MICHIGAN - The Ohio Dominican Panthers softball team (21-25, 11-9 GMAC) traveled to Michigan this past weekend for two challenging doubleheaders against the Hillsdale Chargers (28-15, 14-4 GMAC) and the Northwood Timberwolves (23-14). The Panthers split the series with Hillsdale, dropping game one 4-1 before bouncing back with a 6-3 win in game two. However, they were swept by Northwood, falling 2-1 and 3-1.

Hillsdale Doubleheader (Split)

In game one against the Chargers, Marlee Jacobs took the circle and pitched six innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, and striking out four. Offensively, ODU managed six hits in 27 at-bats, scoring just one run.

Hillsdale opened the scoring in the second inning, plating three runs off an RBI single and two unearned runs to take a 3-0 lead. The Chargers added another run in the third with another RBI single. The Panthers attempted a comeback in the seventh inning when Leea Ibarra scored on a double to right field, but the rally fell short, and the game ended 4-1.

In game two, freshman Emma Grau earned her 11th win of the season, pitching a complete game with six hits, three runs, and five strikeouts. The Panthers improved at the plate, recording nine hits and scoring six runs in 31 at-bats. Emily Holland led the offense with three hits, while Erica Massey and Kendrick Sterling each added two.

ODU got on the board early with a two-run RBI by Sterling in the first inning, scoring Holland and Kaleigh Golden. In the third, Evan Platfoot tripled down the right field line, driving in Sterling and Holland for another two runs. Hillsdale responded in the sixth with two unearned runs from throwing errors, followed by an RBI single to cut the lead to 4-3. But the Panthers added two key insurance runs in the seventh when Platfoot reached on a throwing error, securing the 6-3 victory and a series split.

Northwood Doubleheader (Sweep)

The Panthers wrapped up the weekend on Saturday with two close losses to Northwood.

In game one, Marlee Jacobs again started and pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two runs. ODU recorded six hits and one run on 25 at-bats. Golden led the way with three hits and scored the team's only run. Sterling contributed with an RBI double in the first inning. Northwood took the lead in the fourth with a solo home run and an RBI single with the bases loaded, edging out a 2-1 win.

In the second game, Grau pitched six innings, giving up five hits and three runs. Offensively, the Panthers were limited to just two hits, with Emily Holland and Shelby Flynn accounting for the only knocks. Northwood struck early with a double in the first and a home run in the third. ODU's lone run came in the sixth, when Lilly Irvine fouled to left field for a sacrifice, bringing home Golden.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers will close out their season at home this upcoming weekend with doubleheaders against Ursuline and Lake Erie at Panther Field. Senior Day celebrations will take place Saturday, honoring five graduating players.