SALINA, Kan. — Ottawa University fought to the finish, but an early surge by Friends proved too much to overcome as the Braves fell 9-1 on Thursday afternoon at the KCAC Tournament in five innings.
Friends jumped on the board quickly, plating two runs in the first and adding another in the second to build early pressure. A three-run home run in the third inning extended the Falcons' lead, but Ottawa continued to compete defensively and looked for opportunities to respond.
The Braves broke through in the fifth inning. After a pinch-hit single by
Sara Smith and aggressive base running from
Ashley Davis,
Cassi Rodgers delivered with a clutch RBI double to right center, putting Ottawa on the board.
Game Breakdown
- 1st Inning: Friends struck first with a two-run frame to take early control.
- 2nd Inning: The Falcons added another run to extend the lead to 3-0.
- 3rd Inning: A three-run home run pushed the margin to 6-0.
- 4th Inning: Friends added two more runs, capitalizing on timely hitting.
- 5th Inning: Ottawa answered with an RBI double from Cassi Rodgers to avoid the shutout, showing late-game grit.
Stats Recap
- Cassi Rodgers led Ottawa offensively, going 1-for-2 with a double and the team's lone RBI.
- Lilli Richerson and Sara Smith each recorded a hit for the Braves.
- Ashley Davis scored Ottawa's only run after entering as a pinch runner.
- Ottawa finished with 3 hits and committed one error.
- Rodgers started in the circle, striking out no batters over 2.2 innings.
- Cesara Roque came in relief and recorded two strikeouts.
- Friends totaled 11 hits, including two home runs, which accounted for much of their offense.
