SUNDAY LINKS AT SPALDING
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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology relied on two home runs from senior Nicole Lang to remain in contention before falling 10-3 and 7-4 to Defiance College in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference softball opener on Saturday.

Lang launched a two-run home run in the fifth inning in the opener, and added a two-run home run in the sixth inning of the nightcap.  The game two home run brought Rose-Hulman to within 5-4, before Defiance added two insurance runs in the final inning to secure the 7-4 victory.

In game one, Lang finished 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs and one run scored to lead the offense.  Lexi Fortuna added two hits, and Katelyn Sarvis had a single and scored one run.  Phoebe Worstell struck out six to lead the opening game pitching performance.

In the nightcap, Lang was 1-for-4 with the home run and two runs scored.  Sarvis contributed two doubles, one single and two runs to the offense.  Worstell added a single and an RBI.  Ashley Pinkham struck out five in the pitching circle.

Defiance relied on home runs by Josilyn Guzman and Laney Grimwood and six hits from Brooke Silcox to lead the team's offensive performance.

Defiance improved to 9-11 overall and is on a 9-game winning streak with a 2-0 HCAC record.  Rose-Hulman stands 6-8 overall and 0-2 in league play heading into a Sunday doubleheader at Spalding University.