DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University softball team continued conference play on Saturday, playing host to Wooster. The Battling Bishops took game one 4-1 on the strength of a clutch three-run sixth. The nightcap saw the Red and Black battle back from a 2-1 deficit after four, using a two-run fifth-inning surge to secure a 3-2 win and finalize the sweep.

With the wins, Ohio Wesleyan improves to 6-18 overall, and picks up their first two conference wins, making them 2-4. Wooster drops to 12-10 on the season, with a 3-3 mark in conference. 

In between games, seniors Makenna Knisley, Kelsey Shiley, and Jessie Spurling were recognized for their contributions to the Ohio Wesleyan University softball program. 

GAME ONE: OHIO WESLEYAN 4, WOOSTER 1
After a scoreless first inning, the Bishops opened up scoring in the bottom of the second. Jessie Spurling ripped a double in the right center gap to lead off the inning. Three batters later, Natalie Russell singled up the middle to bring home Lexi Stratton–who came on to run for Spurling. The next three innings were quiet offensively from both sides. 

In the bottom of the sixth, the Red and Black busted the game open. A single from Shelby Morris, followed by a Chameron Vanden Eynden walk quickly put two runners on. Rylee Myers was next, who laid down a perfectly executed bunt that allowed her to reach safely. Surling came up big for the Bishops once again, this time blasting a double down the left field line, bringing Morris and Vanden Eynden home. With runners on second and third and just one away, Kelsey Shiley grounded out to second base, allowing Myers to score. Ohio Wesleyan led Wooster 4-0 after six innings. 

Down to their final at-bats, the Fighting Scots threatened in the seventh. A single, then a walk, followed by a double to right field brought Wooster's first run across with nobody out. Fortunately for the Bishops, the rally stalled there, as Olivia Basil forced groundouts to the next two batters and slammed the door shut with a strikeout. OWU defeated Wooster 4-1 in game one–their first victory since March 13th and first NCAC win this season.

Olivia Basil (W, 2-8) got the start in the circle and was phenomenal, going the distance and striking out eight. 

Spurling led the offensive charge, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Myers, Russell, and Morris all finished with one hit. Myers and Morris each came around to score once, while Russell tacked on an RBI. 

Both Vanden Eynden and Stratton finished with one run scored. 

Shiley had one RBI. 

GAME TWO: OHIO WESLEYAN 3, WOOSTER 2
Ohio Wesleyan got on the board early in game two courtesy of a two-out rally. Rylea Gist ignited the offense with a double to right field. Jessie Spurling plated Gist after ripping a ball to the center fielder, who could not handle it. In the top of the third, the Wooster fired back with two runs of their own. A sacrifice fly brought their first run across, followed by an RBI single to give the Fighting Scots a 2-1 lead over the Bishops. 

After a scoreless fourth inning, the Red and Black regained the lead in the fifth. Shelby Morris led the inning off with a single to center field and advanced to second on a fielding error. Chameron Vanden Eynden followed with a perfectly placed bunt down the third-base line, beating the throw for a base hit while moving Morris into scoring position at third. Rylee Myers moved Vanden Eynden up to second with a sacrifice bunt. With two runners in scoring position, Gist lofted a clutch RBI single just over the first baseman's head. Both Morris and Vanden Eynden touched home on the play, vaulting the Bishops into a 3-2 lead. Wooster was unable to reach base safely in the remaining two innings, giving Ohio Wesleyan their second win of the day to complete the sweep, 3-2. 

Emma Dahlstrom got the start in game two, going 2.1 innings. Makenna Knisley (W, 2-3) tossed the final 4.2 innings and was lights out, allowing just one hit. 

Morris finished game two a perfect 3-for-3 and came around to score once. 

Gist was 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run scored.

Shiley also had two hits in three at-bats.

Vanden Eynden, Viera Barrett, and Liv Yeary all finished with one hit. Vanden Eynden added one run scored. 

UP NEXT
The Battling Bishops will look to continue the victorious weekend tomorrow, as they welcome Oberlin to Margaret Sagan Field for a doubleheader as part of their Strikeout Cancer Games. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.