It didn't quite result in a sweep on Saturday, but if the results of the Hillsdale College softball team's doubleheader with host Lynn are any indication, the Florida sun might just be the cure for what was ailing the Charger offense after all.
Hillsdale broke out at the plate in a big way in the first game of the doubleheader, piling up 11 runs in five innings for an 11-1 victory, before falling to the Knights in a tight 7-5 game in the nightcap.
The Chargers found success early in Game 1, plating four runs in the top of the first inning. Seniors Madison Stoner and Madison Rathbun each had an RBI hit to help Hillsdale get rolling early.
Hillsdale blew the game open in the fourth with six more runs. Sophomore Hailey Holtman broke out of a slump with a huge two-run home run to kick off the scoring in the inning, Stoner chipped in a second RBI single, and junior Jenna Cantalupo chipped in a two-run single as well.
All told, the Chargers pounded out 12 hits in the contest, led by Rathbun, who went 2 for 2 with two doubles. Senior Renee Bielawa went 2 for 3 with a RBI as well.
On the mound, freshman Joni Russell (3-4) picked up the win for the Chargers, striking out five and giving up two hits and one earned run in four innings. Camryn Olson pitched a scoreless final inning in relief as well for Hillsdale.
In Game 2, the Chargers just couldn't overcome a six-run second inning by the nights, as Lynn pounded out five hits and took advantage of three walks with two outs to seize a 6-3 advantage it would never relinquish.
Hillsdale made a late push to get back in the game on a two-run home run by McKenna Eichholz in the top of the sixth to cut the Knights' lead to 7-5, but that was as close as Hillsdale would get.
Though it didn't hold up, the Chargers had another strong start in Game 2, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Cantalupo had a RBI single to help spark that strong initial flurry.
Erin Kapteyn (1-2) took the loss for Hillsdale, striking out two in an inning and two thirds of work. Freshmen Dani Deaton and Emma Vis both pitched in relief for the Chargers.
Hillsdale (4-12) will look to build off the success it had at the plate on Sunday as the Chargers' Florida trip continues. Hillsdale heads to Miami Shores, Florida for a tough doubleheader, starting at noon, against annual PSAC title contender Kutztown and a strong team from the Sunshine State Conference in host Barry.