Softball Rallies Late To Go 1-1 Against Concordia

(Howell, MI)-- After a difficult first game of the double-header, the Cleary Cougar softball team scratched and clawed their way back into game two, and made the plays in the later innings to earn a critical split with the Concordia Cardinals.

In Game 1: Concordia jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, and scored two more runs in the third, and a final two runs in the fourth innings to take an 8-0 lead.  The Cleary offense was held in check, as the Cougars were only able to earn three hits in the game.  With the offense struggling in game one, the Cardinals would go on to win by the 8-0 score in five innings of play.

Haley Ludwig suffered the loss for the Cougars, allowing 8 runs (5 earned) on 8 hits in 3 innings of action.  Jade Kupsky threw 2 innings of shutout softball in relief.  Cleary got hits from Lauren Gannon, Mia Rzepka, and Mckenzie Latshaw in the game.

In Game 2:  After Concordia struck with a two-run home run in the first inning, the Cougars responded to take the lead in the bottom of the first.  Mia Rzepka got things going after getting hit by a pitch, and Mckenzie Latshaw singled through the left side.  After both runners stole a base, Olivia DeJohn doubled to left field to tie the game.  An error by the Cardinals allowed DeJohn to score while giving the Cougars the 3-2 lead in the process.  Concordia answered to take the lead in the top of the third, scoring three runs to take a 5-3 lead.  The Cougars would tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.  After a lead-off walk, and a fielder's choice, Grace MacCaughan picked the perfect moment to hit her first career collegiate home run, as she hit a two-run bomb to left field, tying the game at 5-5.  Still tied 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth, the Cougars would get the first two batters of the inning on board, and both would advance to scoring position with no outs.  After a pop-up, Summer Smith would ground out to the pitcher, but it would be enough to score Lauren Gannon for the game's go-ahead run, giving the Cougars a 6-5 lead.  Concordia would do their best to retake the lead in the top of the seventh, as they loaded the bases with one out on pitcher Jade Kupsky.  Kupsky was able to get a line-out, and a fly-out to end the game.

Jade Kupsky earned her second win of the season in relief, as she allowed 0 runs on 4 hits in 3.1 innings of action.  Lauren Gannon had a 2/4 game at the plate, while Cleary was also able to get hits from Mia Rzepka, Mckenzie Latshaw, Summer Smith, Olivia DeJohn, Maddie Bunkoske, and Grace MacCaughan.

Cleary remains at .500 in the WHAC with a 3-3 record, and are now 7-13 overall.  The Cougars will make the trip to Lima, Ohio to take on the UNOH Racers for another WHAC double-header.  First pitch of game one is set for 1:00 PM.

*Picture Courtesy of Ryan Wagenschutz*