Eagle Softball Sweeps Warriors To Continue Road Stretch

Monday's (April 12) games in Detroit, Mich., may turn out to be a coming-of-age doubleheader for Ashland University's softball team.
 
The Eagles went to Wayne State on Monday, and returned with their first two Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference wins of the 2021 season, 3-2 and 4-1. AU is 5-13 overall and 2-6 in the conference, and has won three of its last five outings, while WSU is 14-8, 7-7.
 
"We had two very gutsy performances in the circle today from Kayla Ruperto and Jillian Middleton," said Ashland head coach Emlyn Knerem. "Both pitchers worked out of jams, and our defense got the job done when we needed it. It was great to see our offense continue in the first game, especially with the long ball. In Game 2, we found a way to produce when we needed to and capitalized on mistakes. Hailey Krinn came up and added two insurance runs, and Jillian shut the door for two more innings.
 
"Overall, it was a great day for our team to kickstart our week on the road."
 
In Monday's opener, Ashland overcame a 1-0 deficit with two runs in the top of the fifth inning and a run in the top of the sixth. Sophomore pitcher Ruperto helped herself with a two-run homer in the fifth, her first of the season, then senior shortstop Abigail Butler hit a solo shot in the sixth, also her first of the spring.
 
Ruperto (3-4) made the lead stand up, going the distance on a six-hitter. She allowed two runs and a walk, while going 2-for-4 at the plate. Butler was 2-for-2 in the victory.
 
The nightcap saw the Eagles once again overcome a 1-0 deficit late, this time with a four-spot in the top of the fifth. Sophomore right fielder Haylee Frost tied the game with an RBI single, Butler scored what would be the game-winning run on a wild pitch, and freshman third baseman Krinn added two more runs with a double.
 
Middleton, a freshman pitcher, earned her first collegiate win (1-6) by twirling a six-hitter, allowing just an unearned run and two walks while striking out five. Middleton also was 2-for-3 at the plate.
 
Monday's games were the third and fourth in a row away from home for the Eagles. Games No. 5 and 6 in a row outside of Ashland will be Wednesday (April 14) at 3:30 p.m. at Purdue Northwest.