Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University's softball team achieved a significant feat by securing two victories against long-time rival Grand Valley State University in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader. The games took place at the Ferris State Softball Field on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs moved to a 15-9 (4-4 GLIAC) record, defeating the Lakers 5-4 in the first game and 3-1 in the second, marking the first doubleheader win against GVSU since May 1, 2010.

Pitcher Catherine O'Donohue led Ferris State in the opening game, earning her sixth victory. O'Donohue allowed four runs, walked three, and struck out five. Emily Killion contributed significantly with two hits and two RBIs, while Brooklyn Verbeek, Cecelia Bell, and Alexis Kozlowski each added an RBI. The Bulldogs scored four runs in the fifth inning, starting with Killion's two-run base hit, followed by Bell's single that brought in a run, and Verbeek's hit that scored Bell.

In the sixth inning, an error allowed Kozlowski to reach base, and Jaydn Joseph scored, giving Ferris State a 5-2 advantage. Although Grand Valley scored two runs in the seventh, O'Donohue maintained the lead for the Bulldogs' victory. Ferris State recorded eight hits and no errors in contrast to GVSU's five hits and three errors.

In the second game, the Lakers initially led by one in the first inning. However, Bell's pitching subdued their momentum, allowing only three hits and striking out five in relief of Ella Covill-Marter. Maddie Gkekas had a fourth-inning single enabling Emma Gillard to score, tying the game at 1-1. The Bulldogs later took the lead with Abby Meyer's run on Joseph's fielder's choice, and Bailey McCalister added a run with a sacrifice fly, securing a 3-1 result by the seventh inning.

With this, Bell secured her fourth win this season. The Bulldogs recorded five hits with one error, while the Lakers ended with three hits and three errors in the second game.

Ferris State will return to action on Thursday for another doubleheader against Saginaw Valley State. The games are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.