HOWELL, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn softball team battled through a doubleheader on the road Friday afternoon, splitting a pair of WHAC matchups against Cleary University. After falling in game one, the Wolverines responded in a big way with a dominant offensive performance in game two.

Game 1: Cleary 11, UM-Dearborn 3 (5 innings)
The Wolverines came out strong in the first inning of game one, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead behind a two-RBI double from junior Brooklynn Jones, who drove in Kendall Phillip and Claire Muehlbrandt.

UM-Dearborn totaled six hits in the game, including multi-hit performances from both Phillip (2-for-3, RBI) and Jones (2-for-2, 2 RBI). However, Cleary responded with a 10-run third inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues to take control of the game.

Despite the setback, there were bright spots on the mound as Phillip returned later in the game to toss two innings in relief without allowing an earned run.

Game 2: UM-Dearborn 10, Cleary 2 (5 innings)
The Wolverines bounced back in a big way in the second game, scoring five runs in the opening inning and never looking back en route to a 10-2 run-rule victory.

Sophomore Kendyl Gearhart led the offensive charge in a career-best outing, going 3-for-3 with two home runs and six RBIs. Her three-run homer in the first and two-run shot in the fourth highlighted a powerful day at the plate.

UM-Dearborn's offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 12 hits. Mia Nightingale and Cate Pastori each added doubles and RBIs, while Brooklynn Jones chipped in with two RBIs of her own.

On the mound, Hannah Koch was outstanding, earning the complete-game win. She scattered four hits and allowed no earned runs while striking out one and walking four over five strong innings.