BRIGHTON, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College softball team began the 2017 season Friday at the Legacy Center in Brighton, Mich. but the Hornets were unable to come away with a victory in two close games. The Hornets fell in game one, 1-0, to Concordia-Ann Arbor and in game two, 6-3, to Cleary University.

Game One

Despite an outstanding performance on the mound from senior Erin DuRoss in the Kalamazoo College softball season opener, the Hornets fell to hosting Concordia University-Ann Arbor 1-0 in the first of two games Friday afternoon.

With both teams held hitless through the first two innings, Kalamazoo's Isabella Kirck recorded the first hit of the game in the bottom of the third on a single up the middle but the Hornets' threat stalled.

After Concordia led off the top of the fourth with a walk, the Cardinals got their lone hit of the game, a double to right-center, driving in what proved to be the game winning run.

Nori Seita led off the bottom of the seventh with a single as the Hornets looked to level the score or come away with a walk-off win, but Concordia's Jessica England closed the door finishing off her complete game.

The Hornets take on Cleary University in their second game of the day Friday afternoon.

Game Two

After recording just two hits in the first game of the day, the Kalamazoo bats came to life immediately in the second game against Cleary  as K took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first off a single to left field from Hayleigh Alamo.

After Cleary leveled the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the second, the Hornets regained the lead as Fiona Summers singled up the middle driving in two.

Liv Knivila looked to close out the game's final three innings for the Hornets and had success in the bottom of the fifth retiring the Cougars in order but Cleary rallied in the six for five runs which ultimately proved to be the difference.

Alamo led the way offensively for the Hornets with three hits. Kirck and MacMichael ended with two apiece against the Cougars.