The Oakland softball team split its two-game series with Northern Kentucky over the weekend. Strong pitching from Sydney Campbell helped Oakland to the win in game one.

With this win, Campbell became the program’s all-time leader in wins. 

Game 1

Oakland opened the Horizon League series against Northern Kentucky with a big, 3-1 victory on Friday afternoon. Campbell secured her fifth win of the season in the pitcher’s circle, and it was a strong effort all around from head coach Lauren Karn’s team.

The Norse got the scoring started in the third inning after a hitless first two innings from both sides. Campbell allowed the first hit of the game in the top of the third inning, and it came in the form of a leadoff double from Charly Koehler.

Two batters later, Northern Kentucky’s Ella LeMonier singled, bringing Koehler home for the first run of the game. 

Campbell worked her way out of the third-inning jam, and the Golden Grizzlies wasted no time in scoring a run of their own. In the home half of the third inning, redshirt junior Jen Krizka doubled, and sophomore Madi Herrington scored on the play. 

Oakland couldn’t plate any other Golden Grizzlies in the bottom of the third inning, and the teams entered the fourth inning tied, once again.

The pitcher’s duel resumed in the fourth inning, but in the bottom of the fifth, Oakland threatened again.

Krizka and Herrrington both got on base, and senior Reese Ruhlman tripled, bringing both Krizka and Herrington around to score. Ruhlman’s triple gave Oakland a 3-1 lead, which was all Campbell needed.

The Golden Grizzlies won the series opener, 3-1.

Game 2

The second game of the series didn’t go as Oakland had hoped. Sophomore pitcher Mia Konyvka got the start in the pitcher’s circle, but Northern Kentucky had her number.

Oakland struck first in the bottom of the first inning as junior outfielder Allisa DiPrima stole home, but it was all Norse from then on out. 

It took until the fourth inning, but Northern Kentucky took the lead in triumphant fashion with a three-run home run. The Norse then added three more runs in the top of the fifth and two more in the seventh inning to put Oakland away, 8-1.

The loss was Oakland’s eighth of the season overall and its second in Horizon League play.

Game 3

The third game of the series between the two Horizon League foes was canceled due to poor field conditions at the OU Softball Field. The game was scheduled to be played on Sunday afternoon, but some winter weather conditions hit town late on Saturday night, forcing the game to be canceled.

Oakland now sits at 6-8 overall for the season and 2-2 in conference play. It will head to Ann Arbor on Wednesday to take on Michigan at Ray Fisher Stadium. 

After its one-game series with Michigan, Oakland will head south to battle Youngstown State in a three-game series before it takes on another in-state Big Ten opponent in Michigan State on April 4.