Muskingum falls in opening OAC Tournament game

The Muskingum softball team fell in its opening game at the Ohio Athletic Conference Softball Tournament against top-seed Otterbien on Friday, 8-1.

The four-seed Muskies scored one run on four hits, while the Cardinals plated eight runs on nine hits.

Otterbein grabbed the early lead in the bottom of the second inning on a two-run triple by Alyson Shaw. 

The Muskies trimmed their deficit to 2-1 in the top of the fourth on an RBI single by freshman Alexia Dowdle. The Muskies had the bases loaded with two outs when Dowdle laced a base hit to left center. Freshman Caitlyn Huth scored from third on the play, while junior Rachel Eberling was tagged out at the plate attempting to score from second base.

The Cardinals took control of the game in the fifth inning by scoring five runs on six hits and completed the scoring in the sixth inning with one run on two hits.

Eberling took the loss after lasting 1.2 innings and allowing two runs on one hit. She also hit three batters. Senior Haylea Debolt tossed 2.2 innings of relief and allowed four runs on four hits, while freshman Gabrielle McNeil pitched the final 1.2 innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits.

Gabby Johnson earned the win after tossing a complete game four-hitter with one run. She ended the outing with seven strikeouts.

Shaw led the Cardinals going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Megan Garner went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Muskingum was paced at the plate by junior Krissy Hughes, who belted a double, and by Dowdle, Debolt and sophomore Jolyn Shunk who each registered a hit.

Muskingum next plays two-seed Heidelberg on Saturday, May 5. Game time is slated for 10:00 a.m. and will feature Live Audio on the Muskie Sports Network.