The Hope College softball team showed grit during a doubleheader against Kalamazoo College on Saturday, earning a split with an impressive comeback in Game 2.

The Flying Dutch won, 4-1, after losing the opener, 5-0, putting their record at 17-11 overall and a third-place 5-3 in MIAA play.

Hope turned the tide in game two with a strong offensive showing in the top of the second inning, scoring all four runs in the second inning.

Senior Mady Pahl (Beaverton, Michigan / Beaverton HS) came through in the clutch, singling up the middle to drive in two runs after sophomore Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Jenison) and freshman Mikayla Derks (Saint John, Indiana / Iliana Christian) worked walks to set the stage. 

Sophomore Sophie Stironek (Lake Orion, Michigan / Lake Orion) provided the spark that kept the momentum alive, launching a hard-hit ball to right field and hustling to earn a two-run triple.

In the circle, junior Gianna Kerschbaum (Baroda, Michigan / Stevensville-Lakeshore) delivered a complete game to secure the win and improve her record to 8-3.

Kerschbaum was in control throughout, allowing just seven hits and one run while striking out five Kalamazoo batters. 

The opening game proved difficult for the Flying Dutch, as they struggled to generate offense against Kalamazoo's effective pitching and defense, which earned the Hornets the 5-0 win. 

Hope managed just two hits, one apiece from Maynard and Kerschbaum. 

Kalamazoo (16-12, 5-5 MIAA) jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second inning and collected nine hits.

Hope heads to Alma College on Thursday, April 26, at 3 p.m. for a doubleheader.