HENDERSON, Tenn. – The (14) Ottawa University softball team fell short in its first game of the Henderson NAIA Opening Round on Monday afternoon, 5-4.
The Lions struck first, taking a 2-0 lead over the Braves in the top of the first inning. Ottawa cut into the lead in its bottom half of the inning. Ottawa loaded the bases with a walk by
Katie Enneking and back-to-back singles by
Allison Kearney and
Madison Bunfill. Nayley Delgado hit an infield single, scoring Enneking and Ottawa was within 2-1.
In the top of the sixth, the Lions pushed two runs across home plate to increase their lead over the Braves to 4-1. Ottawa answered in the bottom of the sixth. Ottawa loaded the bases with a single by
Cierra Faubion and walks by
Macey Morris and
Riley Newbold. Enneking walked, scoring Faubion to put OU within 4-2.
After a FHU pitching change, Morris scored on a Kearney walk and the Braves were down 4-3.
Emma Melvin then grounded out to first, scoring Newbold to tie the game, 4-4.
In the top of the seventh Freed-Hardeman retook the lead with a home run, 5-4. Ottawa tried to rally, loading the bases. The Braves were not able to complete the comeback and Freed-Hardeman won the game, 5-4.
Inside the Box Score
Who is Next
Ottawa (41-10) will now play the loser of the Central Methodist/St. Francis game in an elimination game on Tuesday, May 16 at 3:00 p.m.
