SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Trying to stay ahead of the rain, the Ohio Dominican softball team managed to squeeze in game one of its nonconference doubleheader with Notre Dame (Ohio) Wednesday afternoon. The Panthers won by the score of 2-1. Game two was called in the first inning due to heavy rains and lightning.

In game one, sophomore Rachael Stanzel (Angleton, Texas) pitched a gem, and got just enough run support for the 2-1 Panther victory. Stanzel picked up her 10th win of the season while only allowing one run on five hits with two strikeouts and allowed no walks.

The Panther bats were quiet until the top of the fourth inning. Freshman Kelsey Albanese (Westerville, Ohio) hit a two-out single down the left field line. Junior Caitlin Jividen (Wheeling, W. Va.) followed with a walk. Sophomore Taylor Thomas (Bellville, Ohio) singled to center field to score Albanese and advanced Jividen to third. Senior Brooke McCartney (Salem, Ohio) hit an RBI single to left field, scoring Jividen and gave ODU the 2-0 lead.

The Falcons threatened in the bottom half of the fifth inning, putting runners on second twice in the inning. However, big defensive plays by the Panther defense halted Notre Dame's scoring hopes.

After retiring the first two batters, the Falcons threatened a comeback in the bottom of the seventh when Kelsey Coleman hit a two-out triple to deep center field. Nicole Spuhler hit an RBI single to cut the lead to 2-1. Stanzel remained calm, got the third out and posted the win.

Ohio Dominican returns to the field on Saturday, April 13 as the Panthers travel to Painsville, Ohio for a conference doubleheader with Lake Erie. First game is set to start at 1 p.m.

Contact: Sarah Twiggs
twiggss@ohiodominican.edu