WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's softball team dropped a pair of games to Taylor on Friday afternoon.

The Lancers (12-32, 6-24 Crossroads League) fell in two run-shortened contests, dropping the opener 14-2 and the nightcap 8-0.

Freshman Emma Hiss hit another home run during the doubleheader affair and moved into a tie with current assistant coach Cassie Hayes for the fourth most home runs in a single season with eight. Only Olivia Winget has hit more during a single season and did so in three separate years (2012, 2013 and 2014).

Taylor (22-20, 17-13 CL) threatened early in the first game. The Trojans loaded the bases with just one out and seemed primed to grab an opening-winning lead.

Grace was able to survive the first frame as a strikeout and a harmless fly ball ended Taylor's threat but after the Trojans retired Grace in order they would break through in the second inning.

Five of the Trojans first seven batters reached safely to start the second inning and a Lancer error helped pave the way for Taylor to plate five runs in the top of the inning.

The Lancers responded almost immediately when they got to the plate as Hiss swung at the second pitch of the frame and homered off the left field fence to get Grace on the board.

The Lancers surrendered two more in the third inning but also represented themselves on the board in the same frame. Lauren Kirkpatrick had a lead off double and after advancing to third, Kirkpatrick was scored thanks to an RBI from Emme Meyering.

The Trojans padded their advantage in the fourth with seven more runs to put them ahead 14-2. The mark proved to be the final score as the Lancers were unable to score to continue the game past the fifth inning.

Game two had a more promising start for Grace. The Lancers retired the Trojans in order in the first frame then Hiss reached on an error and Avery Sleeth singled. Sleeth's single was blasted off the left field fence but bounced back with such force that it kept the runners to one base. The Lancers ultimately left them stranded on first and second.

The second frame proved to be the Lancers' undoing. Taylor had seven players reach base and a three-run home run saw the Trojans blitz ahead 6-0.

Grace went without a base runner in the second and third innings but found success at the plate in the fourth frame.

Hiss and Sleeth each singled to start the frame and after two outs Kirkpatrick singled to load the bases. The Trojans were able to record the final out of the frame without allowing a run though as they saved the shutout.

The Trojans scored twice more in the fifth and a walk was all Grace could muster in the bottom of the fifth as they fell 8-0.

Hiss had an impressive day at the plate with two hits in three at bats with a home run and a walk.

Grace will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Spring Arbor. The Lancers will also be honoring the 2026 senior class at the conclusion of the doubleheader.