Hanover, IN – The Wittenberg softball team hit the road to begin their 2021 season, coming off an electric 7-3 season that was cut short a year ago. The Tigers picked up right where they left off, taking the first of what was supposed to be a two-game series from the Hanover College Panthers, 4-3. Returning All-North Coast honoree, Elise Freeland began her senior season going 3 for 4 from the plate, knocking in two runs on the day. Megan Niswonger tallied two hits in three plate appearances, knocking in one run to open her senior season with a multi-hit day.

Game Breakdown

Wittenberg was the first to strike, plating their first run in the fourth inning, as Brianna Busic crossed home on the Megan Niswonger single up the middle. The Tiger offense came alive once again in the sixth inning, with an Elaina Adams double to left field, driving in Sam Lindsey and the second Wittenberg run of the afternoon. Wittenberg jumped ahead 4-0, coming off of an Elise Freeland double to left, bringing around Adams and Katelyn Niswonger. Three late runs from the Panthers in the sixth inning proved threatening but not enough to overtake the Tigers. Wittenberg collected seven hits on the afternoon, as Megan Niswonger swiped the only stolen base of the first game. Katelyn Niswonger tossed five innings of scoreless ball, allowing six hits and striking out four Panthers. Kira van Ravensberg made her collegiate debut, earning the save with 1.2 innings pitched, and no runs allowed, and just two hits.

Unfortunately, game two between the Tigers and the Panthers was called off due to darkness.

UP NEXT

Wittenberg will return to action on Wednesday, March 10 making their home debut hosting Defiance College in a doubleheader from Betty Doughman Dillahunt Field, beginning at 3:30 pm.