Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University softball team closed out its 2014 season Saturday with a split against Heidelberg University, winning the first game, 9-8, in dramatic fashion before a 5-2 loss in the second affair.

The Cardinals (15-20, 5-13 OAC) posted a memorable game one victory, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the sixth inning when senior Kristen Ramer blasted a one-out grand slam to right field that vaulted Otterbein on top. It was her first-career round tripper.

Heidelberg answered right back in the top of the seventh, regaining the lead on a two-run homer before a Cardinal fielding error allowed an insurance run to cross the plate.

Otterbein would ultimately have the last laugh, getting a walk-off, three-run home run to left field from freshman Lydia Barnes that erupted the Cardinal dugout and fans. It was also her first-ever home run.

Kelsey Long, Maddy Shelley and Maggie McMahan each hit safely twice in the game, with Long also picking up her third win of the spring on the mound.

Heidelberg managed to get even in game two, taking a 5-0 lead after four innings and hanging on down the stretch for the split. Otterbein made it interesting in the seventh, getting an RBI-single to center field from Ramer and scoring on a throwing error before the inning ended.

Senior Laura Basford finished the day 2 for 6 at the plate, ending the season with a .504 batting average to set yet another Otterbein single-season record. Basford finishes just percentage points ahead of Muskingum University's Kayley Bevard (.500) to win her second Ohio Athletic Conference batting title in three seasons.

"I am so impressed with the fight of this team from start to finish," head coach Christine Steines said. "We may not have finished where we wanted, but this team because so close and learned from each other all season long. The bond they each have with one another is amazing."

To begin the day, Basford, Ramer, Long, McMahan and fellow seniors Rachael Puthoff, Calli Studebaker and Chelsea Burns were recognized for their contributions to the program since arriving in 2010-11.

"As a coach, it's incredible to see how much they have grown throughout the years," Steines said. "They improved both physically and mentally and have maintained great character along the way. I get speechless trying to even talk about that group. They will certainly be missed."