The Hillsdale College softball team hung tough defensively in its final day at the Lewis Dome Invitational in Rosemont, Illinois, but couldn't get the bats going in two tough losses to end its time in The Dome.
The Chargers opened the morning with an extremely close 4-3 loss to Purdue Northwest. Hillsdale took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning, but a fielding error with one out allowed the tying run to score, and the Pride got a single through the left side to walk off with the victory.
Hillsdale trailed 2-0 early after giving up two runs in the bottom of the third inning, but came back to tie the game on a two-run double by senior Madison Rathbun in the top of the fifth inning, scoring senior Natalie Stepanenko and freshman Ashley Strick. The Chargers pulled ahead in the top of the sixth, as freshman Olivia Latimer hit a two-out double and scored on a Purdue Northwest fielding error on the next at bat.
Latimer led Hillsdale offensively, going 2 for 3 at the plate, but the Chargers managed just six hits to Purdue Northwest's 11 and struggled with runners in scoring position, failing to add to their lead and make it harder for the Pride to rally.
Freshman Joni Russell took the loss for Hillsdale, pitching the entire game and striking out eight with just two walks and two earned runs in a strong performance despite the defeat.
In the final game of the day, the Chargers struggled to solve Lewis' Delaney Garden on the mound, managing just two hits in a 5-0 loss to the Flyers.
Seniors Renee Bielawa and Elaine Townley both had a single to lead Hillsdale offensively.
Freshman Emma Vis took the loss for Hillsdale, throwing four no-hit innings but surrendering a run in the second on a walk and a sacrifice fly. The Flyers broke through with four runs in the fifth on three hits to pull ahead for good. Freshman Dani Deaton pitched two innings of relief, striking out two and walking one for the Chargers.
Hillsdale is now 2-8 on the season after going 1-4 in The Dome, though all four losses were relatively close and the Chargers didn't give up more than six runs in any one game. A new week presents Hillsdale with a chance to get on track offensively, as Hillsdalt travels to Illinois-Springfield for doubleheaders against Quincy and the host Prairie Stars on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. Both doubleheaders start at noon eastern time.