COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican softball team returns to the friendly confines of Panther Field following a 12-day road trip in which the Panthers battled in eight conference contests. The Black and Gold resume its home schedule welcoming Malone University on Friday, April 9, and Walsh University on Saturday, April 10.

ODU looks to rebound after dropping two games to Ursuline College this past Tuesday. The Panthers return to Sunbury Road where they have enjoyed success going 8-3 overall this season. It wasn't all bad for the Black and Gold as two Panthers hit over .500 during the doubleheader series in Pepper Pike. Sophomore Braxton Downs (Prospect, Kentucky) paced the Black and Gold hitting .571 with two home runs and three RBIs.

Senior Kristen Bales (Pickerington, Ohio) also impressed during the series going 3-of-6 and driving in three runs. She also added a stolen base to her tally as the Panthers proved aggressive on the base paths.

SCOUTING MALONE

The Pioneers are off to a hot start in 2021. MU has compiled a record of 12-5-1 (6-4) and sits in the fourth position in the conference standings. Infielder Bailey Byers leads the team, hitting over .470 this season. She also paces the Pioneers with eight doubles and five home runs. She leads the team with 21 RBIs, which is eighth-best in the conference.

Teammate Kelsey Byers is the top pitcher for MU. She has pitched over 81 innings this season and compiled an ERA of 1.63 on the campaign.

SCOUTING THE CAVALIERS

Walsh travels to Ohio Dominican for the first time since the 2019 season and comes to Sunbury Road with a record of 15-11 (3-5). The Cavalier is led by Emma Bobey who leads the team on offense, batting .412 this season. She also has 17 RBIs this season and nine extra-base hits.

Sara Gockenbach is the top pitcher for Walsh, going 10-3 on the season and has an era 2.93 in 86 innings pitched.

First pitch against Malone is scheduled for 3 PM on Friday afternoon.

Contact: Ralph Schudel
schudelr@ohiodominican.edu