DC Softball drops close pair to Transy on senior day

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Defiance College Yellow Jackets dropped a pair of close games to Transylvania on Saturday, senior day for the Yellow Jackets, as DC closed out its home schedule for the 2014 season.

Seniors Macy Ferrall, Maggie Neanen and Kailea Holbrook were honored before the game and the group led the way for the Yellow Jackets in game one. Neanen had the best game at the plate, going 3-for-4, while Holbrook also had a multi-hit game with a 2-for-4 day at the plate.

Transylvania jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single, and in the fifth, Transylvania added two more runs to go up 3-0.

Defiance struggled to get the timely hit until the seventh inning. Trailing 4-0, Megan Pleskovic doubled to lead off the final chance for DC. Neanen then came up with a clutch single after fouling off four-straight two-strike pitches and put runners on the corners.

Ferrall then picked up the first RBI of the game for DC with a single up the middle.

After Makayla McAvoy reached on a fielder's choice and Kailea Holbrook singled to load the bases, Kali Campbell drew a walk to score Defiance's second run of the inning and cut the deficit to 4-2.

The Yellow Jackets looked as if they were going to tie the game up when Megan Warren laced a line drive down the third-base line, but the third baseman made a jumping catch for the second out and nearly was able to double off Ferrall on third. In the next at bat, Brittany Shough hit a chopper to the left side and Kayla Clute, who pinch ran for Holbrook, was called out on an extremely tight play at third base to end the game.

In game two, Defiance found themselves in an early hole as the Pioneers scored six runns off of Lauren Dicke, including a three-run home run, in less than two innings.

Holbrook came in and pitched the remainder of the game, which gave the Yellow Jackets a chance in a comeback effort that fell to a 10-7 defeat for DC.

Shough hit an RBI single down the left field line that but DC on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third. However, Transy answered back with a run in the top of the fourth to go up 7-1.

The Pioneers then added two more runs in the top of the sixth and put DC on the brink of being run-ruled. However, with their backs against the wall, Defiance scored four runs in the bottom half of the inning to extend the game.

With two outs, Ferrall hit a double to left field that scored Neanan all the way from first base. In the next at bat, Campbell hit a double to center field that scored Ferrall and cut the gap to 9-3.

After a walk and a single loaded the bases, Pleskovic came up with a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to 9-5. Sandra Hubler looked to extend the inning with a few more runs, but her line drive, that looked to be on its way to the gap in right center, was caught by the second baseman, ending Defiance's rally.

Transylvania added an insurance run in the seventh inning to go up 10-5. Defiance answered in the bottom half, but was unable to get the necessary runs to extend or win the game.

With two runners on, Ferrall hit a ball in play that scored Tori Plummer. In the next at bat, Campbell hit a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Katie Haydett. However, DC was unable to generate anymore offense, falling 10-7.

The Yellow Jackets will close out the 2014 season on Monday when the Purple and Gold travel to Olivet for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.