Springfield, OH – The Wittenberg University softball team hosted the Fighting Muskies of Muskingum University in their home opener on Tuesday afternoon from Doughman Dillahunt Field. The Tigers fell in a hard-fought first game by a final score of 12-4, collecting eight hits to start the day. Elise Freeland and Megan Niswonger led the Wittenberg offense with two hits each in two at-bats. The Red and White battled back in game two, falling by a tough 2-0 final.

Game One Breakdown

Muskingum jumped out to an early 3-1 advantage at the end of the first inning. Missy Lee brought in the first Wittenberg run, scoring Freeland on a bunt single. A Niswonger single to right field in the third inning cut the Muskingum lead in half at 4-2. The visitors bounced back posting six runs in the fourth and fifth innings, taking a 10-2 advantage. The Red and White responded with their final runs of the game, starting with a Freeland triple to right center, bringing home Lauren Buelow. Niswonger pushed the final Tiger run across with a single to score Freeland for the third time.  

Game Two Breakdown

It was a defensive standstill in game two, as neither side would allow the other any scoring opportunities through the early going. Katelyn Niswonger pitched seven total innings for the Red and White, including four scoreless. Niswonger tallied seven strikeouts while allowing just six hits, as the Muskies pushed their only two runs across in the top of the fifth. Seven different Tigers recorded a hit in the game, as Freeland continued her hitting streak.

UP NEXT

Wittenberg will travel to Thomas More College on Saturday, Mar. 23 to take on the Saints in a doubleheader starting at 1:00 PM.