UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Parkside softball team dropped both games of its Sunday doubleheader against Saginaw Valley State at SVSU Softball Complex, falling 5-4 in game one before being shut out 2-0 in game two. The losses extend Parkside's skid to five straight as the Rangers move to 11-19 overall and 2-6 in GLIAC play.
GAME ONE (SAGINAW VALLEY STATE 5, PARKSIDE 4):
Parkside and Saginaw Valley State traded momentum throughout the opener, with the Rangers rallying back to tie the game before the Cardinals pushed across the go-ahead run late.
Saginaw Valley State struck first in the opening inning. Aalana Kimble doubled to left center and came around to score on an RBI single from Mya Purdy to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
The game remained quiet offensively until the fourth, when Saginaw Valley State created separation. Ella Schneider singled and Ella Reifschneider walked to set the table before Kate Pnacek delivered the biggest swing of the game, launching a three-run home run to center to extend the lead to 4-0.
Parkside responded in a big way in the fifth inning.
Isabel Aranda reached with a single before Reese Valha blasted a two-run home run to center to get the Rangers on the board. Later in the inning, Mia Johnson delivered another big swing, launching a two-run home run, her GLIAC-leading ninth of the season, to right to tie the game at 4-4 and erase the deficit.
After the Rangers evened things up, both teams settled back in before Saginaw Valley State found the deciding run in the sixth. A leadoff single from Lillia Sherman and a sacrifice bunt moved the go-ahead run into scoring position. With two outs, a dropped fly ball in center allowed the run to score, giving the Cardinals a 5-4 lead.
Parkside threatened in the seventh. Peyton Klikno drew a walk and Johnson followed with another free pass to bring the tying run into scoring position. CICI Di Silvio laid down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners up, but Saginaw Valley was able to get out of the inning and hold on for the one-run win.
Johnson led the Rangers offensively, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and a walk. Valha added a 1-for-2 effort with a home run, two RBI and a walk, while Aranda and Ava Swain each recorded a hit as Parkside totaled five on the day.
Holly Lowenberg went the distance in the circle, throwing six innings and allowing seven hits and five runs, four earned, while walking three.
Saginaw Valley State finished with seven hits, highlighted by Pnacek's three-run homer and multiple hits throughout the lineup.
GAME TWO (SAGINAW VALLEY STATE 2, PARKSIDE 0):
The second game of the day turned into a pitchers' duel, with Saginaw Valley State's Macy Irelan, the reigning GLIAC Pitcher of the Year, delivering a complete-game shutout.
Both teams were held scoreless through the first four innings as Irelan and Casey Jo Vermett traded zeroes. Parkside generated limited offense, picking up hits from Ava Swain, Megan Medlin and Isabel Aranda, but struggled to string together opportunities.
Saginaw Valley State broke through in the fifth inning. Aalana Kimble singled to start the frame and later scored on an RBI single from Lillia Sherman. A sacrifice fly from Olivia Elliott added another run, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 advantage.
Vermett kept Parkside within striking distance, turning in a strong complete-game effort. The right-hander allowed just four hits and two runs while working around six walks and striking out five over six innings.
Parkside had one final opportunity in the seventh. Aranda singled and Reese Valha drew a walk to put two runners on, and Maddie Hernandez reached on a fielder's choice to bring the tying run to the plate, but the Rangers were unable to break through.
Irelan finished off the shutout, limiting Parkside to three hits while striking out six in the complete-game performance.
The Rangers will return home next weekend for a pair of GLIAC doubleheaders at Case Softball Complex, beginning Friday, April 3, against Davenport with first pitch set for 1 p.m. CT.
To keep up with the Rangers, be sure to visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
