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AKRON, Ohio – The No. 2 Ohio softball team (31-23) returned to action on Friday afternoon (May 10) in the 2024 Mid-American Conference Tournament, falling to No. 1 Miami (47-7), 3-1, inside Firestone Stadium. 
 
Overall, Ohio scored one run on three hits and did not commit an error, while Miami scored three runs on six hits and did not commit an error. 
 
At the plate, junior Lauren Yuhas recorded one hit, drew a walk, and scored one run, while juniors Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) and CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) both had one hit and drew walk. Freshman Izzie Wilson (Delaware, Ohio) recorded one RBI and drew a walk. 
 
In the circle, redshirt sophomore Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio) was got the start, allowing three runs on four hits. Freshman Mikie Lieving (New Haven, W.Va.) entered the game in the bottom of the first, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing no runs on two hits, while walking three and striking out two. 
 
The Bobcats struck first in the top of the first, taking advantage of Miami walks, with Yuhas scoring on a sacrifice fly from Wilson, giving Ohio a 1-0 lead going to the bottom of the frame. However, Miami responded in the bottom of the inning, scoring three runs on four hits, taking a 3-1 lead going into the second inning. 
 
Ohio threatened to get the runs back in the top of the second. With two outs, Keidel drew a walk and then Yuhas reached on a bunt single, putting runners on second and third. However, Miami was able to get a strikeout the next at bat to end the inning, sending the game to the bottom of the inning with the Bobcats trailing, 3-1. 
 
After a 1-2-3 inning from Miami in the bottom of the second, Ohio tried to push another run across in the top of the third. Hoffner led the inning off with a lead-off single and moved to second on a ground out. However, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize, sending the game to the bottom of the inning still trailing 3-1. 
 
The Bobcats would garner bases runners over the next few innings; however, Ohio was unable to capitalize offensively. On the defensive end, the Bobcats were able to hold the RedHawks off the board, including in the bottom of the fourth inning in which Lieving only threw four pitches to retire Miami in order. Miami would also get base runners on the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings, but once again, the Ohio defense was able to turn a double play to end both innings, keeping the Ohio deficit at two entering the top of the seventh inning. 
 
Ohio looked to rally in the top of the seventh inning, however, the Miami defense was able to send Ohio down in order to secure the 3-1 win. 
 
Up next, Ohio returns to action later tonight to take on the winner of Toledo/Ball State in the final elimination game of the day. First pitch is scheduled for around 6:30 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+. 
 
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