TIFFIN, Ohio - The Otterbein softball team narrowly missed sweeping Heidelberg in a doubleheader on Saturday evening, as they split the games with the Student Princes securing a walk-off win in the second game.
 
The Cardinals capitalized on errors and strung hits together to secure an 8-3 victory in game one. However, they fell short in the second game as the Student Princes won with a walk-off single in the 7th inning with runners on second and third.
 
GAME 1 RECAP:

• The Student Princes kicked off the first inning with a double to right field, scoring two runs to lead 2-0.
   
• At the beginning of the third inning, the Cardinals took advantage of a string of hits. Speedy Kennedi Endsley aims her hit towards the shortstop, resulting in Jen Sindledecker scoring and adding a run to the scoreboard. Otterbein maintains momentum, scoring two more RBIs shortly afterward due to an error and Emma Calkins hitting a single to the outfield.
   
• Otterbein continues the momentum with four RBIs in the fourth. Caroline Heller gets a poke to right field to send two home. The Cardinals advance on a dropped fly ball in deep right center to score two more runs to put the score to 7-2.
   
• Each team added another run to conclude the game, while Heidelberg finishes with five errors, resulting in an 8-3 final score.
   
• Endsley collected three hits, while Calkins and Lewis each grabbed two.

 
GAME 2 RECAP:

• The Cardinals put two runs on the scoreboard at the beginning of the game, with a ground ball allowing Endsley to score and a wild pitch resulting in another run.
   
• Heidelberg gets a run with a single up the middle to be within one, 2-1.
   
• In the second inning, Otterbein scored two more runs because of an error and then a ground ball to let Lexi Hart score and make the score 4-1.
   
• The Student Princes made a comeback in the 3rd inning, equalizing the game with a double to right field, scoring two runs, and a single up the middle to bring the score level.
   
• Otterbein responded by taking advantage of runners on second and third. Heller delivered a hit to the shortstop, allowing Sindledecker to score and give them a one-run lead.
   
• After a failed double play left runners on first and third in the bottom of the 7th inning, Heidelberg pulled a single up the middle. This sets up the Student Princes to advance runners to first and second base and tie the game, leading to a walk-off single to right field that secured the win.

 
BACK ON THE FIELD:
The Cardinals face a quick turnaround as they prepare to play against John Carroll on Monday in the rescheduled matchup. The first pitch is set for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.