Softball falls to Ohio Northern in extra innings to conclude OAC Tournament run

The Muskingum softball team fell to the Ohio Northern Polar Bears in extra innings, by a score of 7-3, to conclude their run in the OAC Tournament.

Notables

• The Muskies (28-13 overall) will now wait and see if they get an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament when the NCAA Selection Show airs at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13.
• Sophomore Cara Taylor and freshman Natalie Smith were named to the 2024 All-OAC Tournament Team for their performances in the tournament. 

The Basics

• Records: Muskingum (28-13 overall), Ohio Northern (24-19 overall)
• Location: Alliance, Ohio
• Attendance: 142

How It Happened

• In the bottom of the third inning, sophomore Cara Taylor blasted a homer over the centerfielder’s head to give the Muskies a 1-0 lead.
• The Polar Bears responded with a two-run shot over the left field fence in the top of the fourth inning. The home run gave Ohio Northern a 2-1 advantage.
• In the top of the fifth inning, the Polar Bears added another run on a solo shot over the left field fence to put the score at 3-1, in favor of Ohio Northern.
• The Muskies tacked on a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, using a sacrifice fly by freshman Taryn Mickley to bring freshman Aimee Heasley home from third base. 
• In the bottom of the sixth inning, Muskingum tied the ball game at 3-3 with a senior Rosie Hayes double into left field that scored freshman Olivia Rapol.
• In the top of the ninth inning, the Polar Bears added four runs. 

Inside the Numbers

• The Muskies finished with three runs, 10 hits, three RBI’s, and were walked twice.
• Taylor fired off two hits, one RBI, and one run scored to lead the Muskie offense.
• Hayes and Mickley both added two hits and one RBI into the mix.
• Rapol and Heasley each scored a run in the contest.
• Sophomore Sadie Smith, freshman Natalie Smith, freshman Kenzie Standerfer, and freshman Eliana Shaheen each had a hit.
• Senior Madelyn Thomas got the start in the circle for Muskingum. She went 4.2 innings and allowed three runs on five hits, while striking out three batters.
• Freshman Tareyn Born came in for relief and went 4.1 innings while striking out five batters, while giving up four runs.
• The Polar Bears were led by Carlie Schroeder who tallied four hits.
• Ashley Lenser pitched all nine innings for Ohio Northern.