The Hope College softball team struggled to find momentum on Thursday, falling to Wisconsin-La Crosse, 8-4, and Wellesley, 9-1, in a challenging doubleheader in Clermont, Florida. 

Against Wisconsin-La Crosse, Hope matched the Eagles in total hits with seven but couldn't overcome five defensive errors in the field. 

Wisconsin-La Crosse (12-6) capitalized on two big innings, scoring four runs in the third and three more in the seventh to stay in control.

Sophomore Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Jenison HS) led the Flying Dutch offense with two hits, including a double.

Freshman Mia Vanderheide (Caledonia, Michigan / Jenison International), junior Gianna Kerschbaum (Baroda, Michigan / Stevensville-Lakeshore), sophomore Macy Verbeek (Grandville, Michigan / Calvin Christian) and senior Mady Pahl (Beaverton, Michigan / Beaverton) each recorded a single hit. 

Against Wellesley, Hope faced another early deficit.

Wellesley (4-2) used a four-run first inning and a two-run second inning to take control. The Flying Dutch were held scoreless through six innings before finally breaking through in the seventh for the lone run. 

Junior Gianna Kerschbaum (Baroda, Michigan / Stevensville-Lakeshore) provided the lone run by blasting a solo home run, her first of the season. Kerschbaum finished with two of Hope's three hits.

Hope (6-8) returns to the field and completes Florida play on Friday, March 21, with two games: 2 p.m. vs. Eastern Connecticut State and 4:15 p.m. vs. Westminster College (Missouri).