Tigers Secure NCAC Tournament Spot With Sweep Of Oberlin

OBERLIN, Ohio – The Wittenberg softball team swept Oberlin by scores of 2-0 and 5-1 on Friday to clinch its third North Coast Athletic Conference tournament appearance in the last four seasons.

Leading the way again was junior Rachel Ross (Westerville, Ohio/South), who earned both wins in the circle with a two-hit complete game in the opener and four scoreless innings on a start in the second game.

With an injury to sophomore Julia Williams (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) placing much of the pitching responsibility on Ross' shoulders, she has done more than answer the call. Ross' last six decisions have all been wins as well as nine of her last 10, all part of the Tigers' impressive 10-3 record over the last 13 games. On the season, Ross boasts a 15-4 record.

With those totals, it may come as a surprise that Ross' two-hit, complete-game shutout in game one was her first of the year.

What that statistic reveals is the important part the Tiger offense has played all season, and today it was no different. The Tigers scored a winning run and an insurance run in the first game, and topped their season average of 4.96 with five runs in game two. On the year, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 144-95.

In game one, Ross delivered her own game-winning run on an RBI groundout in the first inning. Junior Kaitie Harrison (Springfield, Ohio/Kenton Ridge) then led off the fourth inning with her second home run of the season.

Oberlin managed just two hits and one walk against Ross while striking out six times.

Ross was tabbed again for the start in game two, and held the Yeowomen scoreless on four hits, one walk and two strikeouts over four innings of work. Williams, working her way back into the circle, took over for the final three frames and allowed just one Oberlin run on two hits, two strikeouts and no free passes.

The offense performed more like usual thanks to two hits apiece from freshman Loren Combs (Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin), junior Laura Rose (Riverside, Ohio/Stebbins) and Harrison. Rose and Harrison each finished the game with an RBI, as did sophomore Shelby Knapp (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) and freshman Kaela Hughes (Columbus, Ohio/Watterson), each on 1-3 hitting.

Combs stole three bases on the day to bring her season total to 22, which represents the third-best season in program history. Rose remains tied for first at 27, while freshman Shannon Lance (Loveland, Ohio/Kings) moved into sole possession of sixth place at 14 with one stolen base in each game.

The Tigers wrap up the regular season at home with four non-conference games over the next two days, starting with Case Western Reserve on Saturday and finishing against John Carroll on Sunday, both starting at 1 p.m.

John Strawn '07