ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn softball team opened the 2021 season on the road with a double-header against Rochester University in a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup.

The Wolverines rolled to a 9-1 win in five innings over the Warriors in the opener then completed the series sweep with a 10-2 victory to close the day.

In the first game, the UM-Dearborn offense jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first inning. Madelin Skene (1 for 3, RBI, 1 run) got things started with an RBI singe that brought Gina Liss (2 for 3, 2 2B, RBI) across home plate for the first run of the game. The Wolverines would then load the bases and Lanie Ellinger (2 for 3, GS, 5 RBIs) brought everyone home, hitting a grand slam as UM-Dearborn never looked back. Kayla Laquiere (2 for 3, HR, 2 runs) also had a big day at the plate, adding a solo home run in the 5th inning.

Ellinger also contributed on the mound, pitching a complete game and only giving up three hits and one earned run, while striking out three. 

In the second game, Rochester University scored a run in each of the first two innings to jump out to an early lead. However, the Wolverines responded with 10 unanswered the rest of the way, including a six-run 3rd inning. Highlighting the rally were three doubles that brought five runs home from Skene (1 for 3, 3 RBIs, 1 run), Marisa Vermiglio (1 for 4, RBI, 2 runs), and Amber Cheplick (2 for 4, 2B, HR  4 RBIs).

Erin McCune got the start on the mound for UM-Dearborn, going seven innings for the complete game, while giving up four hits, two earned runs and striking out four.

The sweep puts the Wolverines at 2-0 overall on the season and 2-0 in the WHAC

UM-Dearborn returns to action with a double-header against Concordia University at 1pm and 3pm Saturday, April 3rd at Cardinals Softball Field in Ann Arbor, Mich.

NOTE: Photo from 2019 season