UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University softball team opened the home portion of the 2021 schedule as well as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference season with a doubleheader against Davenport University Tuesday at the SVSU Softball Complex.
The Cardinals jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the opener on the strength of three home runs, but the Panthers rallied for five in the seventh and closed out game one for a 7-6 win.
In the finale, Davenport opened a four-run lead. SVSU rallied this time, with one in the second and three in the third to tie the score. The game was suspended prior to the start of the fourth inning due to darkness.
The loss in game one drops SVSU to 11-3 overall and 0-1 in the GLIAC.
After Davenport scored two in the first inning of game one, SVSU answered with a solo home run from Blasia Moyler in the third to cut the deficit to one. Leah Denome put the Cardinals in front with a three-run shot in the fourth and went yard again in the sixth, driving home two runs.
Reigning GLIAC Pitcher of the Week Julia Mundy (4-1) took the loos on the mound in relief, allowing one run on two hits.
After Davenport scored four in the first of game two, the Cardinals got the offense going. Meagan VerVaecke doubled home a run in the third. Julia Salisbury picked up an RBI to start the third, while two Panther errors allowed SVSU to tie the score later in the inning.
The game was suspended and details on completion will be announced when available.
The Cardinals remain home to host a pair of doubleheaders this weekend starting against Purdue-Northwest at noon Saturday at the SVSU Softball Complex.
