PELLA – Cornell's batting lineup was held in check Wednesday, dropping a 9-1, 13-2 softball doubleheader to No. 18 nationally-ranked Central at Kuyper Athletic Complex.
Peyton Souhrada accounted for two of Cornell's three hits in Game 1, which saw the Dutch (24-7) build a 7-0 lead through three innings.
Elise Oleson add a double for the Rams (13-14), who scored their lone run in the fifth inning on a fielder's choice from
Lilly Dierkes.
Starting pitcher
Lexi Ellermeier gave up four earned runs over three innings. The Dutch took advantage of five Cornell errors.
The Rams generated seven hits in Game 2, which was tied 2-2 in the top of the third following
Miranda Keith's two-run double. Central answered with seven runs in the bottom of the third and plated four more in the fourth.
Oleson and Souhrada both went 2-for-3 to pace the Rams.
Monet Roelle and Oleson each had a double.
Caitlin Babcock singled and scored one run.
Hannah Rhoades was charged for five unearned runs over three innings. She moved to 6-2 in the pitching circle this spring.
Coming up – Cornell (7-3 MWC) plays host to in-state rival Grinnell (19-13 overall, 8-2 MWC) for a key conference doubleheader at 1 p.m. Saturday at Van Metre Family Softball Field.
