The Wayne State University (WSU) softball team faced challenges in their recent matches against Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), ranked at the top of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) standings. The hosting Cardinals defeated the Warriors in both games, highlighted by strong finishes from SVSU.
In the first game, WSU initially led 1-0, with freshman Hunter Near reaching base on a hit-by-pitch and senior Mady Ruczynski driving in the run with a single. SVSU turned the tide in the fifth inning when Alana Kimble hit a two-run double. Kimble extended her performance with a two-run triple later in the game, and the Cardinals ended with a 9-1 victory, concluded by a two-run home run from Kenzie Bromley.
Junior Hayden Batton pitched for Wayne State, allowing seven earned runs on six hits and finishing with four strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Montgomery Pepin faced the last two batters, conceding a home run. Kimble secured the win for SVSU, giving up one unearned run over six innings with four strikeouts.
The second game saw SVSU securing a significant lead mid-game. Saginaw Valley broke a tie with a four-run third inning, with contributions from Mya Purdy and Lauren Evans. Despite efforts from Wayne State, including Near’s home run in the fifth inning, SVSU solidified their win scoring four runs in the sixth, ending the game 11-4.
Grace Fisher took the loss for WSU, giving up seven earned runs over three innings, while Sydney Long allowed four runs in her subsequent three innings of relief. Delaney Conley started for SVSU, but Olivia Elliott’s solid relief performance earned her the win. Grace Schloop was credited with a save after limiting Wayne State with three strikeouts in two innings.
Wayne State’s upcoming matches will be home games at Gary L. Bryce Field featuring a doubleheader against Roosevelt on Saturday and a match against Parkside on Sunday, which includes a Senior Day ceremony.
