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ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio softball team (22-16, 12-4 MAC) returned to action Tuesday afternoon (April 11), defeating Kent State (9-24, 4-7 MAC), 3-2, in comeback fashion in game one of a three-game series at the Ohio Softball Field. 
 
Overall, Ohio scored three runs on eight hits and committed one error, while Kent State scored two runs on six hits and committed one errors. 
 
Individually, senior Alexis Dawe (Valley Springs, Calif.) went 2-for-3, while freshman Belle Hummel (Cincinnati, Ohio) also went 2-for-3 on the day. Junior Sydney Grein (Mokena, Ill.) had a triple and run scored and freshman Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) had a double and run scored. Junior Yasmine Logan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) added a hit and an RBI, while sophomore CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) recorded a double, RBI and a run scored. 
 
In the circle, redshirt freshman Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio) got the start, pitching seven innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on six hits, while walking three and striking out four. 
 
Kent State threatened in the top of the first inning, putting runners on second and third with one out. However, Miller was able to get the next batter to strikeout and Wrestler snagged a line drive down the third base line, ending the threat and sending the game to bottom of the frame scoreless. The Bobcats looked to get on the board in the bottom of the inning when Hummel reached on a leadoff hit. However, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize, sending the game to the second scoreless. 
 
Kent State struck in the top of the second, scoring on a two-out RBI double, putting the Flashes up 1-0 going into the bottom of the second. Ohio threatened in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff single from Dawe and then moved to second after a walk from sophomore Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.). However, Kent State was able to get the next three outs, ending the threat and sending the game to the third with Ohio trailing, 1-0. Kent State added on in the top of the third, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly, putting the Flashes up 2-0. 
 
Ohio attempted to get a run back in the bottom of the fourth when Dawe reached on a one-out single. However, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize, sending the game to the fifth still trailing, 2-0. Ohio tied the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. After Westler doubled down the left field line to lead off the inning, she then scored when Keidel reached on an error, cutting the Ohio deficit to one. After Hummel reached on a single and stole second, Keidel then scored on a bunt single from Logan, tying the game at 2-2 going into the sixth inning.  
 
Ohio took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. After Grein reached on a one-out triple off the top of the right center wall, Keidel ripped a first-pitch two-out double off the right field wall, scoring Grein, putting Ohio up 3-2 going into the top of the seventh. 
 
Kent State looked to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning. After Kent State got the leadoff batter on with a single, the Bobcats' defense was able to turn a double play, clearing the bases. However, the Flashes managed to get runners back on base with a walk and a hit by pitch, putting runners on first and second with two outs. However, Miller and the Ohio defense were able to get the final batter of the inning to ground out, securing Ohio's 3-2 win. 
 
Up next, the Bobcats return to action on Wednesday for a doubleheader with Kent State starting at 1 p.m. at the Ohio Softball Field. 
 
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