April 5, 2008

Box Score

University Center, Mich. - Grand Valley State University lost game one of a double-header with Saginaw Valley State University 11-3 before rebounding with a 2-0 victory in game two. Stephanie Cole pitched seven innings of one-hit ball to help the No. 9 Lakers advance their record to 20-7 on the year. GVSU's next game is a double-header against Northwood in Midland, Mich. on Sunday, April 6.

Game one lasted only six innings, as Lori Andjelich gave up eight hits and four runs in the first 3.1 innings of play. Lauren Rohan came on in relief and gave up nine hits and seven runs during the final two innings. The Lakers managed three runs on four hits, headlined by a three-run home run by Becky Rudenga in the top of the second inning.

SVSU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first before Rudenga's shot in the second gave GVSU a 3-1 lead. Breanne Kronberg reached on a fielder's choice and then Lisa Preuss doubled to right-center field to put runners on second and third base. Rudenga then homered to clear the bases and give the Lakers the lead. That was all the offense that Grand Valley State could muster, and the Cardinals still had more left in their bats. SVSU scored five runs in both the fourth and sixth innings to take a six-inning victory, 11-3.

GVSU picked up a win in the second game of the day, as Cole went seven strong innings, allowing just one hit and striking out three. The Lakers scored two runs on five hits to pick up the 2-0 win. Elizabeth Smith had a good game at the plate, going 1-3 with one run scored and two batted in, all coming on her fourth home run of the season.

Neither team could get much offense going until the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out, Nichole Woityra doubled to left-field and Smith followed that up with a two-run shot to give Grand Valley State all the offense that they needed. Neither team scored in the final inning of the game, and GVSU took home a 2-0 win and a split against Saginaw Valley State.