Box Score The Ashland University softball team won its opening game at the GLIAC Tournament Friday (Apr. 27), finishing off Hillsdale, 11-0 in four and a half innings.
The Eagles (40-13) collected 10 hits and for the second time this week, freshman outfielder Taylor Menhart (Lodi, Ohio) had five RBI in a game. Menhart doubled to drive in one run and belted a grand slam in a five-run second inning. Menhart is hitting .361 with six homers and 39 RBI. She has a .608 slugging percentage. Menhart was 2-for-3 against the Chargers (25-23).
AU also got a homer from junior catcher Tawna Garver (Mansfield, Ohio/Hillsdale). Garver was 2-for-3 with three RBI. Garver is second on the club with eight homers. Freshman designated player Jerrica Young (Loudonville, Ohio) was 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles and senior third baseman Alyssa Kelley (Mentor, Ohio) was 2-for-2 with two doubles.
Starter Emlyn Knerem (Brunswick, Ohio) pitched the first three innings and raised her record to 27-3. The 27 wins is a career high for the right-hander. Knerem allowed one hit. Amber McDermott (Creston, Ohio/Norwayne) pitched the final two innings.
The Eagles have won two of three games against Hillsdale this season. Ashland will play Wayne State at 4 p.m., Friday. The Warriors defeated Tiffin in their first-round game Friday. WSU has taken three of four games against AU this season. The Eagles are the second seed in this tournament and are ranked second in the region.
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