COLUMBUS, OH - Opening their home schedule at Panther Field, the Ohio Dominican softball team welcomed Illinois Springfield (16–6) for a doubleheader but fell in both contests, 5–2 and 4–0.

Game One (L, 5-2)
In game one, Alyvia Lawrentz started in the circle and pitched a complete seven innings, allowing seven hits and five runs while striking out five. Offensively, the Panthers recorded six hits and two runs. Leea Ibarra led the way, going 2-for-2 with a walk. Lilly Irvine added a solo home run, finishing 1-for-3 at the plate, while pinch hitter Gina Wilson went 1-for-1 with a double.

Ohio Dominican struck first when Irvine launched a home run to left-center field for a 1–0 lead. Illinois Springfield answered in the second inning with three runs to take the lead and added another run in the fourth on a double to center. In the bottom of the seventh, Erica Massey drove in Wilson with a sacrifice fly, but the Panthers ultimately fell 5–2.

Game Two (L, 4-0)
In the second game, sophomore Emma Grau took the circle and also pitched a complete seven innings, giving up nine hits and four runs with one strikeout. The Panthers managed just four hits in the game and were held scoreless. Massey led the offense, going 2-for-2 at the plate.

Illinois Springfield scored its first run on a sacrifice fly in the second inning. The Prairie Stars then added insurance in the sixth with a three-run home run to secure the 4–0 victory.

Looking ahead
Ohio Dominican will travel to Melbourne, Florida, for the Space Coast Spring Games, where the Panthers will face six opponents. Their first matchup is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, against Wayne State (Mich.) at 4:45 p.m.