Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State University's softball team experienced mixed results on Friday in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against Wayne State in Detroit. The team won the first game 3-1 but fell short in the second, losing 5-4 in extra innings. The Lakers' record now stands at 16-18 overall and 7-5 in the conference.

In the opener, Wayne State took an early lead in the first inning with an RBI single. However, Grand Valley State turned things around in the sixth inning. Madelynn Pope, who went 2-3 with a double and a stolen base, scored on a sacrifice fly hit by MaryJane Goodman. Morgan Spicer also scored on the same play, benefiting from a Wayne State error. Grace Usher secured the win with an insurance run by hitting an RBI double, bringing home Faith Edwards, who had earlier gone 2-4 with a run.

Karli Dorr pitched all seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four in a performance that earned her the win.

In the more competitive second game, Grand Valley State initially took the lead with three runs in the first inning. An error allowed Faith Edwards to score, and Grace Usher's single brought in Eliana Eiland. Karli Dorr contributed with an RBI single, scoring Elizabeth Wesoloski. The team continued its lead, adding another run in the second inning, as Usher hit a double to drive in Eiland. However, Wayne State gradually closed the gap with a solo home run and a sacrifice fly, leveling the score by the fifth inning.

The game remained tied through seven innings, preceding Wayne State's game-winning home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Despite Usher's strong 2-4 performance, with a double and two RBIs, Nevaeh Ingram took the loss after pitching 7.2 innings.

The Lakers are set to play Saginaw Valley State at home on Sunday, April 6, with the first game scheduled for 1:00 PM at the GVSU Softball Field. Live streaming will be available on FloSports.