FINDLAY, Ohio – In its second game of the GLIAC Tournament, the Ohio Dominican softball team suffered a 3-1 setback to No. 9 nationally ranked Grand Valley. The loss sends the Panthers into the losers' bracket of the double-elimination tournament.

The Lakers (38-4) wasted no time with their bats, taking the 1-0 lead in the first inning on a single to right field by Kayleigh Bertram. 

In the second, the Panthers (23-27-1) threatened to knot the score 1-1 after sophomore Taylor Thomas (Bellville, Ohio) led the inning off with a walk and stole second. Sophomore Rachael Stanzel (Angleton, Texas) grounded out which moved Thomas over to third. Sophomore Brier Sanner (Hartville, Ohio) drew a walk but tough pitching by Sara Andrasik kept the Panthers from pushing a run across.

Grand Valley extended its lead to 2-0 in the second inning after Nellie Kosola singled up the middle, scoring Emily Holt. 

In the top of the fifth inning, the Panthers cut the score to 2-1, when senior Brooke McCartney (Salem, Ohio) doubled to left center, scoring freshman Kelsey Albanese (Westerville, Ohio).

In the sixth, the Panthers once again had runners in scoring position, but once again crafty pitching by Hannah Santora put the Panther's threat to rest. 

In the bottom half of the inning, the Lakers Emily Jones smacked a solo shot to center field, giving the Lakers the 3-1 lead, which was good enough for the win. Stanzel went the distance for the Panthers who managed to pound out five hits by five different players.

With the loss, the Panthers play tomorrow at 10 a.m. against Wayne State.

Contact: Sarah Twiggs
twiggss@ohiodominican.edu