GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport hosted Northwood University for their first GLIAC action of the season and didn't disappoint in their home opener. The Panthers swept the Timberwolves 5-0 in both games to earn the programs first-ever GLIAC wins. Both pitchers for Davenport held their own against the Timberwolves hitters. Mallory Teunissen and Ellie Muilenburg combined for 12 strikeouts and gave up zero runs over the two games. Davenport played 21 road games before they hosted the Timberwolves.
 
Game 1-Wednesday, March 21 at 3:20 p.m.
Final Score: Davenport University-5 | Northwood University-0
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Records: DU (16-6, 1-0) | NU (12-6, 0-1)

Inside The Box
Lauren French (0-2, R, BB)
Alexa Flores (1-3, R)
Briana Allen (1-2, R, RBI, BB)
Rachel Griffin (3-3, R, RBI, 2B)
Alexis Koza (1-3, 2 RBI)
M. Teunissen (W, 10-3) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 8 SO
 
Davenport performed their best with only one out remaining while on offense. The Panthers scored all five of their runs with two outs already recorded, two in the fourth and three in the fifth. In the fourth Allen, with two outs, walked to get herself on first base. Griffin stepped up to the plate next and doubled down the left field line, while Allen advanced to third. With two outs and runners on second and third Koza singled to left field to score both Allen and Griffin to take a 2-0 lead. In the next inning French, Flores, and Madison Jewell all scored unearned runs with two outs. French scored the Panthers third run of the game when Jewell reached first on an error by the short stop. Later on Allen singled to center field and Flores scored from third, then Griffin singled to left field to score Jewell from third. Teunissen only allowed four runners to get on the base during the game, three hits and one walk. She struck out eight in the process and no one even advanced to second base. The Panthers also completed two double plays in the game, in the third and fifth inning.


 
Game 2-Wednesday, March 21 at 5:15 p.m.
Final Score: Davenport University-5 | Northwood University-0
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Records: DU (17-6, 2-0) | NU (12-7, 0-2)

Inside The Box
French (1-3, 2 R, BB)
Selene Pauley (0-2, 2 R, 2 BB, SB)
Flores (1-4, 2 RBI)
McKenzie Rowe (2-2, R, BB, SB)
Ellie Muilenburg (W, 7-3) 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO
 
Davenport scored all five of their runs in the opening two innings of action. Ironically all five runs in game two were scored with two outs. In the first inning, with French on third and Pauley on second, Griffin reached on an error by the shortstop, scoring both French and Pauley. In the bottom of the second inning Flores came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. She singled to right field, then French and Rowe scored on the play and Pauley advanced home on a fielding error by the right fielder. Muilenburg had herself in a tough situation during the top of the second inning. However, with the bases loaded she got the Timberwolves batter to ground out to her to end the inning. Muilenburg threw a seven inning shutout to help the Panthers earned their second conference win.


 
Coaches Corner
After the game Head Coach McCall Salmon gave the following statement. "Always nice to open conference play with two wins. I thought our defense made some great plays the entire day and our pitchers did a great job keeping them off-balance at the plate. Proud of our efforts as a team and it sure was nice being home after 21 games on the road!"
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Tyler Triemstra