The Wayne State University softball team began its participation in the Lewis Dome Invitational by splitting its first two games. The squad, which competes as a collegiate athletic program at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, operates out of Detroit, Michigan and represents Wayne State University in intercollegiate athletics according to the official website (https://wsuathletics.com/sports/softball).
In their opening game, Wayne State lost 6-5 in nine innings to Concordia-St. Paul. Sophomore Hunter Near led off with a walk and scored on a wild pitch to give WSU an early lead. The Warriors extended their advantage in the third inning before Concordia-St. Paul responded with runs in the fifth and sixth innings to tie the score.
Wayne State regained the lead in extra innings through runs from Ellery Garver and Molly Hool, but Concordia-St. Paul tied it again before winning on a ground-rule double followed by an error.
Near finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored for WSU, while Maddie Hool contributed two hits and an RBI. The Warriors stole seven bases during the contest, marking their highest single-game total since at least 2002.
Junior Kyra Shadduck made her debut for Wayne State by allowing two earned runs over six innings. Senior Hayden Batton pitched two innings, giving up one earned run, while Sydney Long allowed two unearned runs.
In the second game against host Lewis University, Wayne State started strong as six of its first seven batters recorded hits in the opening frame. The team built a five-run lead after just 13 pitches and went on to win 8-3.
Sydney Long pitched a complete game for WSU, surrendering three earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk.
Maddie Hool and Mia Hool each had three hits for Wayne State in this matchup. Near, Koopman, and DeWitt added two hits apiece.
Following these results at the invitational tournament held in Rosemont, Illinois, Wayne State’s record stands at 3-1 overall. The team is scheduled to play Minnesota-Duluth next on Friday evening.
