Ordean throws shutout, offense erupts for 27 runs as Softball tops Illinois College, Northwestern (Minn.)

By Tim Glon

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Freshman Paige Ordean fired her third shutout of the young season and the Ohio Northern offense exploded in a 14-0 victory over Illinois College and a 13-9 victory over Northwestern (Minn.) on Friday evening at the Dot Richardson Games at the National Training Center.

The Polar Bears improve to 6-4 on the season.

Both games were called after six innings.

Ordean (5-2) threw her third shutout in just her sixth career start. The game was called after six innings due to the NCAA's 8-run rule.

Senior Carly McKenzie went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles to lead the ONU offense.

The Polar Bears out the game away with an 8-run sixth inning, sending 12 batters to the plate in the frame.

The offense stayed hot against Northwestern, as an 8-run fifth turned an 8-4 deficit into a 12-8 Polar Bear lead.

Juniors Adriana Sikora and Kelly Sheridan and sophomore Anne Dreher each hit home runs for ONU.

Sikora went 4-for-4 with two home runs, four runs scored and four RBI.

Dreher was 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI and Sheridan hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the sixth.

Just after Sheridan's home run, the lights went out and the game was called.

The Polar Bears will wrap up their spring break trip Saturday morning with games against Webster (Mo.) and Coe (Iowa).