Softball improves to 7-1 on season with victories over Misericordia (Pa.), Wheaton (Ill.)

By Caleb Scott

CLERMONT, Fla. — Junior Anna Martin (Huntsburg/Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) and junior Jenna Hollar (Lima/Bath) led the Ohio Northern softball team to victories over Misericordia (Pa.) and WHeaton (Ill.) on Thursday at the Spring Games in Clermont, Fla.

The Polar Bears (7-1 overall) topped MC (2-6) 5-1 on Thursday morning and downed WC (2-7) 3-2 on Thursday afternoon.

Martin and Hollar each had four base hits on the day.

Against Misericordia, Martin and Hollar got on base in the top of the first and junior Leanna Henry (West Jefferson) hit a 2-RBI double to give ONU an early 2-0 lead.

Henry would plate Hollar again in the top of the third as she laid down a squeeze bunt extend the lead to 3-0.

With freshman Jordan Cloonan (Kirtland/Cornerstone Christian) on base, freshman Sam Arnold (Uhrichsville/Claymont) drove her home with a triple to make it 4-0 in the top of the fourth inning.

Arnold would add the final run in the top of the fourth for ONU as Martin hit a single to drive home the freshman and push the lead to 5-0.

The Cougars would tack on a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, but were unable to gain anymore ground as Ohio Northern went on to win the contest.

Freshman Kaitlin Surdej (Lancaster/Central) earned the victory in the circle for ONU and improved 3-1 on the year.

In the nightcap against the Thunder, ONU scored single runs in the bottom of the second, third and sixth innings to rally from an early 2-0 deficit.

Senior Megan Hupp (Delaware/Olentangy) scored on a WC error in the bottom of the sixth to snap a 2-all tie.

Junior Kirsten Lightel (Tallmadge) improved to 4-0 in the circle, striking our seven and allowing only one earned run.

The Polar Bears will return to action on Friday with games against Roger Williams (R.I.) and Sage (N.Y.)