SALINA, Kan. – Ottawa University took control early and never let go, defeating Avila University 5-1 on Thursday morning behind timely hitting and a dominant performance in the circle from
Lanie Becker.
Ottawa wasted little time setting the tone, striking in the second inning when
Alexandra Genty launched a two-run home run to left field, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead. From there, Ottawa continued to apply pressure offensively while Becker kept Avila's lineup in check.
The Braves extended their lead in the fifth inning with aggressive base running and capitalizing on Avila miscues.
Abby Bellamy's steal of second helped spark the inning, and Ottawa plated two runs on a throwing error to push the advantage to 4-0. They added another insurance run in the sixth as
Cassi Rodgers delivered an RBI double to right center.
Avila's lone run came in the bottom of the sixth on a solo home run, but Becker quickly regrouped and shut the door the rest of the way, finishing off a complete game to secure the 5-1 victory.
Ottawa's offense tallied 10 hits in the game, with multiple players contributing to a balanced attack, while the defense played clean, error-free softball to back Becker's strong outing.
Stats Recap
- Alexandra Genty: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, run scored
- Abby Bellamy: 3-for-4, run scored, stolen base
- Cassi Rodgers: 2-for-2, 2 doubles, RBI, walk
- Brookelynn Becker: 1-for-4, run scored
- Cece Mora: 1-for-3, walk
- Emma Melvin: 1-for-3, walk
- Lanie Becker (W, 14-7): Complete game (7.0 IP), 8 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts
- Ottawa finished with 10 hits and 5 runs, scoring in three different innings
- Braves capitalized on two Avila errors leading to key insurance runs
- Ottawa defense recorded 0 errors in the game
Who is Next
Ottawa will now play Friends University in an elimination game at 1:15 in Salina.
