COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican softball team's road to the NAIA National Tournament got a little tougher as they fell to #13 ranked California State – San Marcos on Thursday in their second round game of the A.I.I. Tournament. The Panthers advanced in the first round defeating British Columbia, 10-3, but ODU's bats were silenced by the top seed in game three of the tournament in Victoria, Texas.
Ohio Dominican wasted little time in their opening game as they scored two runs in the first inning versus British Columbia. The Panthers continued their hot streak at the plate as they recorded 10 runs on 15 hits in the dominating performance.
The Panthers took a 3-1 lead in the third inning and extended their lead to four runs in the fifth. The Thunderbirds added two runs in the bottom half of the fifth, but ODU put the game out of reach with a five runs sixth to solidify the victory.
ODU was led by the top of their order as Erin Sutter (So./Mansfield, OH; pictured) and Jennifer Baker (Jr./Cortland, OH) recorded three hits apiece. Chelsea Archer (So./Thornville, OH) and Shana Etter (Jr./Massillon, OH) added two RBI in the win.
Erica Sutter (Sr./Mansfield, OH) earned the victory on the mound, her 10th of the year, after going four innings of work allowing three runs on seven hits.
In game two, Ohio Dominicans bats went quite as they were shutout versus top seeded CSU – San Marcos. Cougar's starter Brenna Sandberg went the distance as she tossed a complete game no-hitter to give the Panthers their first loss and send ODU to the loser bracket of the double elimination tournament.
Maria Staton (Jr./New Bremen, OH) suffered the loss in the circle for ODU as she went seven complete allowing four runs on seven hits. With the loss Staton record drops to 16-9 on the year.
The Panthers will return to action on Friday, May 7th as they face Louisiana State – Alexandria in the first of two elimination games. Game time between the Panthers and Generals is set for 11 a.m. CST.
