SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) -- The Lourdes University softball team celebrated its seniors on Thursday afternoon at Gray Wolf Field, honoring student coach
Samantha Stimmel and players
Brooke Albert and
Kirsten Smith. The Gray Wolves triumphed 4-3 in game one of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference doubleheader against Siena Heights University before dropping a close 4-2 decision in game two.
Game One: Lourdes 4, Siena Heights 3
The Lourdes softball team opened the doubleheader with a thrilling 4-3 win over Siena Heights. After falling behind early, the Gray Wolves fought back with a key two-run seventh inning to secure the victory. Siena Heights struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but Lourdes responded in the second with a double by
Brooke Albert that brought home
Lindsey McGann to cut the lead to 2-1.
The Saints added another run in the third, but Lourdes continued to battle, and in the seventh, the Gray Wolves' offense came alive. Skylar Mitchell's single drove in Albert to make it 3-2. Robyn Ryan laid down a bunt and reached first on a throwing error by the Siena Heights pitcher, allowing Jessyca Smith to score. Ryan advanced to third on the play and then crossed the plate for the walk-off win when another throwing error by the first baseman allowed her to score, giving Lourdes the 4-3 victory.
Kirsten Smith pitched a complete game, earning the win on her senior day while allowing three runs on seven hits. She also struck out three in the victory.
Game Two: Lourdes 2, Siena Heights 4
In game two, Lourdes came up short in a 4-2 loss to Siena Heights. The Gray Wolves took an early lead in the first inning when Lindsey McGann singled up the middle to bring home Jessyca Smith for a 1-0 advantage. However, Siena Heights responded with a solo home run in the fourth to tie the game at 1-1.
The Saints took the lead in the sixth when a single scored one, giving Siena Heights a 2-1 lead. Lourdes fought back in the bottom of the inning, as Abby Sparks reached first on a throwing error by the third baseman, allowing Alyssa Goretzka to score the tying run.
Unfortunately, Siena Heights broke the tie in the eighth with another home run, this one a two-run shot that gave the Saints a 4-2 lead. Despite a strong effort, the Gray Wolves were unable to mount a comeback, as Siena Heights held on for the 4-2 win.
Up Next:
The Gray Wolves will close out the regular home season at Gray Wolf Field on Friday, April 25th when the team welcomes Madonna University to Sylvania for a 3:30/5:30 pm doubleheader.
