ADA, OHIO – The Mount St. Joseph University softball team split its doubleheader Saturday at Ohio Northern, winning Game 1, 5–2, vs. Ohio Wesleyan and losing Game 2, 8–6, vs. Alma.
GAME ONE | Ohio Wesleyan 2 – MSJ 5
Ohio Wesleyan struck first in the top of the second, taking an early 1–0 lead. The Lions threatened in the bottom of the inning but could not bring any runners across. The Battling Bishops added another run in the top of the fourth to extend their lead to 2–0.
After being quiet through the first three innings, the Mount exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth. Alayna Flynn singled through the right side, scoring Natali McGuire, who had singled to start the inning. Skylar Fletcher also scored on an error, tying the game at 2–2. The next batter, Shelby Rakosky, singled to score Flynn and give the Lions their first lead of the game at 3–2. Sydney Hughbanks followed with a single up the middle, scoring Rakosky and Kennady Johnson, who had walked, putting the Mount ahead 5–2.
Over the final three innings, Lesleigh Reimers came in and shut Ohio Wesleyan down, allowing only two hits. The Lions' defense was strong, turning a double play in the seventh to help secure the 5–2 win.
Shelby Rakosky went 2-for-4 with an RBI, Sydney Hughbanks went 1-for-2 with two RBIs, and Alayna Flynn went 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Lesleigh Reimers earned the win, pitching three and one-third innings while allowing two hits and one walk.
GAME TWO | MSJ 6 – Alma 8
In Game 2, neither team scored in the first two innings, keeping the game tied at 0–0. In the bottom of the third, the Scots scored four runs to take a 4–0 lead. Alma added another run in the fifth to extend its lead to 5–0.
In the top of the fifth, the Mount got on the board after Shelby Rakosky tripled to lead off the inning and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Avery Wiltermood, making it 5–1. The Scots responded with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 7–1 lead.
Mollie Sharp singled to left-center in the top of the seventh, scoring Avery Wiltermood, who had led off the inning with a single. After Sydney Doyle scored on a wild pitch, the Lions trailed 7–3. Calli Fletcher then singled up the middle, scoring Olivia Woodson. Alayna Flynn reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Kayla Bain, who had singled. The Mount added another run on a wild pitch to cut the deficit to 8–6. The Lions had the tying run on base but were unable to complete the comeback, falling 8–6.
Shelby Rakosky went 3-for-4 with a triple and a walk, Avery Wiltermood went 1-for-2 with an RBI, Mollie Sharp went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, Kayla Bain went 2-for-3, Calli Fletcher went 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Skylar Fletcher went 2-for-3 with a double.
UP NEXT
The Mount will travel to Wilmore, Kentucky, on Tuesday, March 24, to play a doubleheader vs. Asbury University. Game 1 is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., with Game 2 to follow at approximately 6:00 p.m.
