The Ashland University softball team has completed yet another mid-season non-conference bout.
On Wednesday, March 25, the Eagles traveled east to take on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks in an out-of-conference clash. The two sides squared away for two games, with the Eagles falling in the first game of the series, 15-9, before bouncing back and securing a win in the second game, 9-5.
In the opener, the Eagles showcased their power with a seven-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Delaney Maynard and a two-run blast by Kujawski. While that set the stage for what was expected to be an exciting affair, the Crimson Hawks weren't going to bat an eye.
Despite the incredible third inning for Ashland, runs in all but the third for the Crimson Hawks accounted for 15 total players running across home plate. They ultimately won that high-scoring matchup, 15-9.
Ashland finished with 12 hits and nine runs in the game. Robbins collected three hits in the contest, while Kolar added two hits and two RBIs.
Needing a response, the Eagles came out and replicated their offensive efforts from game one, while also locking down the Crimson Hawks better defensively.
In the second game, Ashland wasted no time setting the tone, scoring four runs in the opening inning behind RBI hits from Amanda Kolar, Cassidy Shaffer, Kate Kujawski and Kyndall Spicer.
The early surge gave the Eagles a cushion they would not let go of, adding yet another run onto the scoreboard in the second inning. They took a couple of innings off before yet again breaking open the scoring in the fifth.
Raelyn Koesters delivered an RBI double, followed by run-producing hits from Ashley Veldheer and Danielle Robbins, extending the lead to 8-0.
The Crimson Hawks responded with a four-run fifth inning, but Ashland starter Sophia Smithnosky settled in and went the distance, allowing just four hits while striking out three to earn the win.
Ashland surpassed their hit mark from game one, putting up 18 in game two.
The win pushes the Eagles' overall record to 15-9 on the campaign, all while maintaining a perfect 4-0 record in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play.
Up next, Ashland returns to action on Thursday, March 26, with a two-game set against the University of Findlay Oilers. The first game is set to start at 1:00 p.m. EST with game two to directly follow.
