SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Indiana University South Bend Softball team (7-19, 1-1 CCAC) opened their conference season with a doubleheader split against Trinity Christian College (9-16-1, 1-1 CCAC) falling in game one 5-4 and winning game two via the mercy rule 11-3 in five innings.
Game 1 (L 5-4)
The Titans began their conference slate playing host to CCAC foe Trinity Christian College looking to get off on the right foot in the Dehnke era of IUSB Softball. TCC came on strong in the top of the first inning scoring four runs to jump out to an early 4-0 lead. The Titans responded with one run in the bottom of the first inning and two runs in the bottom of the second inning to make a 4-3 ballgame after just two innings of play. Both teams were held scoreless in the third and fourth innings, but the Titans tied the game up in the bottom of fifth on a Abigail Yarnell RBI double making it a 4-4 game heading into the last two innings of play. TCC responded with a pair of doubles to push a run across and take the lead 5-4 in the top of the sixth inning. The Titans had a runner in scoring position in both the sixth and seventh inning but were unable to come up with a big hit, leaving TCC take game one of the doubleheader 5-4. Summer Johnson led the offense going 3-4 with two RBI’s, while Jordan Watts and Abigail Yarnell each went 2-4 with Yarnell adding a double and an RBI. Savannah Hamilton suffered the loss in the circle despite her efforts in the circle going 7.0 innings giving up five runs, five earned, on 11 hits and five strikeouts.
Game 2 (W 11-3)
After a tough game one loss, the Titans came back in game two with a vengeance. The Titan offense scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back adding one run in the second inning, one run in the third inning, and five runs in the fourth inning. TCC tried to inch their way back into the game scoring a single run in the second inning and two runs in the fourth inning, but after the five run fourth the eight run mercy rule was in play as the Titans set down the Trolls of TCC in the fifth inning to win game two 11-3. Five different Titans had multi hit games with Maddie Leisher leading the way going 2-2 with a home run and three RBI’s, Savannah Hamilton was also 2-2 with three RBI’s. Jaylah Harlan picked up the win for the Titans throwing 5.0 innings giving up three runs, three earned, on nine hits and two strikeouts.
The Titan Softball team is back in action Saturday March 29th as they continue their home stand with #22 in the country Saint Xavier University (17-6, 0-0 CCAC) for another CCAC doubleheader. First pitch is currently set for 1pm ET.