Ottawa has opened the season with four straight wins after defeating Haskell Indian Nations University 12-0 in game one and 22-4 in game two on February 6 at Alumni Park. In the double header vs. HINU, Ottawa had a .518 batting average, scored 34 runs, hit eight doubles, two triples, and three home runs. The Braves drove in 32 runs, had a .893 slugging percentage, walked seven times, was hit by a pitch six times, had a .552 on base percentage, and stole six bases.
Through four games this season, Ottawa has a .445 batting average, a .496 on base percentage, and a .700 slugging percentage. The Braves have hit three home runs and scored 46 runs.
Ottawa is ranked second in the NAIA in runs (46), fourth in hits (49), 10th in doubles (9), first in triples (5), seventh in home runs (3), first in RBI (44), fifth in extra base hits (17), sixth in total bases (77), 25th in walks (11), third in sacrifice flies (3), ninth in stolen bases (11), fourth in batting average (.445), sixth in on base percentage (.496), fourth in slugging percentage (.700), and fourth in opponent batting average (.134).
Katie Enneking leads the Braves in batting average (.545) and RBI (9).
Takiya Hill leads the Braves in ERA (0.00) and
Ashlynn Mercer is the team's leader in strike outs (10).
Ottawa has a record of 1-4 against Concordia University. The Bulldogs have won three straight games against the Braves. The last time the two teams met was on March 22, 2019 at Alumni Park. Concordia won game one of the double header in eight innings, 10-5 and took game two, 5-3. The last time Ottawa defeated Concordia was on Feb. 27, 2009 at Alumni Park. OU won game one of the double header 3-1. The first meeting between the two teams happened on March 5, 1999. Concordia won the game, 3-2.
Saturday is Concordia's season opener. The Bulldogs finished 2023 with an overall record of 15-30 and a GPAC mark of 4-18. CU returns three All-GPAC Honorable Mention selections in Hanna Bowers, Aubrey Bruning and Kylie Shottenkirk. Bowers led the Bulldogs in batting average (.361).
Concordia was selected to finish ninth in the GPAC Preseason Softball Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs received 50 points.
CU finished the season on an eight game losing streak. The Bulldogs last win happened on April 16, 2023 at Dakota Wesleyan. Concordia won the game 13-3.
The Bulldogs finished the 2023 season with a .267 batting average, a .336 on base percentage, and a .363 slugging percentage. CU hit nine home runs and scored 189 runs.
