KALAMAZOO, Mich. (4/12/16) – The University of Detroit Mercy softball team slugged 14 hits to power its way past Western Michigan University, 6-3, on Tuesday afternoon in nonconference action from Fran Ebert Field.
The Titans came out firing on cylinders and led 5-0 behind a strong outing from senior
Christa McGahuey.
Detroit scored three in the third and added two in the fifth before the Broncos scored three in the bottom of the sixth and threatened in the seventh.
The Titans added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, but Western Michigan loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame with the heart of the order due up. Freshman
Ashley Mauser was up to the task, however, ending the Broncos' comeback hopes.
Three Titans recorded multiple hits in the game, led by
Jennifer Cottle's 4-for-4 day with a double and run scored.
Cheyenne Willeford went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored, followed by
Laura Villagrana's 2-for-4, two runs and one RBI line.
Sophomore
Savvy Ferstle went 1-for-4 with a pair of big RBI, while
Jordan Manno was 1-for-4 with a RBI of her own. McGahuey added a hit in three at bats with a run scored to cap the top offensive performers for Detroit.
McGahuey picked up her elusive first win of the season after 5.2 strong innings in the circle. She cruised through the first five innings before her lone blemish on the day, a three-run sixth to WMU. She allowed six hits and struck out four with no walks to earn the victory.
Mauser came on in the bottom of the sixth and earned her first collegiate save after an inning and a third of scoreless ball.
The win improves Detroit's overall record to 11-28 this spring. The Titans' 11 wins are the most for the program since 2008, when UDM finished the season 11-28. The 2016 squad has 17 games remaining to improve on that mark.
Tuesday's game was the first meeting between the two programs since 2002, when Detroit defeated WMU 5-1. The Broncos now lead the all-time series 22-11.
Detroit returns to Horizon League action this weekend from Buysse Ballpark. The Titans host a three-game set against Green Bay, with a doubleheader against the Phoenix on Saturday and the finale on Sunday. First pitch for both days is slated for 12 p.m.
