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Box Score 2 OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The (RV) Ottawa University softball team survived two elimination games to move on in the NAIA Opening Round – OKC Bracket on Tuesday. OU defeated Freed-Hardeman University 2-1 and the University of Houston-Victoria, 3-2. The win was victory no. 40 for the Braves. OU has won 40 games for the fourth time in program history and for the second straight season.
Freed-Hardeman W, 2-1
Ottawa broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third inning.
Megan Kennedy was hit by a pitch and then stole second to give OU a runner in scoring position.
Addison Spencer doubled to left-center, scoring Kennedy and the Braves had a 1-0 lead.
The Braves pushed another run across home plate in the top of the fourth.
Kara Hafenstine was hit by a pitch and advance to second on a stolen base.
Reagan Hammons singled up the middle, moving Hafenstine 60 feet from home.
Cierra Faubion reached first on a bunt single. A throwing error by the FHU first baseman scored Hafenstine, giving OU a 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Lions tried to rally. FHU scored a run, had two runners on base, and one out. The Braves were able to get two straight ground outs, taking the 2-1 victory.
Inside the Box Score
Houston-Victoria W, 3-2
Ottawa struck first, taking the lead in the top of the first inning. Addison Spener reached first on an infield single to third.
Katie Enneking doubled to center, scoring Spencer and the Braves had a 1-0 lead.
UHV answered with a run in the bottom of the first and tied the game, 1-1.
That is where the score stayed until the top of the fifth inning. Ottawa pushed two runs across home plate to retake the lead.
Rachel Pederson singled up the middle and then moved to second with a sacrifice bunt by
Macy Roever. Spencer singled up the middle, scoring Pederson to give OU a 2-1 lead. OU scored one more run in the inning. Spencer took advantage of a Jaguar error, scoring from second and Ottawa had a 3-1 lead.
The Jaguars cut into the Brave lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth inning, 3-2. But that was the last time UHV threatened. It was three up and three down for the OU defense in the seventh and the Braves took the 3-2 victory.
Inside the Box Score
Who is Next
Ottawa (40-17) will play no. 2 Oklahoma City University in its third straight elimination game on Wednesday, May 15 in Oklahoma City. Ottawa will need to defeat the Stars twice to earn its fifth trip to the NAIA Softball World Series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
