A perfect way to start conference play is by keeping a perfect record.
And that the Ashland University softball team did.
On Saturday, March 21, the Eagles traveled on the road to take on the Walsh University Cavaliers, where the two sides squared off for a doubleheader. The Eagles were electric, winning both games in convincing fashion.
Heading into the heart of the campaign, the Eagles are now 12-8 on the season and 2-0 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play.
In the first game, Ashland jumped out early with two runs in the first inning and never trailed. Danielle Robbins and Amanda Kolar sparked the offense at the top of the lineup, while Kate Kujawski drove in two runs on a pair of hits.
The Eagles added two more runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Maren Metikosh and Delaney Maynard to build a 4-0 lead.
Walsh chipped away with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, but Ashland responded with another run in the fifth and added an insurance run in the seventh, to finish out the game with a 6-3 scoreline.
Delaney Lis earned the complete-game win in the circle, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out four.
Heading into game two, Ashland had full control.
After a scoreless start, the Eagles broke through in the fourth inning when Sophia Martin delivered an RBI bunt single to make it 1-0. The game turned in the fifth inning, as Ashland erupted for six runs on seven hits.
Kujawski delivered a key two-run double, while Martin and Sidney Payton each added RBI singles. Raelyn Koesters also drove in a run during the rally to extend the lead to 7-0. Walsh managed its lone run in the bottom of the fifth, but Ashland answered with two more runs in the sixth to cap the scoring.
Olivia Amstutz earned the win, allowing one run on five hits over six innings while striking out six.Â
Up next, Ashland will prepare to return home for the team's Home Opener. They'll take on the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers from Deb Miller Field at the Archer Ballpark Complex with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m. EST. Game two will follow at 2:00 p.m. EST.Â
