OTTAWA, Kan. - The (RV) Ottawa University Braves earned a gritty win in game one before falling in a late-game battle in game two to (RV) Avila University.

Game 1: Ottawa 4, Avila 2
Ottawa used clutch extra-base hits and strong pitching to secure the opener.

After three scoreless innings, the Braves struck first in the fourth inning. Emma Melvin delivered an RBI single to bring home Cece Mora, giving Ottawa a 1-0 lead. Avila answered in the bottom half, but the Braves continued to respond all afternoon.

In the fifth inning, Abby Bellamy came through with a triple to score Lilli Richerson, reclaiming the lead. Avila tied it again, but Ottawa stayed composed.

The decisive stretch came late:

• Alexandra Genty ripped an RBI double in the sixth to put Ottawa ahead 3-2
• In the seventh, Mora drove in an insurance run on a fielder's choice

Inside the circle, Lanie Becker was steady, going six innings to earn the win, while Sara Smith shut the door in the seventh for the save.

Game 1 Stats Recap

• Abby Bellamy: 2-for-4, 3B, RBI
• Cece Mora: 1-for-4, 2B, RBI, run scored, SB
• Devanie Medina: 2-for-3, run scored
• Alexandra Genty: RBI double
• Emma Melvin: RBI single
• Lanie Becker: Win (6.0 IP, 2 ER)
• Sara Smith: Save (1.0 IP, 0 ER)
• Ottawa: 9 hits, 0 errors

Game 2: Avila 5, Ottawa 4
Ottawa looked in control early, but Avila rallied late to steal the nightcap.

The Braves got on the board in the second inning as Devanie Medina delivered an RBI single. Ottawa then broke things open in the fifth inning when Abby Bellamy launched a three-run home run to center, giving the Braves a commanding 4-0 lead.

However, Avila chipped away:

• Two runs in the fifth (both unearned)
• Two more in the sixth to tie the game
• A walk-off RBI single in the seventh

Defensively, miscues proved costly as three Ottawa errors led to multiple unearned runs.

Game 2 Stats Recap

• Abby Bellamy: 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
• Devanie Medina: 2-for-3, RBI, run scored
• Cassi Rodgers: 1-for-3, run scored
• Emma Melvin: 1-for-2
• Braxton Stainbrook: double
• Ottawa: 6 hits, 3 errors
• Audrey Harrison: 5.0 IP, 0 ER
• Sara Smith: 1.1 IP, 2 ER

Despite the setback, Ottawa's offense showed power and consistency, highlighted by Bellamy's big swing and Medina's strong day at the plate.

Who is Next
Ottawa (24-13, 12-4) returns to the diamond on Saturday, April 11 at Alumni Park against York University. Game one of the double header is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.