Softball Improves Win Streak to Seven Games

DEFIANCE, OHIO - The Defiance College softball team improved its winning streak to seven games on Thursday afternoon at Sal Hench Field as they swept non-conference for Kalamazoo. DC claimed game one in five innings 15-0, while taking game two, 5-4.

Senior Rachel Wehrman (Fort Loramie/Minster) claimed the game one win in the circle as she pitched a one hit shutout improving to 7-6 overall on the season.

The Yellow Jackets (16-10 overall) struck first in the bottom of the first inning as freshman Kalin Hubble (Anderson, Ind.) reached on a fielders choice setting the stage for senior Michaela Bauer (Hicksville). The senior recorded her fourth straight game with an RBI as she doubled through the left side to put DC on top 1-0.

The Purple and Gold would plate three more runs in the bottom of the second inning as sophomore Hali Geraci (Springboro) doubled to left center scoring senior Jackie Hartman (Parma/Padua Franciscan), 2-0. Junior Arianna Richards (Covington) followed it up with an RBI of her own as she traded places with Geraci to push the lead to 3-0. She later scored on a Kalamazoo miscue giving Defiance the 4-0 advantage. 

After turning a double play in the top of the third inning to retire the side, the Yellow Jackets again went to work at the dish scoring four more runs led by Hartman with a double to center field. The Yellow Jackets closed out the contest in the bottom of the fourth inning as Bauer homered for the second time this week to push the lead to 10-0. Geraci then singled to right field plating two more runs. Senior Rebekah Groden (North Olmsted) tallied the games final RBI as she scored Richards to secure the 15-0 victory.

In game two, Kalamazoo drew first blood as they scored a run in the top of the second inning before registering another run in the top of the third for the 2-0 lead. However, the Yellow Jackets remained poise at the plate as junior Brooke Gostmosky (Dayton/Covington) dealt a momentum shifting homerun to knot the contest at 2-2. Sophomore Jen Nashalsky (Galloway/Hilliard Bradley) would plate the go ahead run as she singled up the middle before a two RBI single from freshman Sophie Moller (Pickerington/North) sealed the sweep of Kalamazoo.

Sophomore Taylor Biggs (Cincinnati/Oak Hills) claimed the win in the circle improving to 8-4 on the year, while freshman Zoe Doll (Minford) tallied her first career save.

Defiance returns to action on Saturday, April 13 as they travel to Transylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.