TUCSON, ARIZ. – The Trine University softball team split their two contests today, defeating Hiram College 19-0 before falling to the College of Saint Benedict 10-4.
The Thunder began the day with an offensive explosion against the Terriers. Sophomore Michaela Hartline (Niles, Mich. / Brandywine) led the way for Trine recording two homers and five RBIs in the game. Senior Kaylee Fox (Vermilion, Ohio / Edison) added a homerun of her own and four RBIs. Senior Erica Robles (Long Beach, Calif. / Lakewood) continues her impressive beginning to the season going three for three in the contest.
Fox started off the scoring in the game bringing in two runs with a double in the top of the first. Michaela Hartline finished off the scoring in the inning with the first of her four-baggers. In the third, the Thunder scored seven runs with Michaela Hartline tallying a three run homer and Fox adding a two-run dinger.
On the mound, Danielle Ray (Hamilton, Ohio / Badin)was spectacular facing just 17 batters while striking out five and allowing just two hits. She would end up with the shutout as the Thunder went on to win 19-0.
In the second game, Trine found themselves in an early hole as the Blazers came away with two first inning runs and added six in the second to lead 8-0. The Thunder would get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third when sophomore Claire Ryan (Union Grove, Wis. / Union Grove) brought a runner home with a single and junior Lainey McCue (Westlake, Ohio / Westlake) brought home another with a sacrifice fly.
Trine would pull within five in the bottom of the third, but it would be the closest they could get as the two teams traded runs over the next two innings and the game ended with the 10-4 loss.
With the split the Thunder finish the day with a record of 9-2. They will return to action tomorrow, March 8, with a pair of contests. They take on the College of Staten Island at 1 p.m. and then Fontbonne University at 3:30.