The Malone University softball team lost a pair of home games against GLIAC opponent and NCAA Division II #24 Ashland University on Tuesday by scores of 15-0 (five innings) and 8-0 (five innings).

The Pioneers are next scheduled to host conference opponent Northwood University (MI) on Friday in a 3:30 p.m. doubleheader.

Game 1

Ashland produced two big innings in the contest, which were all that was needed in their 15-0 win.  The Eagles crossed the plate nine times in the second inning and then followed that up with six more runs in the third frame.

The visitors posted a 12 to four advantage in hits in this first contest of the DH as shortstop Alexa Holztrager, centerfielder Emily Beck, designated player Stephanie Byrne and first baseman Allison Mercado each tallied one hit apiece for the Pioneers.

Malone starter Julie Ward, in two inning pitched, suffered the loss and dropped to 1-4 on the season while Kari Hall came on to pitch three innings of relief.

Game 2

The Eagles got on the board first with two runs in the first inning and the 2-0 lead remained until Ashland added three more runs in its half of the fourth inning.  Then, with a 5-0 lead going into the fifth inning, the visitors scored the needed three runs in the frame to end the contest and pick up the doubleheader sweep over Malone.

Ashland tallied 10 hits in the contest to Malone's four as Holztrager, catcher Emily Isla, third baseman Shelby Hulin and second baseman Mikayla Fowler pocketed one hit each for Malone in the contest.

Pioneer starter Hall took the loss in the contest and dropped to 0-4 on the year.