SOFTBALL

The HU softball team brought home a split from Spring Arbor (12-9, 4-6), dropping a 5-0 decision in the opener before bouncing back with a 9-2 win in game two.

The hosts sprinkled runs in four of the six frames they stepped up to the plate in while holding the Foresters scoreless to enjoy the clean sheet. Two of SAU’s runs were unearned compliments of two HU errors. Spring Arbor collected ten hits off Kinzie Mollenkopf who was charged with the loss. In addition to giving up double-digit hits, she also surrendered five runs and a walk while striking out three.

Jess Duvall went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate to account for all but two of her team’s total hits for the game.

Duvall picked up where she left off, spurring on the nightcap with an RBI-single in the first. It was the start Averill’s team needed after being blanked for just the second time this season in game one. The junior third baseman would go on to rack up two more hits in the game to finish the twin bill 6-for-7 at the plate.

HU went silent for the next four frames before coming alive in the sixth, turning a 2-1 deficit into a commanding lead with a five-run outburst. Josslynn Harbert ignited the rally with a walk, followed by Duvall’s single to center. Gena Moore delivered the clutch RBI-single to tie the game, and a well-placed sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position.

After a dropped foul ball kept Maddie Duvall’s at-bat alive, she took advantage with an RBI-base knock that, combined with a fielding error, brought two runs home. Gabrielle Hypes capped the explosive inning with a two-run double to right center to help turn things around at 6-2.

The Foresters kept their momentum rolling in the seventh, tacking on three more insurance runs to seal the deal. Kasey Hickle reached on a fielding error after which Jess Duvall ripped a double to left center, putting runners at second and third. Moore’s grounder to short forced a hurried throw, leading to another Cougar error and plating a run. Maddie Goheen then delivered the knockout blow with a two-RBI single to right center, stretching the lead even further.

Despite a rocky start that saw Karlee Franklin surrender a two-run homer in the first inning, she quickly found her rhythm and slammed the door on the Cougars the rest of the way. Franklin took command of the evening, scattering just seven hits while racking up six strikeouts to notch the complete-game win.

With this split, Huntington’s record stands at 13-9 which includes a 2-6 league record. The Foresters take on Goshen tomorrow. Originally slated for an away series, the games have been moved to Huntington with opening pitch at 2:00 p.m.