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Trine University Softball
Starkville, Miss - Trine softball received another honor following its NCAA Tournament qualifying season. Thunder pitcher/designated player Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was tabbed as an at-large third-team selection for the 2010 Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-Central Region team.
In the pitchers circle, Gasco went posted a 15-8 record with six shutouts and a 1.72 ERA and 154 strikeouts. As a batter, she finished with a .348 batting averaging with six home runs and sixteen RBIs.
Click here for more information.
Greencastle, Ind. - Designated Player Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) and outfielder Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) were named to the all-tournament team at the NCAA Division III Softball Regional.
In four games, Wisman was six-for-14, a .429 batting average, and recorded a home run and three RBI.
Bluhm, batted .400, with 4-for-10 batting and four RBI. Click here for more information.
Greencastle, Ind - Washington University (Mo.) smacked four home runs to end Trine’s post-season run 7-5 in the NCAA Division III Softball Regional Saturday at DePauw University.
The Bears rode back-to-back fifth inning home runs from Ashton Hitchcock and Caitlyn Hoffman to take a 4-2 edge and then added another from Hoffman in the sixth inning to finish off the Thunder.
Hoffman’s sixth inning shot was a three-run blast to put Washington (37-10) up 7-2.
Both teams combined for six home runs and all runs scored in the contest were by way of the long-ball.
Trine (28-15) cut it to 7-5 in the top of the seventh on a three-run home from Andi Gasco (Bronson, Mich./Bronson). The Thunder threat continued placing runners on first and second base with two outs, but Washington closed the door on any would-be heroics by Trine.
Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) allowed five hits and three runs in four innings of work. She finishes her freshman season 14-8. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) allowed four runs on three hits in two innings of relief.
Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) was 2-for-4. Alishia Raak (South Haven, Mich./South Haven) was 1-for-2 with a run scored. Belote finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Lindsay Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) was 1-for-3. Gasco was 1-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs.
Washington took a 2-0 lead in the second when Claire Voris homered to drove in two runs. Trine’s Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) tied the score at 2-2 with a fourth inning home run.
Greencastle, Ind. - Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) went 2-for-3 with a home run to lift Trine to a 4-0 win over Transylvania in the NCAA Regional this afternoon. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) pitched a four-hit shutout for the Thunder. Gasco improved to 14-7 with the win.
In the fourth inning, Wisman homered to left center to give Trine (28-14) a 2-0 lead.
The Thunder added two more runs in the fifth. A fielders choice by Gasco scored Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) from third. One batter later, Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) from third.
Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon CC) was 2-for-2.
No Transylvania (35-11) runner advanced past second base.
The Thunder face Washington (Mo.) this afternoon at 4 p.m. Click here for the DePauw Regional website. Click here for NCAA Tournament information. Click here for live play-by-play coverage.
Greencastle, Ind. - Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was stellar as a pitcher and timely as a batter as Trine ousted Thomas More 5-2 Friday in the NCAA Softball Regional at DePauw University.
It’s the first win ever for the Thunder in the regional round, despite two previous appearances in 2008 and 2009.
The Thunder will now play the loser of the Transylvania-DePauw game Saturday at Noon. Transylvania and DePauw play at 4 p.m. this afternoon. Click here for live play-by-play coverage.
Gasco worked seven innings, allowed two runs and two hits and struck out seven batters to improve to 14-7. Gasco also smacked a home run for Trine. Trine improves to 27-14, Thomas More finishes the season 22-20.
Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) was 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
Bluhm singled to left field in the third inning to drive in Nicole Grimm (Coopersville, Mich./Coopersville) to give Trine an early 1-0 advantage.
Thomas More took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning scoring on back-to-back bases loaded walks from Gasco.
Gasco belted a home run to start the fourth inning. Later in the inning, Rachel Wisman singled to left to score Kelly Tresick (Clinton Township, Mich./L’Anse Creuse) from second. Four batters later, Bluhm drove in her second RBI of the game, an infield hit to shortstop, scoring Alishia Raak (South Haven, Mich./ South Haven) from third.
In the fifth inning, Raak scored Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) scored on a fielder’s choice to cap the scoring at 5-2.
Click here for the DePauw Regional website. Click here for NCAA Tournament information.
GREENCASTLE, Ind. - North Central jumped out to an early lead and Trine couldn’t recover, dropping a 8-6 decision to the Cardinals in the opening round NCAA Division III Softball Regional at DePauw University Thursday.
