Game 1 box score: #13 Wayne State 6, Hillsdale 2
Game 2 box score: Hillsdale 5, #13 Wayne State 0
Rarely in Charger softball history has a doubleheader split felt so good.
Although Hillsdale had its nine-game winning streak broken by Wayne State University in Sunday's opener, the Chargers returned the favor in the nightcap, snapping the Warriors' 17-game winning streak to hand Wayne State (36-5) its first GLIAC loss of the season.
After suffering a 6-2 loss in the first game, Hillsdale stormed back, thanks to special performances from its seniors, to defeat the 13th-ranked Warriors 5-0 at Johnny Williams Field.
Klopfer was one of five seniors the program honored before the game as part of Senior Day, and she made the absolute most of her last weekend home start in the circle. She pitched a brilliant three-hit shutout, keeping the Wayne State batters off balance the entire game with a well-called mix of pitches.
Klopfer was assisted by some excellent defense, highlighted by great catches by senior Ainsley Ellison in right and junior Bekah Kastning in center. The clean defense limited Wayne State baserunners and allowed Klopfer to stay in her pitching rhythm.
It was just the second time this season the Warriors had been shut out.
Kastning blasted her fourth home run of the season in the win, launching a rocket over the right field wall, to put Hillsdale on top in game two. The hit also extended her hitting streak to a program-best 21 games.
Seniors Danielle Garceau and Julia Kosco also played crucial parts in the win. They hit two of three consecutive doubles in the fourth inning that increased the Charger lead to 3-0.
Sophomore Haley Lawrence drove in two with a bases-loaded single in the fifth, scoring Kastning and freshman Amanda Marra.
Kosco and freshman Katie Kish each went 2-for-3 for the Chargers, while Kastning scored twice. Ellison had two hits in the opener, and sophomore Brittany Mahan had a hit and a run scored.
UP NEXT: The Chargers will host Lake Erie College at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in its final home games of the season.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kadie Lowery