The Alma College Scots (15-6, 5-1) split today with the Saint Mary's Belles (15-5, 4-2) to remain in first place in the MIAA standings and to give Head Coach Denny Griffin his 600th career win.
The Scots dominated the first game today, scoring three runs in the first and never looking back on their way to the 9-1 win.
Katie Koeching (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) got the five inning complete game win, giving up only one run on two hits while strking out four.
Missy Morcom (Chelsea), the center piece of one of the best outfields in the MIAA, led the way from the dish with a two walk, homerun game that saw her score two runs and knock in another pair. Not to be out done, third baseman Brittany Fales (Midland/Dow) also walked twice and hit a homerun, but her's was of the bases clearing kind, giving her four RBI's and a run scored in one crack of the bat. Kasey Miller (Grand Ledge) also had a two hit game in the win for the Maroon and Cream.
The Scots jumped out to an outstanding start in game two, scoring seven runs in the first two innings. However, the Belles rallied back scoring seven of their own in the third and added four more in the final two innings to grab the 11-8 win.
Freshman Tara Leddy (Saginaw/Swan Valley) looked mortal for her first time on the rubber for the Scots as she gave up eight earned on 10 hits in five and two thirds innings pitched on her way to the loss.
Morcom and Fales kept their bats going in the second game as they went two for three and four for four respectively while combining to drive in six runs and score three more. Senior Taylor Erwin (Fenton) added a hit and twoRBI's in the loss.
With today's results, Head Coach Denny Griffin continues to make his mark on the D3 record books. Coming into this season, he was fourth on both the all-time winningest coaches list and the highest winning percentage list. In his 20 seasons as a head coach, he is averaging over 30 wins a season and has taken the Scots to the NCAA tournament 12 of the last 14 seasons.
The Scots will stay on the road as they head to Kalamazoo, Mi. to take on the Kzoo Hornets for a double header this Tuesday. The first pitch is set for 3:30 p.m.
