OTTAWA, Kan. – The (16) Ottawa University softball team split with Bethany College on Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Park. Bethany won game one, 4-3 in eight innings and the Braves won game two, 3-2. The Braves (17-3) maintain their one game lead over Friends University (16-4). The Falcons split with McPherson College today.

Game One
Bethany took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a home run. The Swedes pushed their lead to 2-0 with another home run in the top of the third inning.

Ottawa rallied in the bottom of the sixth. Riley Newbold singled and then moved to second on an error by the BC catcher and then to third on a ground out by Allison Kearney. Madison Bunfill walked and swiped second, giving OU two runners in scoring position. Emma Melvin hit a single to center field, scoring Newbold and Bunfill to tie the game at 2-2.

Neither team was able to score in the seventh and the game moved on to the eighth. Bethany scored two runs in the top of the eighth to take a 4-2 lead over the Braves. In the bottom of the eighth, Ottawa tried to rally.

Katie Enneking reached first on an error by the BC third baseman. Macey Morris scored on that error and OU was within one run, 4-3. The Braves, however, were not able to score Enneking and Bethany took the 4-3 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Riley Newbold went 2-for-4 at the plate, scoring one run.
• Emma Melvin led the Braves with two RBI.
• Ashlynn Mercer pitched eight innings, striking out six.

Game Two
The Braves broke the 0-0 tie in the bottom of the second inning. Hannah Copeland reached first with a single. Emma Melvin's double to left scored Copeland to give OU a 1-0 lead.

The Swedes tied the game in the top of the fourth inning, 1-1. In the bottom of the fifth, Ottawa retook the lead. Macey Morris reached first on a bunt single. She then stole second, giving OU a runner in scoring position. Riley Newbold scored Morris with a single to center, giving the Braves a 2-1 lead.

Only one Swede reached base in the final two innings of the game and OU took the 2-1 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Five Braves had one hit.
• Riley Newbold and Emma Melvin had one RBI apiece.
• Kelcie Kippes pitched in seven innings, striking out five and only allowing two hits.

Who is Next
Ottawa (34-7, 17-3) returns to the diamond on Saturday, April 22 in York, Neb. against York University. Game one of the double header is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.