The Ferris State University women’s softball team earned a split on March 10 during day two of the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games in Melbourne, Florida. The Bulldogs secured an 8-0 shutout victory over Ursuline in the opener before falling to Rockhurst by a narrow 3-2 margin in the second game.
These games are part of both conference and non-conference matchups that make up the team’s season, according to the official website. The program is based in Big Rapids, Michigan and competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
In their first game against Ursuline, Ferris State scored three runs each in the first and second innings, adding two more in the fourth to end the contest after five innings. Third baseman Emma Herremans led with three hits, two runs scored, and one run batted in. Shortstop Jayden Marlatt also contributed a triple and an RBI. Left fielder Breanna Blair recorded three RBIs and two hits, while centerfielder Emma Gillard added two hits and drove in a run. Right fielder Ella McDonald had two hits as well. Pitcher Katie Shuboy threw five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits with five strikeouts and no walks.
In the second matchup against Rockhurst, Ferris State took a brief lead with two runs in the fifth inning after trailing early. However, Rockhurst responded with two runs in the sixth inning to secure a 3-2 win. Marlatt, first baseman Alexis Kozlowski, left fielder Ava Gardner (who hit a double), and Blair each had hits for Ferris State. Herremans drove in another run. Cecelia Bell pitched all six innings for Ferris State without allowing an earned run and struck out two batters.
The Bulldogs’ program supports student-athletes by helping them balance academics with athletics while fostering school tradition, according to the official website.
Ferris State is scheduled to continue play at the tournament on Thursday against Goldey-Beacom at 10 a.m. Eastern Time followed by Thomas More at 12:15 p.m.
