OTTAWA, Kan. - The (RV) Ottawa University softball team opened conference play in strong fashion on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Park, sweeping Sterling College in a doubleheader. The Braves controlled the circle in game one and followed with an offensive outburst in game two to secure the sweep, winning 4-0 and 8-1.
Game 1: Ottawa 4, Sterling 0
Ottawa wasted little time taking control of the opener, scoring all four runs in the bottom of the first inning and riding a dominant pitching performance the rest of the way.
After a one-out single by
Cece Mora and a walk to
Brookelynn Becker,
Emma Melvin delivered an RBI single to center to score the first run. The Braves added to the lead when
Alexandra Genty reached on an error, bringing home another run.
Elza Clift later stole home during the inning, and Genty eventually crossed the plate on a wild pitch to cap the four-run frame.
That was more than enough support for pitcher
Lanie Becker, who was in complete control in the circle. Becker scattered four hits across seven innings and did not allow a run or walk as the Braves shut out Sterling.
Game 1 Stats
Ottawa finished with five hits while Sterling managed four.
Game 2: Ottawa 8, Sterling 1
The Braves carried their momentum into game two, combining timely hitting and a five-run fourth inning to complete the sweep.
Ottawa got on the board in the first when
Brookelynn Becker drove in
Abby Bellamy with a groundout. The Braves extended the lead in the second on an RBI groundout by
Devanie Medina and an RBI double from
Cece Mora.
Sterling scored once in the fourth, but Ottawa immediately responded with its biggest inning of the day. Bellamy started the rally with an RBI double, and the Braves took advantage of defensive miscues before
Emma Melvin crushed a two-run home run to right field, pushing the lead to 8-1.
In the circle,
Audrey Harrison picked up the win before
Cesara Roque closed the game with three scoreless innings.
Game 2 Stats
- Emma Melvin: 3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
- Abby Bellamy: 3-for-4, 2 runs, RBI, double
- Cassi Rodgers: 2-for-3, 2 runs
- Cece Mora: 1-for-3, double, RBI, walk
- Braxton Stainbrook: 1-for-2, run scored, walk
- Audrey Harrison: 4 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 3 BB
- Cesara Roque: 3 IP relief, 4 H, 0 R
Ottawa finished with
10 hits in the second game while holding Sterling to five.
Who is Next
Ottawa (14-9, 2-0) returns to the diamond on Wednesday, March 18 against the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan. Game one of the double header is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
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