Softball team loses season-opening games in Kentucky

DANVILLE, Ky. – The Olivet College softball team began the 2022 season this afternoon with two games in Danville, Kentucky. The Comets fell to Centre College, 19-1, and Transylvania (Ky.) University, 17-1. Both games ended early due to the eight-run mercy rule.

Final Score: Centre 19, Olivet 1 (5)
Location: Centre Softball Field; Danville, Kentucky
Records: Centre 3-2 overall, Olivet 0-1 overall

• The Colonels scored seven runs in the first inning and five runs in the second inning to take a 12-0 lead.
• The Comets got on the scoreboard in the top half of the third inning when freshman Summer Smith hit a solo home run.
• Centre answered with its own run in the home half of the third inning before exploding for its final six runs in the fourth inning.

• Olivet was held to three hits.
• Smith went 2-for-2 with a single and home run.
• Freshman Malaya Shireman was tagged with the pitching loss, as she gave up all 19 runs (15 earned) on 15 hits over the four innings.

• Eight of nine starters had at least one hit.
• Of the 15 Colonel hits, nine went for extra-bases – seven doubles and two triples.
• Riley McCue hit a three-run triple.
• Abby Duncan had two doubles.
• Seven players drove in two or more runs.
• Andrea Searcy earned the win in the circle. She allowed the one run on two hits, while striking out five over the first four innings. Branan Cobb pitched an inning of relief.

Final Score: Transylvania 17, Olivet 1 (5)
Location: Boyle County Park; Danville, Kentucky
Records: Transylvania 2-0 overall, Olivet 0-2 overall

• There was no scoring until the Pioneers pushed across six runs in the third inning.
• Olivet dented the scoreboard in the bottom half of the third inning. Sophomore Brielle Broderick hit a triple to right field and came around to score on a passed ball.
• Transylvania capped the scoring with three runs in the fourth inning and eight runs in the fifth inning.

• Olivet tallied two hits – Broderick's triple and a single by Shireman.
• Sophomore Katie Lenz suffered the pitching after surrendering the 17 runs (16 earned) on 17 hits over five innings.

• Eight of the 17 Pioneer hits went for extra bases, with three doubles, four triples and one home run.
• Four players posted a multi-hit game.
• Becca Messing hit a double and a triple.
• Alyssa Nunn had two hits and scored three runs.
• Stella Wulker recorded two hits, including the home run.
• Marlee Woodward picked-up the pitching win, as she tossed the first three innings and gave up the one run on two hits. Carlee Jeter threw two hitless innings of relief.

• Olivet stays in Kentucky tonight to play two games tomorrow. At 11 a.m., the Comets play Spalding (Ky.) University, followed by another game against Transylvania.