MESQUITE, Texas — Ottawa University opened the 2026 season in strong fashion on Friday morning, rolling to a 7–2 victory over Nelson (Texas) behind a big offensive day from
Brookelynn Becker and a solid pitching effort from the Brave staff
Ottawa struck first in the bottom of the opening inning when Becker singled through the left side to drive in
Abby Bellamy, who had tripled to lead off the frame. The Braves added to their lead in the third, plating two runs on an RBI double from Becker and an RBI single by
Emma Melvin to go up 3–0.
Nelson answered in the fourth with a solo home run from C. Hopgood, but Ottawa quickly put the game out of reach with a four-run bottom half of the inning. Becker delivered again with a two-run triple to right field, and
Braxton Stainbrook followed with a two-run homer to center to extend the Brave lead to 7–1.
Nelson added an unearned run in the fifth, but Ottawa's pitching staff shut the door the rest of the way to secure the season-opening win.
Lanie Becker earned the victory in the circle, allowing one run on five hits over four innings, while
Audrey Harrison closed the game with three strong innings of relief.
Game Notes & Stats
- Offense: Ottawa finished with 11 hits and seven runs
- Brookelynn Becker: 3-for-4, four RBIs, double, triple
- Abby Bellamy: 2-for-4 with two runs scored
- Cece Mora: 2-for-4 with two runs scored
- Braxton Stainbrook: Two-run home run in the fourth inning
- Pitching – Lanie Becker (W, 1–0): 4.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 SO
- Pitching – Audrey Harrison: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER in relief
- Scoring Surge: Ottawa scored six of its seven runs in the third and fourth innings combined
Who is Next
Ottawa (1-0) will now play at 2:40 p.m. in its second game of the SCS-NAIA Invitational College Softball Tournament against Xavier University of Louisiana. You can follow the live stats for game two by downloading the game changer app to your device. Search OU Braves Softball.
