WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace's softball team came up empty against Goshen on Saturday at Coach Phil Dick Field.
Both games were closely fought contests with Goshen winning 11-9 and 4-3.
The first game was packed with action. The teams combined for 20 runs and 24 hits. Grace outhit Goshen 13-11 and had five extra-base hits, but Goshen pulled out the 11-9 victory regardless.
Grace began the game strongly with seven runs in the opening two innings. Bethany Gardner began the first inning with a triple, and Cassandra Hayes brought her home thanks to her team-leading seventh home run of the season.
In the second inning, Grace scored five runs. Hayes had another big play, producing a bases-clearing double to score three runs. Hayes later scored after some opportune baserunning. Montana Brincks also drove in a run during the inning as Grace took a 7-4 lead.
The Maple Leafs countered with seven runs over the next two innings to regain the lead.
Grace was muted over the next three frames and went into the final inning with a three-run deficit. The Lady Lancers were able to score once and threatened for more.
Grace quickly loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, and Kendra Arnold drove in one run with a ground out. But the Lady Lancers were retired with a ground out to end the contest.
Hayes finished the game hitting 2 for 3 with five RBIs and two runs scored. Brincks, Bela Duran, Arnold and Gardner each had two hits.
Madison Bremer threw the final four innings in relief, allowing two runs with three strikeouts.
Both teams scored a run in the first inning of game two. Jessica Kaurich produced a two-out single to score Jeri Ellis and tie the ballgame.
But the Maple Leafs poured in three runs in the second inning to seize control of the game at 4-1.
Grace battled back in the fourth. Ellis produced a two-out, two-run single to pull the hosts within one.
The game entered the bottom of the seventh with Goshen clinging to a 4-3 lead. Grace threatened immediately in the frame.
Ellis singled which was followed by a double from Hayes, putting the tying run on third and the winning run on second with nobody out. But Grace's next three batters were retired with a pop out and two strikeouts, enabling Goshen to secure the sweep.
Kierstin Fickas threw a gutsy complete game, throwing 143 pitches to go the distance. She allowed 10 hits and four runs with three strikeouts.
Ellis batted 2 for 3 with a run and two RBIs, Kaurich was 2 for 4, and Brincks hit 1 for 2 with a run.
Next up, the Lady Lancers will travel to Bethel on Monday at 1 p.m. Next week, Grace will have home games on Tuesday at 3 p.m. against St. Francis and Friday at 3 p.m. against Spring Arbor.
