Makenzi Peterson tallied three hits and two RBIs in an 8-7 setback to California (Pa.) in a Florida Rebel Games Tournament game.  (Photo by Eric Carlson)
Makenzi Peterson tallied three hits and two RBIs in an 8-7 setback to California (Pa.) in a Florida Rebel Games Tournament game. (Photo by Eric Carlson)

Ferris Softball Drops 8-7 Heartbreaker To California (Pa.)

The Ferris State University softball team appeared to have victory in hand this Friday (March 11) morning as the Buldlogs held a 7-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh inning against California (Pa.), but the Vulcans would tally five runs in the frame to notch an 8-7 non-conference win at the Florida Rebel Spring Games Tournament in Kissimmee, Fla.

The loss drops Ferris State's record to 3-6 overall this season as the Bulldogs were outhit 11-9 by California (Pa.).

Ferris State started out by taking a 3-0 leading through the top of the third inning.  Junior  third baseman Makenzi Peterson (Big Rapids) belted a solo home run which cleared the fence in left center field for the game's initial run in the top of the first inning.  The Bulldogs added to their lead in the second when freshman pitcher Amy Dunleavy (Canton) smacked a two-run blast over the center field fence to score junior left fielder Stephanie Dusendang (Comstock Park/Rockford), who reached base on a one-out single.  In the third, Ferris State increased its lead at 4-0 on back-to-back one-out base hits from Makenzi Peterson, a single, and junior first baseman Chelsea Morris' (Jenison) double.  Peterson then scored on an error which allowed sophomore second baseman Lainee Clay (Wheelersburg, Ohio) to get on first base.

California (Pa.) would come back with two in the third on three hits coupled with a Ferris State error and added another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to get within 4-3 following the initial five innings of play. 

In the top of the seventh, Ferris State scored three times on as many hits and was aided by two CUP errors to claim a 7-3 lead.  The Bulldogs loaded the bases with no outs and Makenzi Peterson singled up the middle for the first run.  Chelsea Morris' RBI sacrifice fly brought home the next run and an error on the play netted the third run of the inning.

Unfortunately, FSU's four-run lead would not hold up as the Vulcans strung together six hits and tallied five runs. Alyson Johnson's three-run homer off Dunleavy to left field was a key hit for the Vulcans, but none bigger than the game-winning two-run double to right center field off the bat of Natalie Wideman as the Bulldogs were unable to register a single out.   

Makenzi Peterson's three hits paced the Bulldogs, who had seven different batters with at least a base hit.  Peterson and Amy Dunleavy each recorded two RBIs apiece.

Amy Dunleavy (1-4)  started for Ferris State and took the loss by allowing eight runs (six earned) and giving up 10 hits with two strikeouts in seven innings.