The fourth-seeded Cardinals (33-12) scored five runs in the first inning, two in the second and added one in the fourth to hold off the Thunder. Trine (26-14) scored one run in the fourth, one in the fifth and four in the sixth inning.
Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) was 2-for-4 with a triple, a run scored and an RBI. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 2-for-4. Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, including a solo home run in the fourth inning.
Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was 2-for-4 at the plate. Inside the pitching circle, she worked six innings, allowed five hits, eight runs and just one earned run to take the loss.
Trine out hit North Central 12-5, but stranded nine runners.
Trine will now face eighth seeded Thomas More (22-18) at 10 a.m. Friday. The loser is eliminated from the tournament.
Click here for the DePauw Regional website. Click here for NCAA Tournament information. Click here for live play-by-play coverage.
Royal Oak, Mich. - Five Trine softball players earned all-MIAA honors, the league announced today.Trine placed three players on the first-team and two more on the second-team All-MIAA teams
Outfielder Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon CC) pitcher Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) and outfielder Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) were first team selections.
Sipperley, who played both right and left fields, hit .386 overall with 54 hits and three home runs and drove in 37 RBIs. She also scored 30 runs to lead the Thunder offensively and post the eighth highest batting average in the MIAA. Hivley, a centerfielder, hit .381 with 40 hits and 25 runs scored. Gasco recorded a 1.72 earned run average and struck out 142 opponents in 138 1/3 innings. She finished with a 13-6 win-loss record.
Catcher Alishia Raak (South Haven, Mich./South Haven) and pitcher Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) were second team all-MIAA selections.
Raak batted .282 with 18 RBI and threw out seven base-runners. Wisman finished with a 11-6 record and 2.25 ERA. In 102 2/3 innings she struck out 102 batters.
Most Valuable Player
Ashley Peterson, Saint Mary’s (senior from Lansing, Ill./Marian Catholic HS)
Most Valuable Pitcher
Tara Leddy, Alma (sophomore from Saginaw/Swan Valley HS)
First-Team All-MIAA
Katie Adams, Adrian* (junior from Flat Rock/Flat Rock HS)
Haley Bojorquez, Saint Mary’s* (junior from Moorpark, Calif./Moorpark HS)
Kelly Eberhardt, Adrian* (sophomore from Wellington, Ohio/Black River HS)
Kelly Faber, Hope* (sophomore from Byron Center/South Christian HS)
Andi Gasco, Trine* (freshman from Levering/Petoskey HS)
Sara Hivley, Trine* (senior from Morocco, Ind./South Newton HS)
Kelly Koenigsknecht, Alma** (sophomore from Fowler/Fowler HS)
Tara Leddy, Alma*** (junior from Saginaw/Swan Valley HS)
Ashley Peterson, Saint Mary’s*** (senior from Lansing, Ill./Marian Catholic HS)
Emily Ross, Alma** (sophomore from Buchanan/Buchanan HS)
Tara Sipperley, Trine* (junior from Newaygo/Newaygo HS)
Meghan Stevens, Adrian** (senior from Warren/Mott HS)
* - number of years All-MIAA First Team
Second-Team All-MIAA
Lauren Enayati, Saint Mary’s (sophomore from Crete, Ill./Marian Catholic HS)
Kelsey Greene, Olivet (sophomore from Burr Oak/Burr Oak HS)
Sarah Johnson, Alma (senior from Portland/Portland HS)
Tate Kern, Albion (sophomore Kaleva/Brethern HS)
Shelby Mast, Calvin (freshman from Hudsonville/Hudsonville HS)
Kasey Miller, Alma (senior from Grand Ledge/Grand Ledge HS)
Katie Mitchell, Saint Mary’s (sophomore from Swathmore, Pa./Cardinal O’Hara HS)
Kori Nieuwsma, Hope (junior from Lakeville, Minn./Bethany Christian Academy)
Alishia Raak, Trine (senior from South Haven/South Haven HS)
Andrea Reinecke, Hope (junior from Eaton Rapids/Eaton Rapids HS)
Houston Verbeck, Alma (senior from Burton/Flint Kearsley HS)
Rachel Wisman, Trine (freshman from Bronson/Bronson HS)
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - For the third consecutive season, Trine University has advanced to the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament.
