OTTAWA, Kan. - The
Ottawa University softball team battled through a tight doubleheader Tuesday at Alumni Park, dropping the opener 5-3 before responding with a gritty 2-1 walk-off style victory in Game 2 to earn a split against Cottey College.
Game 1: Cottey 5, Ottawa 3
Cottey used a four-run middle stretch to build separation, and despite a late Ottawa rally, the Braves couldn't fully close the gap.
Ottawa struck first in the opening inning when
Brookelynn Becker ripped an RBI double to right-center, plating
Cece Mora to even the game at 1-1 after Cottey capitalized on an early error.
The turning point came in the fourth. Cottey strung together four hits and took advantage of a miscue in right field to score twice and seize a 3-1 lead. They added two more in the sixth, including an RBI double from E. Audette, extending the margin to 5-1.
The Braves mounted a push in the bottom of the sixth. After Becker reached and
Braxton Stainbrook singled,
Emma Melvin delivered the big swing — a two-run double to left-center that cut the deficit to 5-3 and energized the dugout. Ottawa brought the tying run to the plate but couldn't complete the comeback.
Game 1 – By the Numbers (Ottawa)
Ottawa stranded five runners and was limited to one strikeout offensively but couldn't string together enough timely hits to overcome Cottey's 11-hit attack.
Game 2: Ottawa 2, Cottey 1
The Braves responded with composure and clutch execution in the nightcap.
Ottawa struck first in the second inning. After
Emma Melvin doubled and
Elza Clift entered as a pinch runner,
Lilli Richerson roped an RBI double to left field to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.
Cottey answered in the third with an RBI single from A. Martinez, tying the game at 1-1. From there, it became a pitcher's duel.
Enter
Audrey Harrison.
The Ottawa right-hander was in command, scattering just three hits across seven complete innings. She allowed only one run, issued one walk, and kept Cottey off balance all afternoon.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Braves delivered the decisive blow. Alex Genty singled to start the rally, and after
Cassi Rodgers followed with a base hit,
Devanie Medina punched a walk-off RBI single to left field to secure the 2-1 victory.
Game 2 – By the Numbers (Ottawa)
- 7 hits, 2 runs
- Audrey Harrison: 7.0 IP, 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 0 HR (Win)
- Lilli Richerson: 1-for-3, RBI double
- Devanie Medina: 1-for-3, walk-off RBI
- Alex Genty: 1-for-3, run scored
- Cassi Rodgers: 1-for-3, run scored
- Emma Melvin: 1-for-3, double
Who is Next
Ottawa (8-2) will now play in the NAIA SB Invite in Shawnee, Okla., Feb. 20 through Feb. 22. The Braves start the invite against no. 9 USAO on Friday, Feb. 20 at 5:00 p.m.
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