HENDERSON, Tenn. – The (14) Ottawa University softball team rallied to take a 4-1 victory over (RV) University of St. Francis (Ill.) on Tuesday night at Tucker Field in an elimination game. It was Emma Melvin's grand slam in the bottom of the fourth inning that rallied the Braves past the Saints.

St. Francis struck first, taking a 1-0 lead over the Braves on an OU miscue. The game went through two weather delays with the teams retaking the field at 9:12 p.m. to continue the game in the bottom of the fourth with Katie Enneking on second. Ottawa loaded the bases with walks from Allison Kearney and Madison Bunfill. On a 2-2 count, Melvin sent the ball over the center field fence and Ottawa had a 4-1 lead on the grand slam. The home run was Melvin's fourth of the season.

Loralei Gilbert entered the game in the top of the fifth and shut down the Saint offense. Only two USF players reached base in the Saints final three at bats as the Braves took the 4-1 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• The Braves finished the game with three hits, all three came in the fourth inning. Katie Enneking, Emma Melvin, and Aliks Serna had one hit apiece.
• Ashlynn Mercer pitched three innings.
• Loralei Gilbert earned her ninth win of the season, only allowing two hits.

Who is Next
Ottawa (42-10) will play (21) Freed-Hardeman University in an elimination game on Wednesday, May 17 at 12pm. The two teams met in the first game of the Henderson Opening Round. FHU took the 5-4 victory over the Braves.