WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The Otterbein softball team settled for a split against Muskingum University Saturday afternoon. The program celebrated two class of '23 seniors in the form of Haylee Ternovan and Taylor Baran, along with fifth-year senior Sage Jenkins. An exciting two-run walk-off homer by Isa Lewis took the victory away from the Muskies in game one, but a slew of hits from Muskingum in the rematch solidified a split to end the day.
 
GAME 1 RECAP (W 4-3):

• Bryn Grabowski fought inside the circle for the Cardinals, squaring off against Muskingum's Hannah Smith in another strong pitching battle. Grabowski faced 28 batters and earned seven strikeouts to complete the game for Otterbein.
   
• The Muskies found eight hits in total while the Cards only had five, but key connecting plays allowed Otterbein to pull through at the end.
   
• The score was tied 2-2 going into the final inning, and momentum seemed to be on Muskingum's side as they took the lead 3-2. The Cardinals were in a tight spot as the bases were loaded with two outs, but freshman Sydni Clever stopped any potential pull away with a huge diving catch in left field to end the inning!
   
• Clever stepped right back onto the field to lead off for the Cards in the bottom of the seventh inning where she rocketed a double into left-center field. A nice sacrifice bunt laid down by pinch hitter Lexi Hart advanced Clever into scoring position at third. Caitlin Wilkins then put the ball in play and Clever attempted to run home on the contact, but was tagged out before reaching the plate on a quick 1-2 throw from the pitcher to catcher.
   
• Down but not out, Isa Lewis stepped to bat with a runner on first and two outs on the board. The sophomore was in a tight situation and looked to keep Otterbein alive as she took one ball and one strike. On the next pitch, Lewis launched a curving ball down the left-field line that smacked the foul pole to push the Cardinals ahead for good!

 
GAME 2 RECAP (L 11-6):

• Muskingum jumped out to an early lead in the first inning and never trailed, holding Otterbein scoreless until the bottom of the fourth.
   
• The Muskies had two long at-bats where they ultimately plated four runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. A mix of walks and hits in the fourth allowed Muskingum to widen its lead, before solidifying their victory in the fifth with multiple home runs. Sadie Smith tallied a solo shot before teammate Haley Hawk claimed a three-run homer with two outs.
   
• The Cardinals trailed 9-1 going into the bottom of the fifth but didn't quit, earning two runs to avoid the run-rule and stay alive for two more innings. 
   
• The Otterbein defense held the Muskies scoreless in the top of the sixth. Rachel Miller, Jen Sindledecker, and Wilkins found their way around the bases in the bottom of the inning to shorten the margin even more (9-6) and perk everyone back up.
   
• However, the comeback fell short with Muskingum adding two more insurance runs up on the board in the seventh while preventing Otterbein from scoring in the final at bat.
   
• Wilkins hit 3 for 5 from the leadoff spot to pac the Cardinal offense.

THE AFTERMATH:

* The Cardinals now stand 8-8 within OAC play this spring. However, due to other results around the league, the team as unfortunately been eliminated from postseason contention.
 
UP NEXT: 
 
The Cardinals will take a break from conference play to take on the Denison Big Red in a set of games that had previously been postponed due to unplayable fields. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3:30 at Denison Softball Field on Tuesday.