Ottawa fell in its first game of the Henderson NAIA Opening Round, 5-4, to Freed-Hardeman University on Monday afternoon. Cierra Faubion went 2-for-2 at the plate. She walked twice and scored a run. Ashlynn Mercer pitched in 6.2 innings, striking out one.

The Braves are on a three game losing streak and are hitting .247 during those three games. OU has been outscored 14-7, has struck out 16 times, has a .247 slugging percentage, and a .390 on base percentage.

Through 51 games this season, Ottawa is hitting .292, has a .384 on base percentage, a .429 slugging percentage, has scored 320 runs, and hit 30 home runs.

OU is ranked 26th in the NAIA in runs (320), 24th in doubles (85), 27th in home runs (30), 31st in RBI (266), 31st in extra base hits (121), 48th in total bases (585), sixth in walks (177), 24th in hit by pitch (37), 39th in sacrifice flies (14), 47th in on base percentage, (.384), 48th in ERA (2.71), 40th in shut outs (10), and 41st in opponent batting average (.242).

Madison Bunfill leads the Braves in batting average (.364) and RBI (53). Ashlynn Mercer leads OU in ERA (2.27) and strike outs (121).

The Braves have a record of 2-0 against Central Methodist University. The last time the two teams met was on Feb. 16, 2019. Ottawa won the game in nine innings, 16-8, against then no. 18 CMU. The first meeting between the two teams happened on March 7, 2009. Ottawa won the game, 2-0. This will be the first time that Ottawa and the University of Saint Francis have met.

This is OU's fifth trip to the NAIA Opening Round. Ottawa has won two NAIA Opening Rounds and have qualified for five NAIA Softball World Series. The Braves have a record of 7-5 in NAIA Opening Rounds and won NAIA Openings Rounds in 2017 and 2021.

Central Methodist University is 38-10 overall, had a HAAC South record of 21-5 to tie with Baker for first in their division, is on a four game winning streak, and is ranked no. 15 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll. Through 48 games this season, CMU is hitting .334, has a .414 on base percentage, a .485 slugging percentage, has hit 30 home runs, and scored 331 runs.

Kelena Oots leads the team in batting average (.399) and Joely Crider is CMU's leader in RBI (40). Jordyn Ball is the Eagles' leader in ERA (1.41) and strike outs (150).

University of Saint Francis has an overall record of 32-9, finished first in the CCAC with a record of 18-2, is on a two game losing streak, and is receiving votes in the latest NAIA Softball Coaches Top 25 Poll.  Through 41 games, the Saints are hitting .362, have a .414 on base percentage, a .525 slugging percentage, hit 23 home runs, and scored 293 runs.

Danielle Callahan leads the team in batting average (.418) and RBI (46). Madisen Tucker leads the team in ERA (1.29) and Hannah Vachon is USF's leader in strike outs (101).