Springfield, Ohio – The Wittenberg University softball team dropped their NCAC home opener to the Terriers of Hiram College on Saturday afternoon from Betty Doughman Dillahunt Field. The Tigers dropped the first game in a close 4-2 battle, before falling 7-0 in the final game of the series. Before the two teams squared off, the Tigers welcomed a special guest to throw out the first pitch, as they celebrated their Tiger Youth Day while raising money to Strike Out Cancer.
Game Breakdown
The two sides battled it out through the early going, as neither team could push across a run through the first two innings of action. Hiram would be the first to strike in the top of the third inning, adding three more in the fifth. Wittenberg would start their comeback in the bottom half of the fifth inning. Briana Gibson singled to the left side, bringing home Missy Lee for the first Tiger run of the day. Later in the inning, Nikki Hawkins reached on the Hiram fielder's choice, allowing Aubrie Stillings to come home and cut the Terriers lead in half, 4-2. With one final comeback attempt, Elise Freeland grounded out to the right side, scoring Lee for the second time on the day, and bringing home the final Wittenberg run of the first game. Katelyn Niswonger went the distance for the Red and White, allowing 10 hits in seven innings and striking out eight.
In game two the Tigers tallied five hits with Stillings leading the way, going 2 for 3 from the dish.
UP NEXT
Wittenberg will continue NCAC action on Sunday, April 7 when they travel to Oberlin College for a two-game series set to start at 1:00 PM.