WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's softball team nearly pulled off the upset of No. 7 Marian on Friday afternoon.
The Lancers (6-16, 0-8) played the Knights even in game two holding even at 1-1 in the late innings. The Knights managed to produce the winning run with a solo home run in the sixth frame to survive the scare and secure the 2-1 win.
Grace junior
Halle Nett collected her 100th career hit during the doubleheader.
Marian (15-2, 7-1 CL) jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first frame.
The Lancers got a pair of runners on in their half of the frame to try and answer back.
Paige McCorkle had a single then
Sage Ladig outlasted the Knight's pitcher, earning a 13-pitch walk. Both runners would be left stranded though as the Knights continued to lead.
Grace did find their offensive touch in the third and fourth innings.
Lauren Kirkpatrick had a leadoff double and was eventually brought in to score thanks to an RBI single from McCorkle.
Marian matched Grace in the top of the fourth inning, recapturing a three-run advantage. In the bottom of the frame the Lancers mimicked their third inning when
Avery Sleeth led things off with a double. She was bunted over to third and came into score thanks to a sacrifice fly from
Molly Jones.
In the fifth inning the high-powered Marian offense roared to life. The Knights plated nine runs in the inning helping them to a 13-2 victory.
In the second game it was Grace who scored first.
Chloe Huff got the start in the circle and blanked the Knights in the opening inning.
From the lead off spot, McCorkle singled and worked her way around the bases before an
Emma Hiss hit brought in the Lancers go-ahead run.
Marian crossed the tying run in the third inning after a hard hit ball took a disadvantageous bounce allowing the lead off hitter to get on base.
Grace found success at the plate throughout the game out hitting the Knights 9-5 but Marian made their hits count. The first pitch of the sixth inning saw the Knights hit a home run that proved to be the difference in the game.
The Lancers nearly came back with a two-out rally in the bottom of the frame when Sleeth and Furches got into scoring position but Knights got out of the inning then shut the door in the seventh to claim the 2-1 victory.
Huff had another impressive outing allowing just five hits and one earned run. Hiss had two hits and the Lancers' lone RBI while Furches had three hits in as many at bats. McCorkle had three hits across both games.
The Lancers will return to action on Saturday on the road against Taylor.
