophomore Megan Warren (Mason) to extend the lead to 5-0.  Saint Mary's (12-6) came back in the bottom of the third to score four runs and cut the DC lead to just a run at 5-4.  The four runs would be part of an 8-0 run with the Belles adding another run in the fourth inning, two in the fifth and an additional run in the sixth en route to posting the 8-5 victory.

Bauer led the Yellow Jacket hitters going a perfect three-of-three with a run scored and two RBI.  Freshman Brianna Caldwell (Marion/Elgin) also recorded a multi-hit day recording a pair of hits in three at-bats and also scored two runs.  Warren rounded out the hitters with a one-of-three effort in addition to scoring a run and a RBI.

Freshman Sarah Kaya (Lorain/Clearview) started on the mound and pitched the entire game, but was given the loss and is now 1-6 overall for the season. In six innings, eight runs scored, three earned, on 10 hits and Kaya struck out one batter.

Saint Mary's got the scoring going in game two in the bottom of the third inning on a three-run homerun.  The Belles added runs in the fourth and fifth innings to lead 5-0.  DC crossed home plate twice in the top of the sixth with a RBI-single by freshman Emily Kauble (New Bloomington/Elgin) and a stolen base attempt that allowed Warren to score from third base.  The two runs were all DC could muster as the Jackets hit into three straight outs in the seventh giving the 5-2 win to Saint Mary's.

The Defiance offense accumulated eight hits in the game and was led by Warren who finished three-of-three with a run scored.  Junior Megan Pleskovic (Strongsville) also had multiple hits and went two-of-three.  Kauble, sophomore Emily Denhard (Troy, Mich./Kolbe Academy) and freshman Kaity Kuhn (Celina) also had a base hit each. 

Patty pitched a complete game for DC and allowed five runs, four earned, on nine hits.  She was also credited with the loss and falls to 1-5 overall.

Defiance will look to end its six-game skid when it hosts Hanover (Ind.) College on Saturday, Apr. 4 at Sal Hench Field.  The first game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.