MELBOURNE, Fla. – The No. 18 Indiana Wesleyan softball team finished their Space Coast Spring Games against the University of Michigan Dearborn and Florida National University. The Wildcat's comeback fell short to the Wolverines 5-4 in the first game of the day and dominated Florida National 13-1 in the second game.




 

THE ESSENTIALS

 

• Location: Melbourne, Florida / Space Coast Complex
• Records: IWU 8-2, 0-0 I UMD 2-5, 0-0 | FNU 8-8, 0-0
• Game One Score: UMD def. IWU 5-4
• Game Two Score: IWU def. FNU 13-1
• NAIA Top-25 Rankings: IWU - #18 | UMD - Unranked | FNU - Unranked

 

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

• The Wolverines started strong scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. 
• IWU was shutout for most of the game and UMD would score three more runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to extend their lead to 5-0.
• The comeback started strong for the Wildcats in the top of the 7th. Three straight batters reached first base and with the bases loaded, Leah May doubled to bring home Emma Wiberg and Chloe Poe. After a pitching change, Sadie Harding and Abby Harvey both smacked singles back to back that scored two more runs. Now with the score of 4-5 in favor of UMD, bases loaded up after a walk to Brylee Bilger. Ella Phillips railed a triple to the fence that cleared the bases and gave IWU the lead with two outs. However, after an unfortunate subbing error, Phillips was called out and the game ended with UMD winning 5-4.

 

 

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

• IWU came back with a vengeance against Florida National. It was powerful offense and stifling defense exhibited by the Wildcats.
• The first score came in the bottom of the first when Abby Harvey batted home Morgan Yeater.
• In the second inning, Maddie Martin singled to right field and Sadie Harding crossed home. Emma Wiberg came in to pinch run for Martin and stole a base immediately which scored Ella Phillips on the throw. After some fielding errors by FNU, Yeater drove home Whitney Waddell and Sara Ruble. The final run of the inning came as Harvey doubled to the outfield and Yeater scored again.
• After another shutout inning from Jordyn Ball, Brylee Bilger started the 3rd with a solo shot over the outfield fence. The Wildcats would proceed to score 6 more runs in the inning as Harding, Courtney Thomas, Ruble, Martin, Yeater, and Maddie Seitz all crossed home plate. 
• Jordyn Ball pitched an amazing game going the whole 5 innings with 3 strikeouts and only 1 run allowed.

 

NEXT TIME OUT

 

 

• The Wildcats start conference play on March 11th with a doubleheader at Spring Arbor.
• Live video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com

 

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

 

• Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
• Follow Softball (@IndWesSoftball): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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