One big hit proved the difference as the Hope College softball team in a 4-1 loss at seventh-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Hope (25-14 overall) will look to rebound on Friday in a 1:30 p.m. Central elimination game against Greenville, Illinois (24-16) — a 12-1 loser to No. 22 Trine in Thursday's first game.

The Flying Dutch scored in the top of the first.

Senior centerfielder Sammi Adams of Griffith, Indiana (Griffith HS) led off with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore shortstop Shay Pinhey of Ann Arbor, Michigan (Pioneer).

Junior catcher Hayley Reitsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan (GR Christian) singled to center to knock in Adams.

Whitewater's Caitlin Catino slugged a three-run homer to center off starter Sydney Jones of South Lyon, Michigan (East) in the bottom of the third that erased the early lead.

The Warhawks (37-7) added an insurance run in the sixth. They outhit Hope 7-3.

Jones (15-7) struck out seven and walked one.