Softball claims key conference sweep of Muskingum

By Ashley Birchmeier

ADA — The Ohio Northern softball team claimed a key sweep of Ohio Athletic Conference opponent Muskingum 2-1, 2-0 Saturday afternoon at the ONU Softball Field.

The Polar Bears improve to 17-13 overall, 6-4 OAC, while Muskingum falls to 12-18, 4-6.

Northern was led by senior Tessa Topp who went 2-for-5 on the day with 2 RBIs.

In game one it took extra innings as ONU was able to plate the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning following an over throw by the Fighting Muskies shortstop.

Freshman Kaitlin Surdej got the call in game one, pitching a complete game surrendering just one run. Surdej recorded five strike outs in the contest.

The Polar Bears would plate the games first run in the bottom of the second inning as sophomore Leanna Henry single to right field scoring Topp.

Muskingum would find an equalizer in the bottom of the third inning tying the game at 1-1.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, junior Anna Martin would spark the offense reaching base on a single up the middle.

Junior Megan Hupp would use a single of her own to place runners in scoring position.

After a walk to sophomore Jenna Hollar loaded the bases, freshman Kylie Asmus came through with a hard hit to short to plate the game winning run.

Northern recorded a game-high 11 hits in the 2-1 victory.

Sophomore Kirsten Lightel took the mound in game two pitching a 2 hit shutout. 

The Polar Bears plated the games only runs in the bottom of the first inning as Topp hit a two RBI single up the middle that would score Asmus and Hollar.

Northern out hit Muskingum 6-2 in the contest.

The Polar Bears return to action Sunday as they play host to Mt. St. Joseph. Northern will also be celebrating Senior Day.