MARSHALL, Texas - The Coe College softball team saw its magical run in the 2023 DIII National Championship come to a close on Monday afternoon, dropping a 4-1 decision to Trine University in an elimination game at Taylor Field. The Kohawks struck first in the if-necessary matchup, pushing across its lone run in the top of the second on a bases-loaded walk by
Addie Menke. Trine avoided a big inning despite falling behind, calling all-American Debbie Hill from the bullpen to work out of the jam. The Thunder wasted no time regaining the momentum and ultimately the advantage, scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the second one hit. Hill added two more runs to the lead in the bottom of the third with a two-run blast and dominated the final four innings in the circle, allowing just two base runners and one hit. With the loss, Coe ends the season with a mark of 39-11, registering the fourth-most single-season wins in program history.
TRINE 4 - COE 1
Game Facts
- Both teams went in order to start the game but Skyler Stookey led off the second inning with a single to set the table for Coe. She was replaced by a pinch runner immediately however a strong throw on a bouncing pitch gave Trine the first out of the frame. Shaylee Dodd and Bree Mangelsen followed with back-to-back singles, reigniting the rally for Coe. The Kohawks took the lead with a pair of two-out walks later in the inning as Keera Ball and Menke were issued free passes to start the scoring. Coe was unable to add more to its total, leaving the bases loaded as the Thunder secured an inning-ending strikeout.
- Trine quickly responded in the bottom of the second, getting a leadoff walk from Hill before a stolen base put a runner in scoring position. The opponents moved the runner to third with a sacrifice bunt and scored the tying run on a fielder's choice, beating out a play at the plate to knot the game at one. Trine took the lead for good with two gone in the second, getting an RBI double to left-center to go ahead 2-1.
- Coe got its final hit of the tournament in the following inning as Stookey again reached with a single up the middle but she was stranded by Hill. The Trine reliever extended the advantage in the home half of the frame, delivering a two-out two-run bomb over the right-field fence to put her team up 4-1. Hill managed the rest of the game in the circle, allowing just one Kohawk base runner in the final four innings.
Up Next: The Kohawks and Thunder will play the if-necessary game at 11 AM tomorrow Monday, June 5 in Marshall.
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