Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State softball team successfully opened their home schedule with a sweep of Purdue Northwest in a doubleheader. On Wednesday, March 26, the Lakers captured a decisive victory in the first game, securing a 12-0 win in five innings. The team's performance improved their record to 13-15 for the season and 4-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

In the first game, Grand Valley State took an early lead with Karli Dorr’s RBI single. Madelynn Pope extended the advantage with her first collegiate home run, followed by Elizabeth Wesoloski’s two-RBI double, propelling the Lakers to a 4-0 lead. The team secured a commanding position with an eight-run fourth inning, highlighted by a base-clearing triple from Pope. Purdue Northwest was unable to score in the subsequent inning, and the Lakers claimed victory under the mercy rule.

Pope's performance was exceptional, achieving three hits and contributing significantly to the score. Dorr and Eiland also made notable contributions with their runs and hits. Dorr pitched all five innings, allowing no runs and striking out three players.

In the day's second game, Purdue Northwest initially led with a two-run home run. However, the Lakers responded in the second inning and eventually took the lead in the fourth with two more runs. By the fifth inning, the Lakers had widened the gap to a final 8-2, assisted by hits from players such as Carsyn Segorski and Grace Usher. Faith Edwards, among others, delivered a strong performance by tallying multiple hits and runs.

Pitcher Nevaeh Ingram completed the game, allowing two runs and securing the win. Notable contributions also came from Segorski and Morgan Spicer, who both recorded hits and RBIs.

The Lakers will continue their GLIAC actions this weekend, with doubleheaders scheduled against Davenport and Ferris State. Live streams and updates will be available through FloSports and the team’s official website.