COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Dominican softball team continued their weekend action by kicking off conference play at Panther Field against the Malone Pioneers. The Panthers secured a 3-1 victory in the first game, thanks to another strong performance on the mound by Emma Grau. In the second game, Marlee Jacobs led the team to a 2-1 win, completing the sweep with a solid one-run outing. 

Game One (W, 3-1) 

Grau dominated the first game, pitching a complete seven innings while allowing just two hits, one earned run from a solo home run, zero walks, and recording seven strikeouts. 

Offensively, the Panthers registered eight hits, three runs, three RBIs, and one walk. Shelby Flynn and Kaleigh Golden each tallied two hits, while Erica Massey, Olivia Congleton, Kendrick Sterling, and Avery Mueller each contributed one hit. 

How It Happened 

The scoring began in the second inning when Shelby Flynn singled to right field, followed by a double from Kaleigh Golden that moved Flynn to third. Erica Massey then delivered a crucial double to right-center, bringing in two runs and giving the Panthers an early 2-0 lead. 

ODU extended their advantage in the following inning as Flynn struck again, singling to center field to drive in Kendrick Sterling for a 3-0 lead. 

Malone's lone run came in the fourth inning when their pitcher, Rose, launched a solo home run down the left-field line—one of just two hits allowed by Grau throughout the game. 

After seven innings, the Panthers secured a 3-1 victory, marking their first conference win and 11th overall this season, while handing Malone their first conference loss and third defeat of the season. 

Game Two (W, 2-1) 

In game two, Junior Marlee Jacobs took the mound for ODU, pitching a complete seven innings while allowing six hits, just one run, zero walks, and striking out two batters to earn her fourth win of the season. 

Offensively, the Panthers managed five hits, two runs, and two RBIs in 23 at-bats. Freshman Avery Mueller led the way with two hits, while Erica Massey, Emily Holland, and Leea Ibarra each contributed one. 

How It Happened 

Malone struck first in the fifth inning when Aricka Young singled to center field, allowing Marlee Pireu to cross the plate for their only run of the game. 

However, ODU responded in the same inning when Erica Massey reached base on a fielder's choice, allowing Leea Ibarra to score. Moments later, a well-placed sacrifice bunt by catcher Olivia Congleton brought Massey home, reclaiming the lead for the Panthers. 

With solid pitching and timely hitting, Ohio Dominican secured the 2-1 victory, capping off a successful conference-opening doubleheader sweep. 

Up Next
The Panthers will play another conference doubleheader tomorrow on Saturday, hosting the Findlay Oilers on Panther Field, with games starting at 1 and 3 PM.