Box Score
VALPARAISO, Ind. (4/6/2014) -- The Titans had their chances to score runs, but the key hit just wasn't there as the University of Detroit Mercy softball team was downed by Valparaiso, 8-0, on Sunday in the series finale at the VU Softball Field.
 
Junior Sam Henderson was 2-for-2 at the plate for her third career multi-hit game, while senior Katelyn Steffel, juniors Kat Hoffman and Kayla Kostich and sophomore Katy Severson each had a base hit on the afternoon. Hoffman also pitched three innings in the circle and allowed just two runs with three strikeouts.
 
Detroit (3-24, 0-3 HL) had runners on in every inning as the red, white and blue tried to steal one against the Crusaders (11-23, 3-0 HL) by applying pressure all game, but Valpo was able to keep UDM off the scoreboard.
 
In the first, freshman Meg Tarrance reached on an error and advanced to second with two outs, but she was stranded in scoring position. In the second, Severson and Henderson had back-to-back singles with two outs, but the Titans could not push across a run.
 
That proved to be costly as the Crusaders scored six in the bottom half of the inning to jump out in front.
 
Detroit almost had a run in the third as Hoffman started the inning off with a double and moved to third on a wild pitch. Tarrance then laid down a bunt and was thrown out at first, but Valpo was able to get a double play as Hoffman was thrown out trying to reach home in a close play at the plate.
 
In the fourth, the Titans had maybe their best chance with the bases loaded and just one out, but once again the big hit eluded them.
 
Detroit will have a long week ahead as the Titans will start a seven-game homestand on Tuesday with a doubleheader against IPFW at 2:00 p.m. UDM follows that with a twinbill versus Davenport on Wednesday and will then play three next weekend against Cleveland State with all the action at Buysse Ballpark.