WESTERVILLE, Ohio — The Otterbein softball team wrapped up its home slate on Saturday afternoon, dropping a doubleheader to Capital University by scores of 8-4 and 5-1 at the Otterbein Softball Field.
Despite the results, the Cardinals showed flashes offensively throughout the day and were highlighted by a historic individual achievement from senior
Caitlin Wilkins.
Wilkins capped off a remarkable season at the plate, achieving a new Otterbein single season record for batting average. She becomes just the second player in program history to finish above the .500 mark, joining Laura Basford (.504), further cementing her place in the Cardinal record books.
GAME ONE: Capital 8, Otterbein 4
Otterbein struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on early pressure as Wilkins reached base and came around to score on a Capital miscue. The Cardinals later battled back in the fourth, plating two runs to even the game at 3-3 behind a key RBI single from
Lexi Hart and aggressive baserunning that manufactured another run.
Wilkins continued to pace the offense, finishing a perfect 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored, consistently setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
A four-run top of the fifth gave Capital breathing room, but Otterbein responded in the bottom half with Wilkins igniting the offense to push a run across.
In the circle,
Addison Yoder started the contest, while
Kiley King provided three innings of relief work, allowing just one run and keeping the Cardinals within reach late.
GAME TWO: Capital 5, Otterbein 1
The Cardinals were locked in a tight battle through the first four innings of game two before Capital broke through in the fourth. Otterbein responded in the fifth in a big way as Wilkins launched a solo home run to left field to cut into the deficit.
Otterbein continued to threaten, collecting five hits in the contest, including knocks from
Kaylie Eichorn,
Maggie McVicker,
Emma Calkins, and
Bre Preston, but could not string together the timely hits needed to complete the comeback.
Kaycee Berentz got the start in the circle, while
Kara Mekulsia provided solid relief, allowing just two unearned runs over the final three innings.
The doubleheader closes the book on Otterbein's 2026 season, as the Cardinals look ahead with momentum built through growth and a record-breaking year from senior
Caitlin Wilkins.