The Thunder (23-16) earned a No. 5 seed in the DePauw Regional at Greencastle, Indiana, and will open with North Central (Ill.) Thursday. North Central (31-12) is seeded fourth.
If Trine wins Thursday, the Thunder would face the winner of No. 1 seed Ohio Northern (37-5) and No. 8 seed Thomas More (22-18) at 2 p.m. Friday. If the Thunder lose, they would face the loser of Ohio Northern/Thomas More at 10 am Friday.
The regional features four top-25 ranked teams. Ohio Northern finished the season ranked fourth in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 poll released May 5. Tournament host DePauw (35-6), the No. 2 seed, ended the season ranked 13th. Third-seed Washington-St. Louis (34-9) was ranked 19th. North Central was ranked 21st.
Click here for the DePauw Regional website. Click here for NCAA Tournament information. Click here for live play-by-play coverage.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine second baseman Lindsey Wise its Position Player of the Week and Trine righthander Andi Gasco its Pitcher of the Week for the week of the MIAA softball tournament that concluded May 9.
Wise, a freshman from Oregon, Ohio (Clay HS), went 4-for-7 at the plate for a  .451
average during the tournament, including a dramatic sixth-inning home run
that lifted
the Thunder to
a
1-0 victory over Adrian Sunday that sealed the
tournament title and
an NCAA
Division III tournament berth for Trine. The home
run was the first of
Wise’s career.
She also started a three-run rally in the
sixth inning of Trine’s
4-1 tournament-opening win over Adrian with a base hit,
and ignited a six-run third
inning in a 7-5 win over
Alma with a leadoff single.
Wise is being honored as
Position Player of the Week
for the first time in her career.
 Gasco, a freshman from Levering (Petoskey HS), pitched three consecutive
complete games for Trine during the MIAA tournament, capped off by a two-hit
shutout of Adrian in the tournament clinching game. She struck out six batters
and walked only one in the 1-0 victory. Gasco earlier threw a four-hitter with nine
strikeouts in a 4-1 win over the Bulldogs. Against Alma, she not only got the pitching
victory, but belted a two-run homer in the third inning to put Trine ahead to stay.
Gasco is being honored as Pitcher of the Week for the first time this season.
ALMA, Mich. - Lindsey Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) smacked a solo home run in the sixth inning and Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) hurled a two-hit shutout as Trine (26-13) beat Adrian 1-0 to claim the MIAA Softball Tournament championship.
The victory assures Trine a berth in the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament. Pairings are expected to be announced late Monday morning.
ALMA, Mich. - Trine advanced to the championship round of the MIAA Softball tournament with wins over Adrian 4-1 and Alma 7-5 Thursday.
The Thunder (25-13) are 2-0 in the double-elimination tournament and will face the winner of the Alma-Adrian game Friday at 2 p.m., and if necessary at 4:30 p.m. Alma and Adrian play at Noon.
The Thunder needs to win just one of two games in the championship to claim the crown and an NCAA tournament berth. The Alma-Adrian winner must defeat Trine twice. Both teams are currently 1-1 in the tournament.
Trine advanced to the championship bracket, beating top-seeded Alma 7-5.
Gasco highlighted a six-run, third inning with a two-run homer. Wisman would also score two runs with a double later in the inning.
Alma scored a run in the fifth and two in the sixth, but could not pull any closer than 7-5.
Sipperley was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was 1-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs. Wise was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
In her second start of the day, Gasco pitched seven innings and allowed five runs and nine hits. She also struck out five.
In the opening round of the tournament, Trine rallied to beat Adrian 4-1.
Trailing 1-0 in the sixth inning, Trine scored three runs to take a 3-1 lead. Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon CC) hit a bases loaded single to left field to score Lindsey Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) and Sara Hivley (Morocco,Ind./South Newton).
Two batters later, Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) grounded out to third base, allowing Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) to score from third.
In the top of the seventh inning, Alishia Raak reached on a one-out single. Her pinch runner, Nicole Grimm (Coopersville, Mich./Coopersville) advanced to second on a wild pitch. One batter later, another wild pitch sent Grimm to third. A third wild pitch allowed Grimm to score giving Trine the 4-1 advantage.
Gasco picked up the win. In seven innings, she allowed four hits, one run and struck out nine Bulldog batters.
