Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score | Photo Gallery
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After nearly a week since pulling off a huge win at Muskegon Community College the Raiders were back in action at Belknap Park. For the second straight week they came out with a lot of intensity against the national ranked and only unbeaten team in the country, but Owens would get the best of the Raiders again. The #11 ranked Express, now 26-0 won 7 to 4 in game one and 15-1 in the five inning nightcap.
Jessica Kohloff (2-3) made her second start in a row for the Raiders (13-21) and through the first four innings allowed just one earned run as her team clang to a 3 to 2 lead going into the top of the fifth. After Owens number nine hitter made it a 2-0 game in the top of the 2nd, Kohloff retired eight consecutive batters.
A deep fly ball to centerfield scored the first run of the game for the Raiders on a sac-fly from Brenna Donahue in the bottom half of the 2nd inning. In the 3rd inning, Alison Iuelle and Allie Annese knocked in two more runs giving their team the one run advantage.
Just as they have done all season, the Express responded with a three hit, two run 5th inning to take the lead back. Brittany Frye nearly robbed number nine hitter, Michelle Hollister (3 for 3, 2 RBI), of a leadoff double that started the rally, but came back to catch the final out of the Express inning. In the next inning Frye made a fantastic catch and throw to double up Hollister at third base and end the first half of the 6th inning.
Trailing 6 to 3, the Raiders responded with one more run in the latter of the 6th inning after Frye, Donahue, and Karli Showers all reached base. Lindsey Schroedter’s sac-fly to left field scored Frye and that’s all the Raiders would manage. The Express added an unearned run in the final inning and finished 7 to 4 winners.
GRCC, whom managed just four hits against all-star pitcher Jordan Ratliff (11-0) just one week ago, finished the game with nine hits coming from seven different batters. Alison Iuelle and Kellen Dewey each went 2 for 4 for the Raiders. Owens finished with 11 hits, coming from seven different batters as well.
The Express’ Ashlyn Michalak (9-0) and Kasey Graham combined to shut down the home squad in game two, retiring the last 13 Raiders after Alison Iuelle cranked her team leading 6th homer of the season in the bottom of the first. Iuelle made it a 1-1 ball game, but the over powering Express combined for 14 more runs from four different Raider pitchers, finishing up 15-1 winners in five innings.
The Raiders started six different players in the second game as everyone got a chance to see the field in the non-conference doubleheader. Megan Bridges made a few key defense stops out there in right field, saving a couple runs off the bat of leadoff hitter Kristen Roznoski. Sarah Goudey, who has seen limited time at shortstop this season combined with catcher Adrienne Palmer to catch Owens trying to steal second in the top of the 4th inning. That play was key as it finally ended an eight run inning for the Express who had designated player Bridget Wolfe (3-4, HR) at the plate.
GRCC will get back on the road this Saturday with conference play at Jackson Community College.
