ASHLAND, Ohio – The Malone University softball team closed out their 2023 season and Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play with a doubleheader at Ashland University.

The Eagles took game one after scoring six runs in the first two innings, but game two saw the Pioneers mount a comeback to send the game into an eighth inning.

Malone was able to score in the top of the eighth inning and hold Ashland to secure the win in the final game of their season.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Game One: Ashland University Eagles 6 – Malone University Pioneers 2
• Game Two: Malone University Pioneers 3 – Ashland University Eagles 2
• Records: Malone (15-27, 8-16 G-MAC) | Ashland (21-27, 13-11 G-MAC)
• Location: Ashland, Ohio | Archer Complex

GAME ONE
Ashland struck early as they had a small rally in the bottom of the first to put up 3 runs on 4 hits and took advantage of a Pioneer error.

In the top of the second, Elizabeth Dyke started off the inning getting hit by a pitch. Amber Miller grounded out to first that pushed Dyke to second. Reagan Smith flew out to center field advancing Dyke to third before Hannah Offenberg singled to center field to bring her home. 

The Eagles had a response as they scored another three runs in the bottom of the second inning.

It was a defensive battle for the majority of the rest of the game, Malone tried to comeback in the top of the sixth. Taylor Kern walked and was able to move into scoring position as Dyke and Miller both got singles, loading the bases. On a fielder's choice on the next play, Kern was able to cross the plate safely. 

Malone had the bases loaded once again before a line out to the third baseman ended the inning.

Neither team scored in their final at bats, and the Eagles were able to come out with the 6-2 victory.

GAME TWO
Elizabeth Dyke got the start in the circle and struck out two batters in the first.

It was a defensive battle until the bottom of the fourth when Ashland scored their only two runs of the game.

In the top of the sixth, Taylor Kern reached on fielding error by the pitcher. Dyke then doubled to right center and brought Kern home. Reagan Smith's single helped Dyke to advance so the Pioneers had runners at the corners with two outs. Hannah Offenberg singled to bring Dyke in and tie the game. 

In the bottom of the seventh, the Eagles had runners at first and second that ended up stranded when Dyke struck out Veldheer to send the game into extras.

In the top of the eighth, Dyke scored on a fielding error. Miller's single added to the hits. Smith reached on a fielder's choice and the Pioneers again had runners at the corners but with only one out. Offenberg's was out at first on a groundball to third but she earned the RBI as Dyke was able to score.

Three outs without any scoring in the bottom of the eighth, allowed the Pioneers to end their season on a win. 

THE DETAILS

• Elizabeth Dyke had three hits on the afternoon and scored three times. Inside the pitcher's circle, she struck out five batters and only walked two in eight innings of work.
• Amber Miller added three hits as well. Hannah Offenberg had three RBIs on the afternoon. 
• The Pioneers finish the season with a 15-27 overall record and an 8-16 record against G-MAC opponents.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit www.malonepioneers.com.