LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Trine University softball team dropped out of the top spot in the most recent National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Coaches Poll but remained in the top-five, coming in at fourth.
The Thunder lost a pair of games to Calvin University, who made their debut in the rankings at 24th this week, to cause the fall. Salisbury University, Linfield University and East Texas Baptist University all moved up one spot to create the new top-three.
In one of the toughest weeks on their conference schedule, Trine started off strong sweeping a talented Adrian College team on the road. Scarlett Elliott led the way in the series, recording a homerun in the first game on the way to a 5-1 victory and then nabbing a walk-off run on a wild pitch in the second game giving the team a 3-2 win.
Saturday went to the Knights, with the visiting team stunning the Thunder in a pair of games. The day opened with both offenses putting in the work but with Calvin having the better showing. Ellie Trine held off the run-rule with a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth, but the game ultimately ended 13-7 in favor of the visitors. Game two saw Karley Trine open the game with a homer of her own before the elder Trine made it 2-0 with a double in the fifth. The Knights scored four runs in the sixth to take what would be their final 4-2 lead.
Early in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) season there is a logjam at the top of the standings. Hope College currently holds first at 4-0 with Trine, Adrian, Alma College and Saint Mary's College each sitting at 4-2. Calvin is currently 3-3.
The Thunder will look to get back on track on Thursday, April 18 when they host the Belles for a pair of games. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
