Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's softball team concluded their weekend with a split in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) against Grand Valley State University, ranked 14th nationally. The matches took place at GVSU Softball Stadium.

In the first game, Ferris State scored initially in the fifth inning, but Grand Valley responded with two runs to secure a 2-1 victory. Despite this, Ferris State managed more hits than GVSU, ending with a 5-3 lead in that category. Centerfielder Ella McDonald contributed one run and two hits for Ferris State, while second baseman Jadyn Joseph also had two hits. Brooklyn Verbeek tripled for Ferris State.

Senior pitcher Aryn Gallacher delivered a solid performance for Ferris State by pitching all six innings without allowing an earned run on three hits. She struck out one batter and walked none. On the other side, Ashley Platek from GVSU conceded a single earned run on five hits over seven innings, striking out two and walking two.

The second game remained scoreless until Ferris State secured the lead in the sixth inning. Despite having nine hits compared to Ferris State's five, GVSU failed to score in their opponent's shutout win. Maddie Gkekas drove in the only RBI of the game for Ferris State, scoring Emma Gillard. Emily Killion added two hits alongside contributions from Keelin Wheaton.

Ashley Webb pitched all seven innings for Ferris State in the shutout victory, allowing nine hits and walking one without giving up any runs. Genesis Eggart from GVSU allowed one run with four strikeouts and three walks.

Following this split result, Ferris State stands at 21-20 overall with a 9-7 record in GLIAC play, currently positioned second in league standings.

Looking ahead, Ferris State will travel to Northwood on Wednesday for a non-league doubleheader starting at 3 p.m., followed by home games against Parkside and Purdue Northwest next weekend.