WIXOM, Mich. - The Lawrence Technological (Mich.) University softball team was unable to come up with a win this afternoon as they fell 6-1 and 4-5 in nine innings against University of Michigan-Dearborn in Wixom, Michigan.
Lawrence Tech (12-18, 2-4) struggled to get the bats going in game one as they went three up-three down in two of the first three innings. The Wolverines took advantage of LTU's sluggishness, recording their first run in the fourth on a Kylie Hill homerun, giving them a 1-0 lead.
The Blue Devils earned their lone run in the bottom of the fifth on a Bailey Brown double to right field that brought around Cherilyn Banas who reached on an error by the pitcher.
UM-Dearborn went on to record four more runs in the top of the seventh to give them a 6-1 lead before Lawrence Tech stepped up to bat in a last chance effort. Mary Armstrong struck out swinging while Banas grounded out to third and Bailey Brown popped up to center field, ending the game in favor of the Wolverines.
Alexa Cherney took the loss for LTU, giving up six runs on seven hits with three walked batters.
The Blue Devils were much livelier in the second game, jumping out to a 3-2 lead by the bottom of the third. Lawrence Tech put the first runs across the plate with a long single to left field from Alina Molette, scoring Banas and Jackie Mattingly.
The Wolverines equalized in the next inning but LTU countered with a fourth run from Hanna Ruddock reaching on error by the second baseman. UM-Dearborn knotted it up once more with another run in the sixth that would send the game into extra innings.
In the top of the ninth the Wolverines put the winning run on the board with a pop-fly to center field that advanced Gina Verduzc home, sealing the contest 5-4.
UM-Dearborn finished with 16 hits compared to LTU's eight. Banas led Lawrence Tech, going 2-4 while Molette brought in a team-best two RBI's. On the mound, Brittney Bult opened, notching two strikeouts but allowing two runs. Sydney Schultz would relieve Bult after 2.1 innings, recording four strikeouts and three runs on 12 hits.
The Blue Devils will now travel to Mishawaka, Indiana for a doubleheader with Bethel College on April 3. First pitch is set for 3:00 pm.
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