Hivley went 2-for-4 with one run scored. Bluhm was 1-for-4 with a run. Sipperley was one-for-three with two RBIs. Wise finished 1-for-2 with a run scored.
Click here for the tournament website. Click here for live audio.
ALMA, Mich. - As Trine prepares for its fourth appearance in the MIAA tournament Thursday, it will do so as an underdog in the four-team tournament. The third-seeded Thunder (23-13, 11-5) open with second-seeded Adrian (27-9, 11-5). First pitch is set for 11 a.m.
Click here for the official MIAA Softball Tournament website.
The winner will face the winner of the Saint Mary’s (21-17, 10-6) and Alma (29-7, 14-2). Saint Mary’s is seeded fourth; Alma is sitting in the top seed. The tournament is double-elimination tournament, with the winner gaining an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament.
In 2010, the Thunder have shown prowess at the plate and in pitching. During the regular season, the Thunder batted .310 as a team, drove in 179 runs (4.9/game) and scored 221 runs (6.13/game). Trine has also combined for 17 home runs, 61 doubles and has stolen 24-of-26 bases.
Seven batters have an average of .310 or better, including Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newayo) who has hit at .394 clip with three home runs and 33 RBI. She’s also scored 29 runs and hit 12 doubles. Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) has smashed five home runs and plated 26 RBIs.
Thunder pitchers record a 1.92 earned run average, struck out 246 batters in 240 innings pitched. Opponents have belted 12 home runs and 31 doubles while scoring 95 runs (2.6/game) and recording 75 RBI’s (2.08/game) and converting 16-of-23 stolen base attempts
Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) and Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) have seen the bulk of work in the pitching circle. Gasco finished the regular season 10-6 with a 1.67 ERA in 117 1/3 innings pitched. Wisman went 11-6 with a 2.25 ERA in 102 2/3 innings.
Click here for final regular season softball statistics.
Follow all the Trine action with live play-by-play coverage on WEAX Radio 88.3 and online beginning at 10:45 am Thursday. Click here for live audio.
NOBLESVLLE - No. 14 DePauw posted two wins over Trine Sunday in the regular season finale for the Thunder.
The Tigers handed Trine (23-13) a 4-2 loss in game one, and a 6-0 decision in the second game.
Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was 1-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.
Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson), Sara Hively (Morocco, Ind./South Newton), Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon CC), and Lindsay Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) all recorded hits.
Gasco (10-6) was charged with the loss. She worked seven innings, allowing five hits, four runs and struck out five. None of the Tiger runs were earned.
In the second game, Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) and Hivley finished 2-for-4.
Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson), Gasco and Sipperley each had a base hit.
Wisman (11-6), in five innings, allowed 12 hits and six runs to record the loss. Kelsey Mullen (Brookston, Ind./Frontier) worked one inning surrendering no hits and no runs.
Trine is back in action Thursday facing Adrian in the MIAA tournament.
NOTRE DAME - Trine stormed into the MIAA Softball Tournament Saturday with a pair of decisive wins over Saint Mary’s.
In the first game, a six-inning contest, the Thunder shutout the Belles 8-0. Thunder (23-11, 11-5) followed-up with a 11-3 win in six innings.
The doubleheader sweep vaulted Trine into the number three-seed in the conference tournament. The winner of the double-elimination tournament qualifies for the NCAA Division III tournament.
Alicia Raak (South Haven, Mich./South Haven) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was 2-for-3 with three runs scored.
In the pitching circle, Gasco (10-5) hurled a one-hitter and struck out six batters.
In the night cap, Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newayo/Muskegon CC) was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBIs. Sipperley pounded a grand slam to highlight a five-run fourth inning assault by the Thunder.
Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) was 1-for-2 with 3 RBIs and two runs scored. Byrd hit a three-run homer in the third to give Trine a 5-1 lead.
Sara Hively (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Gasco belted a solo home run.
Wisman (11-5) notched the win, in six innings she allowed three runs, eight hits and struck out five batters.
Huntington pitchers kept Trine off-balanced almost all afternoon Thursday as the Thunder lost two games to the Foresters, 1-0 and 6-2.
In the first game, Huntington pitcher Molly Long retired 16 straight batters before Alishia Raak (South Haven, Mich./South Haven) drew a walk in the sixth inning to give Trine its first base runner.
Sara Hivley (Morrocco, Ind./South Newton) singled in the next at-bat to send Raak’s pinch runner Andrea Browne (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc) to second. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) reached on an outfielder's error. That loaded the bases as Browne advanced to third and Hivley went to second.
