NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Softball fell to #7 Trine University on Wednesday in both games of the doubleheader, 13-3 in game one and 10-6 in game two. The Belles fall to 8-14 (2-6 MIAA) on the year while the Thunder improve to 24-4 (8-0 MIAA).
Game One
Trine got on the board early with two runs in the top of the first inning to take their first lead of the game. The Thunder would then go on to add three more in the third inning before putting up seven runs in the fourth. They would add one more run to improve to a 13-0 lead in the top of the fifth before the Belles would get their offense going.
Saint Mary's opened the frame with back-to-back singles before freshman Gia Schiavone (Poland, OH) singled up the middle to bring freshman Talia Jorgensen (St. Paul, MN) around to score. Schiavone would then steal second and advance to third on a throwing error by the catcher, allowing freshman Maddi Duncan (Sarasota, FL) to come around to score. Freshman Hunter St. Peter (Traverse City, MI) would keep the single streak alive with a hit up the middle to score Schiavone. The Belles rally would end on a line drive double play to end the ball game.
Schiavone and junior Sam Mikitka (Naperville, IL) would lead the team with two hits on the game. Jorgensen and St. Peter, along with junior Leah Zimmerman (Huntertown, IN) and sophomore Madi Ingolia (Lemont, IL) would also record hits. Schiavone and St. Peter would each have RBI's
Freshman Faith Dean (Monroe, MI) would be the pitcher of record, throwing three innings and allowing five runs on five hits. Sophomore Sammy Schrader (Romeoville, IL) would throw 0.2 of an inning, allowing seven runs (five earned) on five hits, while freshman Ashlyn Yeo (Jackson, MI) would throw 1.1 innings, allowing one run on one hit.
Game Two
Trine would stay hot offensively early, scoring five runs in the first four innings, adding two in the first, one in the second, and two in the fourth. However, the Saint Mary's offense would come alive to rally with two pouts in the top of the fifth to take their first lead of the day.
After two singles to open the top of the fifth, Zimmerman would double down the right field line, bringing Mikitka around to score. Jorgensen would then walk to load the bases. Sophomore Laura Heim (Howards Grove, WI) would then single to second base, bringing freshman Lydia Hinga (Portage, MI) around to score. Schiavone would then single to second, allowing both Zimmerman and Jorgensen to score, Heim would advance to third on the throw home while Schiavone would go to second. Duncan would come in to pinch run for Heim after a collision at third base. St. Peter would then single up the middle to bring both Duncan and Schiavone around to score to cap off the six run fifth inning and give the Belles a 6-5 lead.
Trine would bounce right back and score four runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth and add another in the bottom of the sixth before sitting the Belles down in order in the top of the seventh to close out the game.
Mikitka would go 2 for 2 at the plate off the bench while Zimmerman would add two hits of her own. Jorgensen, Heim, Schiavone, St. Peter, and Hinga would all add hits for the Belles. Schiavone and St. Peter would lead the way with two RBI's each while Heim and Zimmerman tallied one each.
Mikitka would be the pitcher of record, throwing 2.2 innings in relief, allowing five runs on six hits and striking out three. Yeo would start the second game for Saint Mary's throwing 3.1 innings and allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits.
UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES
Saint Mary's will enjoy their bye week before they hit the road for a matchup at Adrian College on April 24, for a 3/5pm start. The Belles then return home for their home finale on Saturday, April 26, as they host Calvin University for a 12/2pm matchup. The Belles will also celebrate Senior Day against the Knights.