Despite an even hit count, the Hope College softball team found itself on the wrong end of a narrow 3-1 decision to Adrian College in the MIAA Tournament opener on Wednesday afternoon in Angola, Indiana. 

The loss pits the third-seeded Flying Dutch right back against fourth-seeded Calvin University in an elimination game on Thursday, May 8, at 1:30 p.m. at Trine University.

Hope (21-16) swept a doubleheader from Calvin University on Saturday at Wolters Softball Stadium, winning, 3-2, in 10 innings and, 1-0, in seven innings to earn a berth in the MIAA Tournament.

Against Adrian, junior Kate DeMann (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian HS) continued to be a force at the plate, recording three hits — her second consecutive multi-hit performance—to lead the Hope offense. 

Freshman Jalen Fossitt (Onondaga, Michigan / Leslie) added another hit, extending her personal streak to three games, while freshman Mikayla Derks, junior Gianna Kerschbaum (Baroda, Michigan / Stevensville-Lakeshore), and sophomore Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Jenison) each contributed to the team's offensive effort.

Maynard drove in Hope's lone run in the top of the fifth, providing a key spark in an otherwise defensive duel. 

Adrian scored two of its runs on two hits in the third inning and on a double in the fourth inning. 

In the circle, Kerschbaum battled through five innings, scattering six hits.

The Hope-Calvin winner will face the Trine-Adrian loser in another elimination game on Thursday afternoon.