Grand Rapids Reporter

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University's softball team suffered two losses in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup on Wednesday against Davenport, held in Caledonia. The hosting Davenport Panthers secured a 6-4 victory in the first game and concluded the day with a 7-5 win in the second, leading to a home sweep.

During the first game, Ferris State initially established a lead with two runs in the initial inning and extended it to 3-0 by the fourth. They added another run in the seventh, expanding their advantage to 4-0. However, Davenport capitalized on their last at-bat, scoring six runs in the inning, leading to their triumph. The Panthers achieved seven hits compared to Ferris State's four.

The Bulldogs' lineup featured contributions from second baseman Jadyn Joseph, first baseman Alexis Kozlowski, catcher Emily Killion, and shortstop Bailey McCalister. Kozlowski hit a home run and recorded two RBIs, while Killion doubled and added an RBI.

Ferris State's Catherine O'Donoghue pitched six and one-third innings, allowing two earned runs across five hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Ella Covill-Marter appeared briefly, conceding four runs on two hits, accompanied by two walks.

In the day's second contest, Ferris State again took an early lead with two runs in the first inning. Though Davenport responded with three runs in the same inning, Ferris State regained the lead with two in the second. The Panthers ultimately claimed the larger share, scoring four in the sixth and limiting Ferris State to a single run in the seventh, sealing their victory. Davenport ended with an 11-4 advantage in hits.

Joseph had another hit in game two, joined by centerfielder Emma Gillard, left fielder Maddie Gkekas, and third baseman Brooklyn Verbeek. Gillard and Joseph each contributed an RBI, while McCalister and catcher Addison Wangler made sacrifice hits.

FSU's Cecelia Bell threw five innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits, achieving three strikeouts with one walk. Covill-Marter pitched an inning and managed to keep her opponents scoreless, surrendering two hits with one strikeout.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are set to host Purdue Northwest for their home opener on Friday, March 28, with the initial pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. ET at the FSU Softball Field, pending weather conditions.