The Thunder would not get the opportunity again. Long retired the next four batters to give Trine the loss.
In the nightcap, Huntington scored four runs in the first inning to cruise to a 6-1 win. Hivley led the Thunder, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The Thunder are now 21-11. They return to action Saturday at Saint Mary’s. The Thunder will guarantee themselves a berth in the MIAA Tournament with one win over the Belles.
Trine swept a two-game set with Anderson Wednesday. The Thunder snagged a 5-4 game one victory and used a little seventh-inning magic to squeak out a 1-0 win in the second contest.
The Thunder are now 21-9, Anderson dropped to 15-17.
In the opener, Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) finished 1-for-4 with two runs scored. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) went 1-for-2 with a run scored. Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon CC) was 1-for-3 with a run batted in. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) and Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) belted back-to-back home runs in the third inning for the Thunder. Gasco improved to 9-4 in the pitching circle with the victory, striking out nine.
In game two, Bluhm smacked a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning. With Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) up two batters later, Bluhm narrowly slid under a tag to steal second base. Then Belote drilled a two-out single up the middle to drive Bluhm home and give Trine the win which completed the doubleheader sweep.
The Thunder have added another game to their 2010 regular schedule, NAIA foe Huntington University. Trine will host the Foresters for a doubleheader Thursday, April 29. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. The Foresters are currently 17-17. Huntington shares one common opponent with Trine. MIAA rival Olivet. Olivet swept a doubleheader 5-4, 5-4 March 25 in Olivet, Mich.
The team also announced that Tuesday's doubleheader with Anderson has been rescheduled for Wednesday. Action gets started at 3:30 p.m.
KENTWOOD, Mich. - With apologies to Charles Dickens, it was the worst of times and the best of times Saturday as Trine split a two-game set with Calvin. The Thunder dropped game one 5-4, then blanked the Knights 14-0 in a five-inning affair in the second game.
In the first game, the Knights converted seven Thunder errors into three unearned runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Two of those runs came in Calvin's last at-bat.
Tara Sipperely (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon C.C.) led the Thunder going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Lindsay Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) went 2-for-2 with a run scored. Gasco was tagged with the loss, and is now 8-4 on the year. She worked six and one-third innings, striking out nine and allowing six hits and five runs.
The Thunder scored runs in the first, second and fourth innings to build a 3-0 lead. Calvin rallied with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to tie it at 3-3.
Sipperley's seventh-inning home run gave Trine a 4-3 lead. Calvin plated two runs in the bottom of the final frame. Kim VandenAkker led off with a two-base error and advanced to third on a wild pitch. VandenAkker scored on another wild pitch to tie the game at 4-4.
Calvin wasn't finished. Mallissa VanRooyen singled and advanced to third when Marie Prins reached on another two-base error. Mandy Johnson followed with a single to right to give the Knights the win.
Trine took out its frustrations in the second game, smacking 14 hits, scoring 14 runs and limiting the Knights to just one hit.
Wise was 2-for-3 with one run scored and three RBIs. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs.
Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) was two-for-four with two runs scored and two RBIs. Kelly Tresick (Clinton Township, Mich./L'Anse Creuse) was three-for-four with two RBIs and a run scored. Sipperley was one-for-four with two runs scored and two RBIs.
Wisman improved to 9-4 in the pitching circle. She worked four and two-thirds innings, striking out four, walking one and allowing just one hit.
Two games could not have been any more different.
Game one was a classic pitching duel punctuated by a few key hits. Game two was a slugfest with 26 hits, 17 runners left on base and 15 runs.
Either way, both games translated into a pair of frustrating losses for Trine to MIAA rival Adrian, 2-1 and 9-6, Wednesday.
Adrian’s doubleheader sweep drops the Thunder to 18-8, 8-4 in the MIAA.
In the first game, Lindsay Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) was 2-for-3. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) went 1-for-2 with a home run in the second inning. Gasco worked seven innings, allowing two runs, both earned, and struck out four. She is now 8-3.
Adrian took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a home run by Katrina Wotten. Gasco evened the score in the bottom on the second inning with a solo shot of her own. Adrian took the lead for good in the sixth inning on a two-out single by Amara Karapas to left field that scored Shannon McWherter.
