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AKRON, Ohio – The No. 2 Ohio Softball Team (31-24) concluded the 2024 season on Friday night (May 10), falling to No. 6 Ball State (29-28) in the final elimination game of the day at the 2024 Mid-American Conference Tournament, falling by the final of 5-1 at Firestone Stadium. 
 
Overall, Ohio scored one run on four hits and committed two errors, while Ball State scored five runs on eight hits and committed one error. 
 
At the plate, freshman Izzie Wilson (Delaware, Ohio) recorded a triple and a run scored, while junior Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Ohio) had a hit and a walk. Junior CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) added a bunt single with sophomore Shelby Westler (Marion Ohio) adding a single. Seniors Annalia Paoli (Point Marion, Pa.) and Yasmine Logan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) both drew walks. 
 
In the circle, freshman Mikie Lieving (New Haven, W. Va.) got the start, allowing three runs, two earned on four hits, while walking one and striking out two. Redshirt sophomore Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio) entered the game in the fourth, allowing two runs on four hits, while walking one. Senior Ellie Greene (Attica, Mich.) finished out the game, pitching one inning and did not allow a run or a hit. 
 
After Ball State stranded a runner in the top of the first, Ohio threatened in the bottom of the inning. With one out, Logan drew a walk and moved to second on a single from Hoffner, putting a runner in scoring position still with one out. However, the Cardinals' defense was able to work out of the jam, sending the game to the second still scoreless. 
 
Ball State got on the board first in the top of the third inning. After the Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs, Ball State scored on a sacrifice fly, advancing runners to second and third in the process. After Ohio picked the runner off at third, Lieving was able to force a ground out to end the inning, sending the game to the bottom of the inning with Ohio trailing, 1-0. 
 
Ball state added on in the top of the fourth, scoring two runs on two hits with one error, taking a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the fourth. Ball State would add two more runs in the top of the fifth, taking a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the frame. The Bobcats looked to get a run back in the bottom of the fifth after Keidel reached on a bunt single. However, they were unable to capitalize, moving to the sixth trailing 5-0. 
 
Ohio got a run in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Wilson tripled down the right field line, then scoring on a wild pitch. Then with two outs and senior Sydney Grein (Mokena, Ill.) on third, freshman Emily Caron (Cumming, Ga.) entered the game to pinch hit and crushed a ball to center, however the Ball State centerfielder was able to match a diving catch, ending the inning with Ohio still trailing, 5-1. 
 
Ohio looked to rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, with Westler leading the inning off with a single up the middle. However, Ohio was unable to capitalize, falling to Ball State, 5-1.
 
The loss concluded the Bobcats 2024 season. Stay tuned to OhioBobcats.com for any news in the offseason. 
 
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