The Ferris State University women’s softball team earned a split in a doubleheader against Saginaw Valley State, the top team in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, on April 21. The Bulldogs lost the first game 8-4 but came back to win the second game 3-2 during their four-game road trip.
This matchup was significant as it featured the two leading teams in the conference standings. The outcome affects both teams’ positions as they approach the end of regular season play.
In game one, Ferris State gave up four runs early but narrowed the gap to 5-3 by the third inning. Despite nine hits from Ferris State—including two each from outfielders Emma Gillard and Ava Gardner—the Bulldogs could not overcome Saginaw Valley’s offense. Cecelia Bell pitched six innings for Ferris State, allowing seven earned runs on ten hits.
The Bulldogs responded strongly in game two, scoring three runs in the first inning and holding off Saginaw Valley’s late attempts to rally. Alexis Kozlowski and Jayden Marlatt each had two hits for Ferris State, while Katie Shuboy pitched all seven innings without allowing an earned run and recorded her ninth win of the year.
With this split result, Ferris State holds a record of 25 wins and 18 losses overall and is now at eleven wins and seven losses in conference play. The program participates in both conference and non-conference games throughout its season according to its official website.
The women’s softball program is part of NCAA Division II within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference according to its official website. Based in Big Rapids, Michigan according to its official website, it supports student-athletes’ academic success while continuing university athletic traditions according to its official website.
Ferris State will return home for their next games against Parkside on Saturday with matchups scheduled for early afternoon.
