First-inning rallies paved the way for a split of the Hope College softball team's home opener on Wednesday at Wolters Stadium.

The Flying Dutch won the first game 3-1 against Franklin, Indiana after jumping out to a 2-0 lead in their first at-bat, but dropped the second game 8-6 after falling behind 3-0 after the first inning.

Hope is now 10-6 on the season.

In Game 1, catcher Hayley Reitsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan (GR Christian HS) staked the Flying Dutch to a 2-0 lead by driving in shortstop Shay Pinhey of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Pioneer) with a double and scoring on a sacrifice fly from third baseman Katrina Ellis of Goodrich, Michigan (Goodrich).

First baseman Sarah Jones of Norton Shores, Michigan (Mona Shores) scored in the second when Franklin misplaced a sacrifice bunt from leftfielder Noelle Jackson of Grand Blanc, Michigan (Grand Blanc).

Winning pitcher Sydney Jones of South Lyon, Michigan (East) scattered two hits and four walks over seven innings. Jones (6-2) struck out eight.

In Game 2, Franklin (11-7) never trailed after surging ahead with a three-run first and two-run second.

Centerfielder Sammi Adams of Griffith, Indiana (Griffith) went 3-for-3 with two walks and a two-run triple for Hope.

Rightfielder Amanda Diaz of Round Lake, Illinois (Mundelein) scored twice and had two hits.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, April 1 with the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener against visiting Adrian.