SALINA, Kan. – The Ottawa University softball team is on an eight game winning streak with two victories over Kansas Wesleyan University on Wednesday afternoon at Salina South High School. Ottawa won game one 10-3 and then rallied in the top of the seventh to take an 8-7 victory in game two.

Game One
Ottawa took the early lead in the top of the first inning. With two outs, Allison Kearney singled down the left field line and advanced to second on an error by the KWU second baseman. A wild pitch moved Kearney 60 feet from home. Madison Bunfill scored her with a double to center and the Braves had a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the fourth inning, the OU offense exploded for eight runs on five hits and one error, taking a 9-0 lead over KWU.

The Coyotes cut into the Brave lead, scoring one run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to get with in 9-3. Ottawa scored one more run in the top of the seventh. Aliks Serna's single to center scored Bunfill to give OU a 10-3 lead.

Loralei Gilbert pitched the bottom of the seventh for OU. It was three up and three down as the Braves took the 10-3 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Madison Bunfill went 3-for-4 with three doubles. She drove in three runs and crossed home plate twice.
• Aliks Serna and Katie Enneking had two RBI apiece.
• Ashlynn Mercer pitched six innings, striking out three.
• Loralei Gilbert pitched the seventh, not allowing a hit.

Game Two
Ottawa took the lead in the top of the first inning. With two on, Madison Bunfill hit a home run over the left field fence and OU had a 3-0 lead.

After a scoreless second and third innings, KWU cut into the Brave lead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, 3-2. The Coyotes scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth, taking a 6-3 lead over the Braves.

Ottawa rallied in the top of the seventh. The Braves loaded the bases and Zoe Butts walked, scoring Bunfill to put OU within 6-4 of the Coyotes. Riley Newbold put the ball in play, reaching first on a fielder's choice. Everyone was safe and Staci Bond crossed home plate to cut the KWU lead to 6-5.

Katie Enneking tied the game with a fielder's choice up the middle. Kara Hafenstine scored on the batted ball and Macey Morris scored on the throw, giving OU a 7-6 lead. Ottawa scored its final run the of inning when Riley Newbold scored on a wild pitch, giving OU an 8-6 lead.

Kansas Wesleyan tried to respond in the bottom of the seventh. The Coyotes scored a run, cutting the Brave lead to 8-7. Ashlynn Mercer entered the game in relief with two Coyotes on and got the final out to give the Braves the 8-7 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Emma Melvin went 3-for-4 at the plate.
• Macey Morris, Hannahy Copeland, and Madison Bunfill had two hits apiece.
• Bunfill led OU with three RBI.
• Loralei Gilbert recorded the win, striking out one.
• Ashlynn Mercer recorded the save.

Who is Next
Ottawa (21-4, 6-0) will host Avila University on Saturday, March 25 at Alumni Park. Game one of the double header is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.