The Hillsdale College softball team swept Findlay Tuesday night at Johnny Williams Field in a crucial GLIAC doubleheader that bumped Hillsdale up into the top eight of the conference and in the running for a tournament berth. The Chargers topped the Oilers 4-1 and then 5-0.
“We had great pitching, great defense, and timely hitting,” head coach Joe Abraham said. “The Findlay coach said after the two games, ‘Your team did pretty much everything right today,’ which we had.”
Last night, the Chargers continued excellent play in their wins against Ohio Dominican University, also at home, with scores of 7-2 and 9-5, putting them at 6-2 for the week.
“We needed those wins against Findlay and even Ohio Dominican. We clutched up and got those four wins,” Abraham said.
Sophomore Bekah Kastning hit a three-run double with two outs in the second game against the ODU Panthers.
“We scored seven of our nine runs in the second game with two outs, and that’s what we’ve been struggling with all year, and we got it done today, which was nice,” Abraham said.
Freshman Danielle Stiene provided strong pitching for Hillsdale both Tuesday and Wednesday.
“She shut out Findlay. It was a no-hitter going into the last inning. She was really strong against them. She pitched a two-hitter with 13 Ks against Findlay,” Abraham said. “Today she won the first game 7-2, pitching the full game, then we brought her back in the fifth inning of the second game.”
Over the weekend, the Chargers lost tough games against Northwood on Sunday 5-4 and 8-3, after sweeping Lake Superior State on Saturday 10-3 and 5-4. Kastning went 3-for-4 in both games against Lake Superior State.
“I was just seeing the ball really well, and I had a good warm up, which puts me in a great mindset for the game. I was really focused, relaxed, and happy that we had great weather and it was fun to have a crowd. Everything felt perfect that day, and when I feel good I hit well,” Kastning said.
