The Hope College softball team grabbed sole possession of second place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association by defeating visiting Albion College 9-0 in five innings and 11-0 in seven on Saturday.

The Flying Dutch improved to 15-14 overall and 9-3 in league play. They can clinch a berth in the MIAA Tournament on Wednesday, April 23, at Adrian College.

In Game 1, Hope rode an eight-run first to a run-rule shortened win.

First baseman Peyton Wells of Rockford (Rockford HS) followed an RBI double from shortstop Jenna Maury of Lawton (Lawton HS) with a two-run homer. Maury capped the rally with a RBI single.

Wells also tripled as the Flying Dutch collected six extra-base hits.

Winning pitcher Natalie Hiser of Westland (Livonia Churchill) allowed two hits and two walks in four innings. Hiser (9-5) struck out four.

In Game 2, senior catcher Emma Page hit a solo home run for the Flying Dutch, while Maury went 2-for-4 with a game-high three RBIs.

Centerfielder Autumn Anderson of Wayland (Wayland HS) topped Hope with a 3-for-5 effort that included three runs scored and one triple.

Winning pitcher Kate Laverty of Eaton Rapids (Eaton Rapids HS) scattered two hits and two walks over six innings. Laverty (6-6) struck out five.