In the second game, Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) went 4-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs. She hit a solo home run in the third inning. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was 2-for-2 with an RBI. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Wisman was collared with the loss after working three innings and giving up 10 hits and eight runs (four earned). She’s now 8-4 on the season. Gasco worked three innings, allowing two hits, one run and striking out four Bulldog batters.
Trine jumped out to a 3-1 lead, highlighted by Byrd’s two-run double. The next batter, Wisman, would single to score Byrd from second. Adrian added a run in the bottom of the first inning.
The Thunder would build their lead to 4-1 in the second. Alishia Raak (South Haven, Mich./South Haven) started the inning with a double. She advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Wise and scored on Bluhm’s single.
Adrian continued to chip away in the second inning by adding another run. Byrd’s home run in the third built the Thunder advantage back to three runs at 5-2.
In the Bulldogs’ third inning, they scored six runs to go up 8-5. Trine cut the lead to 8-6 in the fifth when Gasco singled to score Belote from third. Adrian plated another run in the fifth inning to build their lead to 9-6.
The MIAA softball race became more confusing this weekend. As Hope and Trine played to a doubleheader split, now five teams are within two wins of first-place. Hope remains atop the standings at 5-1. Trine is 8-2. Alma is 8-2. Adrian and Saint Mary’s stand in at 7-3.
The Thunder dropped a 4-3 eighth inning affair to the Dutch in Saturday’s early game. Trine scored a 7-4 comeback win in the nightcap to stay within a game of the conference lead.
The Thunder is back in action Wednesday hosting third-place Adrian.
ALMA, Mich. - Another chapter was added to the Alma-Trine softball rivalry Tuesday as the two teams each won a game in an MIAA doubleheader at Scots Park.
The Scots and Thunder battled to a scoreless tie for 10 innings in game one before Trine plated four runs in the 11th inning to grab the 4-0 win.
The Thunder took the lead when Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) drilled a 3-1 pitch up the middle to score Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) from third. Hively was placed on second under international softball tie-breaker procedure and advanced to third on a wild pitch.
Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) then delivered a single and moved Belote into scoring position at second.
Two batters later, Lauren Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover) smacked a single down the left field line to score Belote and that put Byrd's pitch runner, Kelly Tresick (Clinton Township, Mich./L'Anse Creuse) on second.
The Thunder capped their scoring when Alicia Raak (South Haven, Mich./South Haven) reached on an Alma fielding error. The error scored Tresick and Harris’ pinch runner Andrea Brown (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc)
Belote went 2-for-5 with an RBI and one run scored. Hivley was 2-for-5 with one run scored. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) went the distance to improve to 8-1. The freshman struck out eight Scots in throwing a four-hit shutout.
In the second game, the Thunder lost their first conference game, 10-2 in six innings.
Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) belted her first home run of the season to highlight the second game for the Thunder. The home run was one of six hits for Trine.
Alma jumped out to 3-1 lead in the third inning, and built it to 8-1 advantage in the fifth and ultimately dispatched Trine with two more runs in the sixth.
The Scots scorched Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) for eight hits and five runs (two earned) through five innings. Wisman was marked with the loss, and is now 7-3.
In her second appearance of the day on the mound, Gasco allowed five runs in just one inning of work.
Trine is now 17-5 overall and 7-1 in the MIAA. Alma is now 19-7, 6-2 in conference.
The Thunder face Hope (10-10, 4-0) Saturday at 1 p.m.
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Saint Mary’s outfielder Ashley Peterson its Position Player of the Week and Trine righthander Rachel Wisman as its Pitcher of the Week in softball for games played through April 11.
Wisman, a freshman from Bronson, Mich./Bronson, did not allow an earned run in three starts last week, striking out 25 batters in 19 innings of work. She threw a no-hitter and struck out nine in a 14-0 victory over Kalamazoo, becoming the first pitcher to toss a no-no in an MIAA game since 2007.
She followed with 10 strikeouts in a 7-1 win over Albion and fanned nine in a 4-0 shutout of Olivet. Wisman, who is being honored as Pitcher of the Week for the first time in her career, also drove in four runs at the plate with a pair of doubles.
ALBION, Mich. -
Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) continues to make her mark in the MIAA. Less than 24-hours after no-hitting Kalamazoo in a 14-0 shutout, Thursday the freshman notched her sixth win, a 7-1 decision over Albion. The Thunder are now 13-4, 3-0 in the MIAA. Albion is 6-16, 0-8 in conference.
