Grace Stuns No. 11-Ranked Knights
MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Grace College's softball team picked up a top-15 upset victory with a 10-3 victory over No. 11 Marian during Tuesday afternoon's double header.
The win was the Lancers (12-30, 6-22 Crossroads League) second this season over a team in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll, having previously defeated RV Avila early this season.
The afternoon got off to a slow start in the first game as the Lancers were retired in order in the opening inning. Marian (25-12, 17-11 CL) then responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame to take an early lead.
The Knights looked to continue their momentum with a pair of strikeouts to start the second frame but a single from Sage Ladig started a two-out rally for the Lancers. The next two batters also reached to load the bases for Grace.
Emme Meyering got the Lancers on the board with an unconventional RBI as she was walked to bring in a run. Marly Coan then had an RBI single and Furches scored on a wild pitch to give the Lancers a 3-2 lead
Emma Hiss, who got the start in the circle for Grace, retired eight of the next nine batters after the Lancers jumped ahead.
The middle innings passed and neither side was able to plate a run as Grace clung to a one-run lead.
In the fifth inning the 11th ranked Knights took advantage of a pair of singles and a misplayed ball to tie the game at three. The Knights had a pair of chances to jump back into the lead but Sydney Argo made two fantastic plays in right field, including a diving catch, to keep the game tied.
In the top of the sixth inning Coan and Daylie Rickard were each walked then Molly Jones singled to load the bases.
Hiss then stepped to the plate and on a 1-2 count blasted a home run over the left field fence to put Grace ahead 7-3. The grand slam was the second of her career and also the seventh home run of the season which moves her into the top five for home runs in a single season in program history.
Hiss added two more RBIs in the seventh innings as the Lancers extended their lead to 10-3. The Lancers retired the bottom of the seventh without incident to secure the 10-3 upset victory.
Hiss got the complete game victory while striking out four. She also starred on the offensive side of the ball with three hits and six RBIs. Coan also had three hits and an RBI.
Game two was a defensive showcase. The first 14 batters of the game were retired before Meyering blasted a solo home run in the top of third inning to push Grace ahead.
The Knights responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame and never looked back.
The Lancers had hits in the fourth and sixth innings but were unable to produce a run. Marian added four more runs in the home half of the sixth inning to extend their lead to 7-1.
Halle Nett had a single in the Lancers final time at the plate but Grace was held off the scoreboard as they fell 7-1.
Grace will return to Coach Phil Dick Field for their final three double headers of the season, the first of which will be against Taylor at 3 P.M. on Friday.