CLERMONT, Fla. – Nationally top-ranked Trine University softball secured another spring break sweep in a pair of tight contests in Florida.
The first game of the day, saw the Thunder in a rematch of their opening contest of the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. Unlike that game, Waynesburg University kept the game close throughout, with Trine holding off a late-game comeback for a 3-2 win.
Neither team scored through the first three innings. The Yellow Jackets failed to reach base until the fifth inning, with Alexis Michon pitching a no-hitter through four. Michon ultimately pitched six and a third innings with eight strikeouts.
The Thunder got their first run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Scarlett Elliott reached base after being hit by pitch before moving to second on a Michon single. Tyra Marcum pinch hit for the team and her single to centerfield brought in the run.
After a quiet fifth inning, Trine added to their lead in the sixth. Emma Lee started the inning with a triple, before scoring after Elliott forced an error by Waynesburg. Emily Wheaton pinch ran for Elliott at first and promptly stole second before scampering home on another single by Michon.
The Yellow Jackets had their first two batters reach to start the seventh inning. They would both score on a third straight hit, cutting the lead to 3-2 and forcing a pitching change by the Thunder. Debbie Hill took to the stripe and recorded the two needed outs to end the game and earn a save.
The second game of the day came against Bethany Lutheran College and was another close contest. Lee led off the game with a single for Trine, who served as visitor on the scoreboard. She moved to second on a wild pitch and then scampered home on a single by Macy Rocha. The Vikings read from nearly the same script in the bottom of the first, tying at one on a double.
From there the pitchers settled into a rhythm. For the Thunder that pitcher was Lauren Clausen who allowed just two baserunners in the rest of the game, both on walks. She finished the game with four strikeouts while allowing just one run on one hit and three walks.
Trine retook the lead in the sixth inning. After Hill took a free base, Wheaton replaced her as a pinch runner and again stole second. Rocha brought her home with another single, before giving way for Allie Moss who also stole second. Marcum brought Moss home with a double in the next at-bat.
The 3-1 score went final after a quick final inning and a half.
The Thunder improve to 8-1 after the pair of wins. They will return to action tomorrow, Friday, March 8 for another two games in Florida. They open the day with Marian (Wis.) University at 11:15 a.m. before facing Alfred (N.Y.) University at 1:30 p.m.