DEERFIELD, Ill. — Saturday afternoon the TIU softball program took to their home field for the first time in nearly two years for a CCAC doubleheader and their senior day celebration. Facing off with the Crimson Wave of Calumet College of St. Joseph, the Trojans fell behind early and couldn't regain their footing as they dropped both decisions.
In between games the Trojans took a few moments to recognize two graduating seniors for their contributions throughout their careers: Heather Anderson and Waverly Swanstrom. Escorted by friends and family, each of the women were presented with flowers and gift baskets by their teammates as their contributions and impact on the program were announced to the crowd.
Game One: TIU 8, CCSJ 19
Struggling defensively, Trinity gave up seven runs in the first inning after an unfortunate fielding error and a Crimson Wave homer over the fence. Ashley Griffith led off strong for the Trojans with a double to center field, but an almost robotic double play from Calumet ended the inning shortly after.
The second inning mirrored the first in part, with the Crimson Wave scoring three runs from another home run and Trojan error, but Trinity was undeterred as they turned up their offense to match. Izabella Hernandez, Alisyn Fullingim and Waverly Swanstrom hit in succession with a trio of base hits while Casey Cousino grounded out but earned the RBI.
Calumet added another eight runs in the third and fourth innings, seeming to find the smallest margins of space to scatter hits throughout the outfield.
TIU rallied in the bottom of the fifth with their backs against the wall to try and overcome the looming run rule, but ultimately fell short despite racking up eight hits and six runs, including a 3 RBI homer from freshman Alayla Thornton.
Despite a tough outing on defense, the Trojans scattered 13 hits for their highest total in conference. Izabella Hernandez went 3-3 with a double, while Alayla Thornton added her third home run of the season.
Game Two: TIU 1, CCSJ 15
After a short celebration of two beloved seniors, the Trojans were back on the field again for game two and looking to turn things around. Trinity started off solid, holding the Crimson Wave scoreless and without a hit in the first inning, while Alayla Thornton kept up her streak and added a base hit before ultimately being left on base.
Calumet took a seven run lead before TIU scored their first run in the bottom of the fourth inning from another home run by Thornton. The Crimson Wave would go on to score eight more runs and lock it down on defense to prevent the Trojans from adding any more to their total.
Trinity International (5-27) are on the diamond again this afternoon at home for another CCAC doubleheader as the Tigers of Olivet Nazarene University visit town. Opening pitch is scheduled for 3:00pm.
Â
Â
Â
Trinity International University is a comprehensive, national university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and located in Bannockburn, Illinois, 25 miles north of Chicago. TIU educates men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness, and lifelong learning.
