OTTAWA, Kan. -  (RV) Ottawa University responded in a big way after a tough opening game, rallying for an 8-7 walk-off victory to earn a split against Tabor College on Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Park.

Game 1: Tabor 8, Ottawa 0
Tabor jumped on Ottawa early and never let up, handing the Braves a shutout loss in the opener.

The Bluejays struck in the first inning on a two-run home run and added insurance runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings. Ottawa had chances to generate offense but could not string together hits, finishing with just four on the day.

Ottawa's best opportunity came in the second inning when a leadoff single and stolen base put a runner in scoring position, but the Braves were unable to capitalize. Game 2: Ottawa 8, Tabor 7
The Braves flipped the script in game two, showing resilience and timely hitting to secure a dramatic walk-off win.

Tabor struck first with a three-run second inning, but Ottawa answered immediately. The Braves plated three runs in the bottom half, highlighted by RBI hits from Devanie Medina and Lilli Richerson and a game-tying triple from Abby Bellamy.

Ottawa continued to build momentum:

• Emma Melvin delivered an RBI double in the third
• Richerson added another RBI double in the fourth

After Tabor regained the lead in the fifth, Ottawa once again responded. Elza Clift came through with a clutch two-run double to put the Braves back on top, 7-6.

Tabor tied the game in the seventh, setting the stage for late-game heroics. In the bottom of the inning, Ottawa manufactured the winning run as Alexandra Genty's sacrifice bunt led to the go-ahead run scoring on an error, sealing the 8-7 victory. Stats Recap
Game 1

• Alexandra Genty: 1-for-2, 2B
• Cassi Rodgers, Emma Melvin, Devanie Medina: each recorded a hit
• Ottawa held to 4 total hits
• Lanie Becker: 3.0 IP, 4 ER
• Sara Smith: allowed 1 run (0 earned) in relief

Game 2

• Emma Melvin: 3-for-3, 2B, RBI, walk
• Lilli Richerson: 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2B
• Elza Clift: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2B
• Devanie Medina: 2 hits, 2 runs scored
• Abby Bellamy: RBI triple
• Ottawa: 12 hits, 8 runs
• Lanie Becker: earned the win in relief (2.2 IP, 1 ER)
• Braves scored in 5 of 7 innings

Who is Next
Ottawa (27-14, 15-5) returns to the diamond on Saturday, April 18 in Salina, Kan. against Kansas Wesleyan University. Game one of the double header is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.