The Ohio softball team had another tough weekend in its second tournament of the season at the Louisiana State Purple and Gold Challenge this weekend against Louisiana State and Columbia.
The Bobcats got players on base and then left them there. Ohio's (2-9 overall) troubles began when players weren't hitting well then escalated as the weekend progressed as the Bobcats lost five of six.
At first we had trouble with players getting hits
coach Roanna Brazier said. There were a couple of games where we had players on base but we couldn't get them to home plate. During the first day of the three-team round robin tournament, Ohio lost to Louisiana State and Columbia, 10-2 and 1-0, respectively.
Against the Tigers, Ohio earned its two runs with a walk drawn by utility player Debbie Szalejko and a home run by catcher Marian Davis in the fifth inning. The two runs were the only runs the Bobcats would earn en route to losing their first game of the tournament.
Ohio's second game was another disappointment as the team lost to Columbia in extra innings.
Pitchers Kerri Harley, Candy Warden and Natalie Armstrong held the Lions scoreless through seven innings. A run by Columbia in the eighth inning gave its the boost the team needed as Ohio was unable to score, losing its second game of the day.
The pitchers did significantly better this weekend Brazier said.
The Bobcats saw more of the same on the second day, losing to again to both teams, 13-0 to Louisiana State and 2-0 to Columbia.
Ohio had six hits in seven innings against the Lions, but could not get across home plate and left eight runners on base.
Pitcher Michelle Sauter pitched a complete game, giving up two runs in the bottom of the fifth.
The last day of the tournament was better for the Bobcats as the team beat Columbia, 2-1, though they lost their third straight game against Louisiana State, 10-2.
You can't lose that many games Brazier said.
During the win against Columbia, infielder Shannon Weidner hit in outfielder Kelly Rodriguez for Ohio's first run of the game. Infielder Robin Miller bunted in the winning run for the Bobcats.
Ohio was able to score two runs against the Tigers despite the loss with a two-run pitch-hit home run by Weidner.
Ohio is scheduled to play Greensboro at 2 p.m. Wednesday at home, though the game might be cancelled because of weather; coaches will make the decision today.
-Abbey Smith
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Abbey Smith
