CANTON -- The Malone University softball team played host to the Chargers of Hillsdale College in a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) doubleheader on Monday afternoon. 

The Chargers (20-17, 8-1 G-MAC) took game one over the Pioneers (6-14, 2-7 G-MAC) by a final score of 18-7. 

The second game of the day was suspended in the top of the first inning due to rain with the score tied at 0-0. 

Moments That Mattered
Hillsdale got off to a strong start by scoring the first nine runs of the game unanswered. The Chargers plated three runs in the first, and added six runs to their total in the top of fourth inning. 

Malone's offense answered back in their half of the fourth inning. 

As a steady rain began to fall, the Pioneers loaded the bases on back-to-back walks by Erika Johnson and Mikayla Kesel as well as a single by April Howser. 

Emily Spada followed with a walk of her own which allowed Johnson to score Malone's first run of the game. In the very next at bat Lauren Bennett laced a single to right center that brought home both Howser and Kesel.

Bennett's hit chased the Hillsdale starting pitcher from the game with the Chargers still leading 9-3. 

Malone scored another run on a wild pitch, and then Karlie Duvall singled home both Lauren Bennett and Lexi Betz to make it a 9-6 game. 

Unfortunately Hillsdale responded with two runs in the fifth and one more run in the sixth. The Chargers then added six runs on seven hits in the top of the seventh to move ahead 18-6. 

The Pioneers got a RBI double from Bennett in the bottom of the seventh, but ultimately Hillsdale held on for the 18-7 win. 

The second game started, but after just one batter in the top of the first it was determined the field conditions and steady rain were too much, and the game was suspended.

PIONEER POINTS

• Lauren Bennett finished the game 2-4 at the plate with three RBIs. 
• April Howser also had two hits. She continues to lead the team with a .323 batting average this season.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Malone will step outside of G-MAC play on Wednesday of this week. The Pioneers travel to Davis & Elkins College for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.