April 1, 2005

Box Score

Grand Valley State split a GLIAC doubleheader with Saginaw Valley State in its home opener Friday. The Lakers won game one, 1-0, while the Cardinals picked up a 1-0 win in eight innings in game two. GVSU will host Northwood in a GLIAC doubleheader on Saturday, April 2 and Lake Superior State on Sunday, April 3.

Game one was a pitcher's dual as the score was tied going into the bottom of the seventh. Junior third baseman Denise Ireton led off the inning with a single up the middle and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by freshman designated player Elizabeth Smith. Junior left fielder Shelby Brayton singled down the left field line to put runners on second and third base. Junior catcher Megan Smith knocked in the game-winning run with a single through the left side.

Junior Kristin Jenner pitched the first 5.1 innings, allowing four hits and four walks, while striking out six batters. Sophomore Allison Crews recorded the win, throwing the final 1.2 innings of action without allowing a hit.

Ireton was 2-for-3 and scored the winning run. GVSU outhit Saginaw Valley by a 7-4 margin.

Game two followed the same pattern as game one, going into extra innings with the score tied at 0-0. The Cardinals led off the bottom of the eighth inning with a single, advanced the runner to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored the game's lone run on a single to left center.

Crews (1-5) recorded the loss pitching all 7.1 innings. She allowed six hits, one run, and struck out four.

Senior shortstop Sarah Paape went 2-for-4 in the game. GVSU tallied five hits, while Saginaw Valley recorded six.