North Manchester, Ind. - The Manchester University Softball team hosted HCAC rival, Anderson University in a weekday Doubleheader this past Wednesday. The Spartans fell in game one but were able to bounce back in game two to split the series.

Game One Manchester 5, Anderson 7

Despite a 5-run deficit in the first inning, Manchester University almost came all the way back, eventually falling 7-5 to the Anderson Ravens on Wednesday. The Spartans closed the gap by scoring on a fielder's choice, a single, a ground out, a double, and a triple.

The Anderson Ravens got on the board in the top of the first inning after a few singles and errors brought in five runs.

Kendal Rider (Otterbein, Ind., Lafayette Central Catholic) went 2-2 with a RBI while also getting hit by a pitch twice in the game, Lizzy Willis (Yorktown, Ind., Yorktown) smacked a triple in the 6th to keep the Spartans in it, but the lead grew to great. 

Lizzy Willis took the loss for Manchester. The starting pitcher went five innings, allowing seven runs (three earned) on eight hits, striking out two and walking five.

Crystal Cooke (Richmond, Ky., Madison Southern) and Kendal Rider each collected two hits for Manchester University. Kaitlyn Carr (Valparaiso, Ind., Chesterton), Willis, Cooke, Alee Eaker (Lowell, Ind., Lowell), and Rider each drove in one run for MU. Rider stole two bases. Manchester University ran wild on the base paths, piling up four stolen bases for the game.


Game Two Manchester 8, Anderson (8 Innings)

Manchester University took Wednesday's game in dramatic fashion, with an 8-7 walk-off victory over Anderson Ravens. The game was tied at seven in the bottom of the eighth when Lizzy Willis singled, scoring one run.

With Sabrina Leonard (Fillmore, Ind., South Putnam) on Second base to start the inning, Molly Gilhooly (Mount Prospect, Ill., Prospect) executed a perfect Sac bunt to advance #7 to third base. This led Anderson to Intentionally walk the next two batters to bring up Willis with bases loaded. Willis unloaded on a pitch to the fence and the Spartans walk-off with the victory. 

Willis collected three hits in five at bats in the win. Willis singled in the eighth inning, singled in the first inning, and singled in the sixth inning..

Kaitlyn Carr earned the win for Manchester University. The reliever surrendered zero hits and zero runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking none. Brionna Egold (Greencastle, Ind., South Putnam) pitched three and two-thirds innings in relief for Manchester University. The pitcher allowed two hits and one run (zero earned) while, striking out two and walking two. Julianne Gosnell (Amboy, Ind., Oak Hill) stepped in the circle first for Manchester University. The hurler allowed seven hits and six runs (one earned) over one and two-thirds innings, striking out none and walking one. 

Eaker drove the middle of the lineup, leading MU with three runs batted in. The infielder went 1-for-4 on the day. Erin Singleton (Brownstown, Ind., Brownstown Central) collected two hits for Manchester University in four at bats. Kendal Rider led Manchester University with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, collecting four walks for the game. Willis and Rider each stole multiple bases for Manchester University. The Spartans stole five bases in the game, and turned one double play.


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