On Friday, May 1, the Ashland University softball team kept its run in the 2026 Great Midwest Athletic Conference tournament alive.

After the Eagles dropped their opening matchup of the day to the University of Findlay Oilers, falling 15-1, they returned to action later in the evening and were able to respond. They took on the Hillsdale College Chargers in the consolation semifinal round, downing them in comeback fashion,  6-5.

In game one, the Eagles' lone run was bashed in by Sophia Martin, who homered in the fifth inning, cutting the score down, 8-1. Unfortunately, the Oilers cut the game short just an inning later with the run rule after scoring six runs.

Hoping into game two, the Eagles' campaign was likely on the line.

And they recognized the stakes.

Hillsdale struck first with a solo home run in the opening inning and later built a 5-2 lead after a three-run fifth.

But Ashland didn't fold, responding in a big way in the bottom half of the inning. After loading the bases, Sophia Martin delivered the biggest swing of the night, blasting a go-ahead grand slam to put the Eagles in front 6-5.

Ashland had previously gotten on the board in the third inning thanks to a two-RBI single from Amanda Kolar, while Ashley Veldheer led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate.

In the circle, Olivia Amstutz earned the win in relief, tossing three innings and allowing just one run while helping shut the door late.

Up next, Ashland will prepare for the G-MAC final, where they will take on the Oilers yet again. With the Eagles not taking them down yet in tournament play, they will have to beat the Oilers twice to win the championship.