Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University's softball team opened their home games with a split against Northwood University. The visiting Timberwolves took the first game 7-3, while the Warriors secured a 7-5 win in the second match.

In the first game, Wayne State led 2-0 until Northwood's seven-run sixth inning turned the tables. "Freshman shortstop Hunter Near (Coopersville, Mich.) led off the bottom of the second with a double to left center," contributing to WSU's initial lead. However, Northwood responded with a series of hits and capitalized on a dropped fly ball to tie and then take the lead. "A two-run pinch-hit single by NU's Delaney Belding snapped the 2-2 deadlock."

WSU pitcher Sydney Long faced challenges in her outing, allowing seven runs (five earned) over 5.1 innings. Brynn Polega of Northwood secured the win by conceding three runs over 5.2 innings.

The Warriors fared better in game two, building an early 4-0 advantage and maintaining it for a 7-5 victory. Freshman right fielder Morgan Williams initiated scoring with a single that led to multiple runs due to fielding errors by Northwood.

Grace Fisher pitched all seven innings for Wayne State, giving up five runs on eleven hits while striking out three batters. Brittani Mutter started for Northwood but was replaced after allowing four runs in one-plus innings.

For Wayne State, Katelyn DeWitt excelled offensively with three hits and eight total bases across both games. Meanwhile, Ashley Ziel stood out for Northwood with three hits and two runs scored in game two.

Wayne State is set to play more home doubleheaders over the weekend, pending weather conditions as updated on WSUAthletics.com.