Wisman struck-out ten, walked four and allowed one unearned run to improve to 6-2. In 12 innings of work, she has a conference ERA of 0.00.
Trine plated two runs in the second inning on a two-out double by Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon C.C.)
Thunder added three more in the fifth inning. Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton) scored on a fielding error. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) scored on a single by Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson). Belote then scored on a hit by Wisman.
Lindsay Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) and Hivley scored two more runs in the sixth inning.
Hivley went three-for-four with three runs scored. Sipperley was two-for-four with three RBI. Belote finished two-for-four with 2 RBI.
The Thunder host Kalamazoo Friday at 5 p.m. The game is a resumption of a doubleheader postponed Wednesday by rain.
Trine had two objectives Wednesday when it faced Kalamazoo. One was to beat the Hornets; the second was to beat the rain. The Thunder accomplished the first thumping the visitors 14-0. Yet again, for the second time in a week, late afternoon rains postponed the second of the doubleheader.
Kalamazoo returns to Trine Friday, to play game two. The first pitch comes at 4:30 p.m.
What the Thunder did accomplish was impressive on the mound and at the plate.
Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Wisc.) pitched five innings, struck-out nine Hornets and walking one to improve to 5-2. It’s the second “no-no” for Thunder this season. (The first was a gem pitched by Kelsey Mullens March 10 against Mount St. Joseph)
Trine batters scored 14 runs on five hits and registered 12 RBI. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) went two-for-three with two hits and four RBI and scored three runs. Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon CC ) finished two-for-three with four RBI and one run scored.
Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) got things started with a three-run homer in the first inning.
Trine is back in action Thursday at Albion to complete a rain postponed game April 3.
ALBION, Mich. - For the first time in nine days the Thunder took to the diamond and still only managed to get one of the two games in before rains hit south central Michigan.
What did get in was enough for the Thunder to beat Albion 9-1 to improve to 11-4 and post their first MIAA win of the season. Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) improved to 6-1 in the win.
Gasco allowed just one run and six hits for the Thunder, while Trine bats smacked 12 hits in the six inning contest.
Lindsay Wise (Oregon, Ohio/Clay) went two-for-three with two RBI. Tara Sipperley (Newaygo, Mich./Newaygo/Muskegon C.C.) was three-for-four with an RBI and two runs scored. Tori Bluhm (Monroe, Ind./Adams Central) was two-for-four with a pair of RBI. Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) was two-for-two.
The Thunder struck early scoring three runs in the first inning. Kelly Tresick scored on a wild pitch from third. Alicia Raak drove in two more with a double to give Trine a 3-0 lead.
In the second inning, Bluhm scored from third on a sacrifice fly by Tresick building the advance to 4-0.
Trine finished the Britons off scoring five runs in the sixth to finish the Britons off. Bluhm scored on an RBI single by Sara Hivley (Morocco, Ind./South Newton). One batter later Hivley scored on a single by Sipperley. A single by Wise scored Sipperley. Claire Will (Haubstadt, Ind./Gibson Southern) scored Byrd on a single to cap the Thunder scoring.
Rain made conditions unplayable for Sunday's doubleheader with Rose-Hulman. The Thunder are back in action Saturday at Albion. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Wednesday's 8-0, 7-1 doubleheader sweep of Defiance marked the third time in three weeks the Thunder have defeated a nationally regarded foe.
March 13, the Thunder beat Rowan 2-0. Rowan was ranked No. 24 in the March 3 poll. Saturday the Thunder split with Mount Union, winning game one 6-1, losing game two 4-2. The Rebels are currently ranked 23. Rowan is now No. 24. Defiance was ranked No. 30 in the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association Poll dated March 18.
Incidentally, MIAA-rival Alma was ranked as high as No. 23 in the March 10 poll. The Thunder and Scots clash April 13 at Alma.
Trine bats exploded for 23 hits and Thunder pitchers continued to impress in an 8-0, 7-1 doubleheader sweep of Defiance Wednesday.
Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) fanned eight Yellow Jacket batters and limited DC bats to just one hit to improve to 5-1.
Gasco helped her cause, going three-for-four with two runs and an RBI. Sara Hivley (Morocoo, Ind./South Newton) went four-for-four with one run scored.
Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) belted her second home run of the season to finish two-for-four for the game with a pair RBI. Lauren Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover) went two-for-three. Claire Will (Haubstadt, Ind./Gibson Southern) executed two sacrifices and drove in a run.
In the nightcap, Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Brownson) allowed five hits while striking out seven. Wisman is now 4-2 on the season. Cassie Byrd (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina) finished two-for-three with an RBI.
The Thunder host Rose-Hulman Sunday at 2 p.m.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Trine finished their Florida trip with an 8-0 win over Geneva and a 2-0 win over Rowan. The Thunder improve to 5-3.
“If we play like we played today,” head coach Donnie Danklefsen said. “We will be fine.”
Against Geneva, junior Tara Sipperley (Newaygo,Mich./Newaygo) hammered a three-run home run to lead the Thunder. Rachel Wisman (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) hurled a 3-hit shutout, while striking out eight batters. Wisman is now 2-1. Kelly Tresick (Clinton Township, Mich./L'Anse Creuse) went two-for-three with a pair of RBI. Lauren Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover) was two-for-three with two RBI.
In the afternoon game, Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) struck out nine batters and allowed just two hits and two walks against Rowan. Rowan started the week ranked No. 24 in the NFCA Top 25 NCAA Division III poll. Gasco helped her cause driving in a run in the sixth with a two-out single to left. She improves to 2-1 on the mound.
"It’s still very early, but our staff has done a great job of keeping us in games. I think they are ready for conference,” he added.
The Thunder hit the road this weekend facing Bluffton Friday afternoon, and Mount Union Saturday.
Kissimmee, Fla. - Rains cancelled Thursday's games with Regis and Webster.
Kissimmee, Fla. - Kelsey Mullen (Brookston, Ind./Frontier) hurled a no-hitter Wednesday and struck out eight batters to lead Trine to an 6-0 win over Mount Saint Joseph in the second game of the day, Wednesday. In the first game, the Thunder dropped a 6-2 decision to the University of Dubuque 6-2. Trine is now 3-3 on the young season. More details to come.
Game locations for Trine softball games in Kissimmee, Fla., have been announced. The Thunder will play at two facilities during their week in central Florida. Locations are as follows:
Mar. 7 |
Sun. |
Benedictine, |
Fortune Road Diamond #4 |
11 a.m. |
Mar. 7 |
Sun. |
Waynesburg |
Fortune Road Diamond #3 |
3 p.m. |
Mar. 9 |
Tues. |
Marietta |
Osceola County Softball Complex Diamond # 4 |
3 p.m. |
Mar. 9 |
Tues. |
Eastern Mennonite |
Osceola County Softball Complex Diamond # 4 |
5 p.m. |
Mar. 10 |
Weds. |
Dubuque |
Osceola County Softball Complex #5 |
11 a.m. |
Mar. 10 |
Weds. |
Mount St. Joseph |
Osceola County Softball Complex Diamond #4 |
3 p.m. |
Mar. 11 |
Thur. |
Regis |
Fortune Road Diamond #2 |
1 p.m. |
Mar. 11 |
Thur. |
Webster |
Fortune Road Diamond #3 |
5 p.m. |
Mar. 13 |
Sat. |
Geneva |
Fortune Road Diamond #3 |
11 a.m. |
Mar. 13 |
Sat. |
Rowan |
Fortune Road Diamond #3 |
1 p.m. |
Osceola County Softball Complex - Osceola County Softball Complex
Fortune Road -Fortune Road Athletic Complex
Click here for directions.
Trine University softball is proud to announce its fourth annual players clinic set for Sunday, February 21. The clinic features the Trine coaching staff and Syracuse University associate head coach Wally King. Players ages 12 years old and older will receive specific instruction in catching at 10 a.m., pitching at 11 a.m. The general session, with hitting and fielding begins at 1:30 p.m., lasting until 5:30 p.m.
Click here for brochure and registration. Please use this form to register online or mail. Individual sessions are $25 each, the general session is $65. Players are encouraged to register early to secure a spot.
The Trine University softball team is offering leaf raking services again this fall. The service is free, but donations are welcome. Donations will go toward softball program expenses. The team has won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title three years in a row, and made their second-consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Softball Regional in May. For more information email Jessica Hutchison or call (616) 821-1200
Re-live the thrilling 2009 Trine softball season with radio highlights Click here to listen
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