WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University softball team competed in a home conference doubleheader this Wednesday afternoon. After a battle of bats in game one, the Cardinals came out on top, 6–2, before Ohio Northern took game two by a score of 3–1.
Game One – Otterbein 6, Ohio Northern 2
Otterbein used a steady offensive rhythm and a decisive third‑inning swing to take the opener. After
Rachel Miller tripled to lead off the second,
Bre Preston lifted a sacrifice fly to put the Cardinals on the board. The momentum carried into the third, where
Alex Newsome singled and
Maggie McVicker followed with another base hit before
Emma Calkins launched a three‑run homer to right field, breaking the game open at 4–1.
The Cardinals added two more in the fifth, capitalizing on a walk-filled inning that included RBI contributions from
Rachel Miller and
Kylie Galownia on a sacrifice fly.
In the circle,
Addison Yoder delivered 6.1 strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out four.
Kiley King entered for the final two outs, securing her first save of the season without allowing a hit.
Game Two – Ohio Northern 3, Otterbein 1
Game two unfolded as a tight pitchers' duel, with Otterbein striking first in the opening inning.
Caitlin Wilkins walked, advanced on a wild pitch, and later scored on an RBI groundout from Calkins to give the Cardinals a 1–0 lead.
Ohio Northern evened the score in the fourth, taking advantage of a defensive miscue before pushing across the go‑ahead runs in the seventh. The Polar Bears opened the final frame with a solo homer and RBI double to extend the lead to 3–1.
Otterbein threatened early and often, including six total hits and multiple runners in scoring position, but Ohio Northern worked out of trouble repeatedly to take the win.
Kara Mekulsia turned in a solid start for the Cardinals, allowing just one unearned run over five innings before King and
Kaycee Berentz handled the late frames.
Otterbein travels this weekend to Wilmington for more OAC action. Opening pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.
