Grand Rapids Reporter

The Ferris State University softball team experienced a narrow defeat in their season opener against Hillsdale on Monday in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Chargers emerged victorious with an 8-7 win after scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Ferris State initially took the lead with three runs in the second inning. Hillsdale responded by scoring one run in the third and four more in the fourth, securing a 5-3 advantage. However, Ferris State managed to regain momentum by producing four runs in the fifth inning. Despite their efforts, Hillsdale's late-game surge left Ferris State unable to score in the final inning.

Key performances for Ferris State included shortstop Jayden Marlatt, who achieved two hits, two runs scored, and three RBIs. Third baseman Brooklyn Verbeek and catcher Emily Killion also contributed with two hits each. Additionally, Verbeek recorded two RBIs while second baseman Jadyn Joseph and center fielder Emma Gillard each added one RBI.

In terms of extra-base hits, Marlatt and Gillard both doubled, while Marlatt also tripled. Joseph contributed a sacrifice fly during the game.

Ferris State left 10 runners stranded on base throughout the contest.

In pitching duties, transfer pitcher Cecelia Bell completed four and two-thirds innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits alongside four walks and one strikeout. Ella Covill-Marter pitched for one and one-third innings, conceding two runs on two hits with three walks and a single strikeout.

Following this match-up, Ferris State was set to face Lewis (Ill.) later that day at 1 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. They will continue their season-opening series by playing against Nebraska-Kearney and Humboldt State at 6 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. ET respectively on Tuesday. The team is scheduled to play additional games during their trip to Hawaii on Friday.