Springfield, OH – The Wittenberg University softball team made their return to Betty Doughman Dillahunt stadium for the first time since April 27, 2019, when they split a doubleheader series with the Big Red of Denison University. The Tigers come off an opening day road win at Hanover College, hosting the Yellow Jackets from Defiance College, taking game one of the series, 7-6. The two sides battled back-and-forth for all seven innings, but the game ended tied at 3-3 and was called off due to darkness.

Game One Breakdown

The Tigers unleashed a scoring onslaught in the first inning, batting around the order and putting up five runs on the Yellow Jackets. Wittenberg ignited the scoring with Elise Freeland drawing the leadoff walk to start the game. Clara Andersen smacked a shot to the right side of the infield, causing the Defiance defense to make the error and pushing Freeland across. Mary Britton dropped the sacrifice bunt to bring home Andersen for the second Tiger run of the inning. Leading 2-0, Nikki Hawkins ripped a two-RBI single up the middle, advancing to third on Yellow Jackets throw home, as Britton and Megan Niswonger came around to score. Alex Gibson laid down the bunt single, scoring Hawkins and the fifth Tiger run of the inning, leaving the Yellow Jackets with now out to get. Defiance chipped away at the Tiger advantage, putting up three runs in the top of the third. Wittenberg added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth, a single by Julia Burch to left field, brought home Elaina Adams for the sixth Tiger run. Andersen tallied her second RBI of the game with a single up the middle, putting Wittenberg ahead 7-3. The Tiger defense made some big plays and worked out of some jams as the Yellow Jackets tallied three runs in the sixth, making their best effort at a comeback attempt.

Katelyn Niswonger got the start in game one for the Red and White, going the distance for the Tigers, allowing seven hits with three strikeouts.

Game Two Breakdown

The second game of the doubleheader series proved to be a thriller, as Wittenberg was the first strike. Freeland swiped third and was able to come home and score on the errant throw by the Yellow Jackets. Wittenberg had to play from behind in game two, as Defiance built a 3-1 advantage between the fourth and seventh innings. Wittenberg wouldn't go away easily, as the rally started with an RBI single by Freeland bringing home Adams, making it a 3-2 game. An error by the Yellow Jackets defense, allowed Burch to cross home for the third Tiger run of the night before the game was called due to darkness.

Kira van Ravensberg tossed five innings, allowing five hits while striking out four.

UP NEXT

Wittenberg will return to action on Sunday, March 14 hosting the Hiram College Terriers for a two-game series at 1:00 PM.