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HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – The Ohio softball team (17-8) returned to action Wednesday evening (March 19), falling to Marshall (16-13), 3-2, at Dot Hicks Field. 

Overall, Ohio scored two runs on seven hits and did not commit an error, while Marshall scored three runs on five hits and committed three errors. 

Individually, senior CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) had one double and and one RBI, while senior Lauren Yuhas (West Mifflin, Pa.) added a hit and an RBI. Junior Belle Hummel (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded one hit, drew a walk and scored a run, while senior Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) recorded one hit and drew a walk. Junior Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) and freshman Abby Kennelly (Waterville, Ohio) added singles, while sophomore Brenna Farmer (Mt. Blanchard, Ohio) added another double for the Bobcats. 

In the circle, freshman Anna Wise (Broadview Heights, Ohio) got the start, pitching three innings, while allowing three runs on three hits, while walking three and striking out four. Sophomore Mikie Lieving (New Haven, W. Va.) pitched three innings and did not allow a run on two hits, did not walk a batter and struck out one. 

Ohio threatened in the top of the first when Farmer reached on a double, however, the Marshall defense was able to get the final out of the inning to send the game to the bottom of the frame still scoreless. After Marshall took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an RBI double, the Bobcats threatened to tie the game in the top of the second when Westler doubled and Kennelly reached on a single to put runners on first and third with two outs, however, the Bobcats did not capitalize, sending the game to the bottom of the inning with Marshall still leading 1-0. 

After Marshall took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third on a solo home run, they added on in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI single to give the Herd a 3-0 lead after four full innings of play. 

The Bobcats got on the board in the top of the fifth inning. With two outs, Hummel singled and moved to second on an error, setting up an RBI single from Yuhas for Ohio's first run of the game. Moments later, Keidel doubled to left score Yuhas to cut to cut the deficit to 3-2 after five innings of play. 

After a scoreless sixth inning, Ohio looked to rally in the top of the seventh. With one out, Hummel walked and moved to third when Keidel reached on an error. Moments later, Keidel stole second, putting two runners in scoring position with two outs. unfortunately, the Marshall defense was able to record the final put, securing the 3-2 victory for the Herd. 

Up next, the Bobcats are back in Athens to open MAC play March 21-22 when Ohio hosts Buffalo for a three-game series at the Ohio Softball Field. Due to weather, the series is moved to a doubleheader on Friday starting at 1 p.m., with a single game on Saturday set for 1 p.m. ET. All four games can be seen on ESPN+. 

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