The Ferris softball team completed an undefeated weekend of softball as the Bulldogs celebrated their Senior Day this weekend.
The Bulldogs swept the Wayne State Warriors in a pair of games on Friday, April 20, and swept the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals on Saturday, April 21.
In Friday’s action, the Bulldogs defeated the Warriors 5-3 in game one before pulling off a thrilling 4-3 comeback win in extra innings in the second matchup.
In game one, Ferris senior Emily Reed pulled off three hits for the Bulldogs and drove in three runs to lead the team in runs batted in (RBIs). Ferris sophomore pitcher Abby Highway threw for seven innings and gave up three runs on eight hits on the day.
In game two, the Bulldogs took a 2-1 lead in the third inning before Wayne State tied the game in the fourth inning. Both squads then got a solo run in the seventh inning. The Bulldogs closed out the win in extra innings with a walk-off double from junior third baseman Lexi Hongisto.
Against the Cardinals, the Bulldogs completed the sweep with wins of 3-0 and 4-2.
The successful sweep of the Cardinals fell on the Bulldogs’ Senior Day, when the team honored Sam Bates, Emily Smith, Katie Scheuer, Emily Reed, Lexee Summers and Hannah Leppek.
“I always thought that going into college, I would make friends but I never thought I would be this close with all of my teammates. The memories we have created over the years have been so great,” Ferris senior pitcher and first baseman Sam Bates said.
The Bulldogs have struggled this season with scoring runs and getting consistent hits. The team averages a .264 batting average and only averages two runs per game. However, last weekend was the spark the team needed.
The Bulldogs scored once in the third inning and knocked in two more runs in the fifth while accumulating nine hits on the day.
Highway pitched all seven innings to complete the shut out. She only allowed three hits in game one.
Bates pitched game two for the squad and went the distance with all seven innings. She gave up eight hits with a walk and two runs.
Ferris senior Lexee Summers, freshmen Kodi Ramirez and Paige Kortz all compiled two hits in the second matchup and Summers added two RBIs with her at-plate appearances.
“The senior class is incredible. They’re such a fun group of girls to be with, both on and off the field,” Ferris sophomore first baseman Katrina Merrick said. “They’re great leaders and have done an amazing job at making the team come together.”
With the wins last weekend, the Bulldogs extend their winning streak to four games.
The Bulldogs are now currently 12-24 overall on the season, with a 6-14 GLIAC record. The team is currently in last in the GLIAC standings.
“Not only have the seniors impacted me as a player but also as a person,” Ferris freshman centerfielder Paige Kortz said. “Despite the age difference, they never treat anyone as if they were inferior. They always go out of their way to help anyone on the team, not because they were told but because they wanted to. Getting to know such an amazing group of ladies was a privilege, let alone getting to play along side them.”
With the Bulldogs only having 10 regular season matchups left, the team will be looking to keep their momentum going, as they will be back in action against Tiffin University on Tuesday, April 24, in a double-header at the FSU Softball Field. Game one will begin at 1 p.m. and game two to follow at 3 p.m.
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