Teamwork and consistent at-bats helped the Eagles to improve their overall record to 32-5 after their first game hosting Findlay on Tuesday resulted in a 7-2 victory for the Eagles. The victory also increased their winning streak to 11 straight games.

The winning streak was snapped, though, when the Eagles lost game two of the double-header 7-6.

On a cool and windy day, the Ashland University softball team was ready for the Findlay Oilers which was evident in their persistent at bats. AU started scoring as early as the first inning when sophomore second basewoman Kalene Freshour hit a single to left field and earned an RBI by bringing in senior center fielder Taylor Menhart. 

Menhart had already been waiting on third base after one of her two triples during Tuesday’s first game.

Menhart played really well, arriving at the game ready to get some work done while batting.

“I worked yesterday morning with my coach to figure out what was going on with my swing, and then my Dad came up after,” said Menhart. “We just hit for a couple of hours just trying to really get that muscle memory back with my swing from the beginning of the season.”

The runs did not stop there. The Eagles led 5-0 until the fourth inning when Findlay’s sophomore Lauren Trumpler answered back with a one run homer to put Findlay on the board.

Ashland wanted to demonstrate a home run as well. At the start of the bottom of the fifth inning, junior first basewoman Jen Moore cranked out a one run homer of her own, knocking it just over the left field fence.

“It didn’t even feel like it went over,” Moore said. “It just felt like a normal hit, which is always a good thing. It keeps you running faster around the bases.”

Hits and homers made the game quite exciting, giving the sparse fans in attendance a real treat to spectate. Among them, was a golden retriever in the Findlay fan-base who literally jumped to the edge of his leash at every ball seen on the field.

By the top of the seventh inning, the Eagles had accumulated seven runs to Findlay’s two, and after three more outs both teams were able to reflect between the two-game series. 

The Eagles impressed those in attendance, including both teams’ head coaches. Findlay Head Coach Ron Ammons had to prepare his team for further anticipated skills from the Eagles.

“When you play Ashland, you know what you’ve got on your hands. You’ve got a competitive team. Not only are they good, they are hot right now,” Ammons said. “Any time you play Ashland, especially when you play them here, you’ve got your hands full. They’ve got a tradition, talent, and great coaches.  We’ve got to compete better.”

Similarly, Ashland’s Head Coach Sheilah Gulas was also impressed with her team, and was happy to see the successful batting. 

“I thought that our hitting was clutch. When we scored we had some good clutch hits throughout that entire game,” said Gulas.

She also commented on senior Pitcher Sarah Alley who pitched nearly the whole first game for Ashland.

“I thought that Sarah pitched a good game, said Gulas. “A tough strike zone, but she battled through it.”

As to be expected, going into a second game immediately after playing them once can be tough, but Gulas was prepared to take on Findlay for game two.

“They’ve been saving their best pitcher for the second game,” said Gulas. “We just have to find a way to put the ball in play and come up with some clutch hits again. It is great to always start [the series] with that win.”

The Ashland softball team is doing something right. As they continue to play well, with a 32-5 record after the first game of the series, it is without a doubt that they are an established team at this point in the season. 

“From the past games, our teamwork has really flown together. We are fluid with one another. We are really clicking,” said Menhart.

After their series against Findlay is finished, the Eagles will play again on Friday at Northwood.