Reliever Katie Singer stranded the game-tying runner at third base to preserve a 3-2 win for the Hope College softball team in a 3-2 win against Trine Thursday in the opening round of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament.
The Flying Dutch (23-16) advanced to Thursday's second-round game against Alma, a 2-1, eight-inning winner against Saint Mary's
Trine (27-11) threatened to tie the score in the bottom of the seventh after loading the bases on two hits and an error.
Winning pitcher Sydney Jones of South Lyon, Michigan (South Lyon East HS) scattered three hits and one run over five innings. Jones (8-9) struck out six to raise her career-high total to 130 for the season.
The Flying Dutch supported their pitchers with single runs in the first, fourth and sixth.
Centerfielder Autumn Anderson of Dorr, Michigan (Wayland HS) stole third and came home on a throwing error. Anderson moved into scoring position by drawing a leadoff walk and moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by first baseman Shay Pinhey of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Pioneer HS).
Shortstop Jenna Maury of Lawton, Michigan (Lawton HS) slugged her second home on the season in the fourth to extend Hope's lead to 2-0.
Pinch-runner Sarah Jones of Norton Shores, Michigan (Mona Shores HS) scored an unearned run in the sixth after Trine mishandled the grounder from catcher Hayley Reitsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Christian HS).