GREAT BEND, Kan. – The Ottawa University softball team opened the KCAC Tournament with a 4-1 victory over the University of Saint Mary at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

Ottawa broke the scoreless time in the bottom of the second. The Braves pulled off the double steal to take a 1-0 lead. OU increased its lead by taking advantage of a Spire throwing error. Aliks Serna scored on the miscue by the USM shortstop and OU led 2-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, OU pushed two more runs across home plate. Riley Newbold scored Cierra Faubion and Jillian Kygar with a double to right and OU led 4-0.
The Spires tried to rally in the top of the seventh, scoring one run but it wasn't enough as the Braves slammed the door, taking the 4-1 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Riley Newbold, Justyse Rodriguez, Allison Kearney, and Cierra Faubion had one hit apiece for the Braves.
• Casson Rasmussen pitched seven innings in the win, striking out four.

Who is Next
Ottawa (33-11-1) will play the winner of the McPherson College/Kansas Wesleyan University game at 5:00 p.m. today.