COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican softball team traveled to Canton, Ohio to take on former AMC opponent Walsh University in a non-conference twin bill. The Panthers could not hold on in game one falling 6-5, but rallied in the night cap to win 3-2 and capture the split.
In game one, the Panthers (14-15) came out aggressive scoring two runs after back-to-back hits by Erin Sutter (So./Mansfield, OH) and Jennifer Baker (Jr./Cortland, OH) to start the game. Sutter came around to score on Baker's hit which found a hint of chalk down the third baseline. Muriel Kelley (Sr./Ocala, FL) plated Baked with a backside ground ball giving the Panthers the lead, 2-0. The Panthers would add to their lead in the top of the fourth inning when Kylee Crislip (So./Louisville, OH;pictured) hit a solo homerun to centerfield for a 3-0 lead.
The success was short-lived however as the Cavaliers sent five runs across in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Panthers battled back, scoring one run in the top of the sixth behind Crislip's second solo blast, but the rally fell short as they dropped game one by the final score of 6-5.
Erica Sutter (Sr./Mansfield, OH) took the loss taking her record to 4-6. The Panthers were lead offensively by Crislip who was 2-for-3 at the plate with two homeruns and two RBI. Cassandra Weitz (Jr./Dayton, OH) also collected two hits for the Panthers in the losing effort.
The Panthers, looking to bounce back from game one, once again struck first as Baker knocked a double to right-center field. Kelley followed her up with a double of her own, scoring Baker easily from second and giving the Panthers the early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the 3rd ODU added another run as lead-off batter Erin Sutter singled, then stole second. She advanced on Muriel Kelley's single, then eventually scored on Crislip's deep fly ball to centerfield giving the Panthers the lead, 2-0. Starting pitcher Maria Staton (New Bremen, OH) shut down the Walsh (7-11) offense for the remainder of the game. Staton and the Panther defense staved off a late rally by the Cavaliers to record the split with the 3-2 victory.
The Panthers were led offensively by Erin Sutter who was 2-for-4 at the plate and also scored two runs. Kelley also collected two hits and an RBI for the Panthers. With the win, Staton improved her record to 8-5 on the season.
The Panthers are scheduled to take on Cedarville University on Thursday, April 1st in Cedarville, OH. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled to start at 3pm.
