Clermont, Florida - The Oberlin College softball team split two games today to open THE Spring Games. Falling short 6-2 to Westminster in the first game, Oberlin responded with a 10-0 (5 inn.) win over Knox to move to 9-3 on the season. 

"We showed such great perseverance bouncing back with a run rule win after a loss in the first game, and that shows the heart of this team," said Assistant Coach Nicole Doyle. "It was a really fun day and exciting to win by the run rule for the first time this season.

In game one, Westminster took a 3-0 lead in the third inning on two hits and two Oberlin errors. The Yeowomen plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth, starting with a line drive double to left, laced from first-year third baseman, Hannah O'Connor. An RBI from Connor Fogarty drove in the pinch runner, Wren Norris, for Fogarty's seventh RBI of the season. Finally, a double from senior Haley Carlson brought around Fogarty for Oberlin's second run. 

Three more runs from Westminster in the top of the seventh secured their win, as the Crimson and Gold were unable to make the comeback. 

The Yeowomen struck early in the second game against Knox after first-year Anjali Singh reached first on an error and took second on the overthrow. She then quickly stole third for her 12th stolen base of the season. A single from Ohio native O'Connor, her 15th of the season, scored Singh. After Carlson's second double of the day, consecutive RBI's from Fogarty and Ava Soldo gave Oberlin a 3-0 at the end of the first inning. 

Oberlin continued to rally with five runs in the ensuing inning. First-year Callie Sniffen started her three-hit day with a single up the middle to begin the rally. Back to back errors from the Prairie Fire allowed Singh and senior Hailey Alspach to score Sniffin and Singh, respectively. Up 5-0, Carlson's two-RBI single carried the momentum to put Oberlin up 7-0. A final knock and RBI from Fogarty secured the five-run inning for the Crimson and Gold. 

In the top of the fourth, Singh's deep shot to the right-center fence totaled her four bases for an inside-the-park home run, scoring pinch runner Norris for the final two runs of the game. With Knox unable to respond, Oberlin secured their 10-0 win in just five innings, their first run rule of the season, and second shutout of the year.

Second-year pitcher Sophie Stone pitched all five innings of the second game for the Crimson and Gold, allowing just three hits, no walks, and one strikeout in 55 pitches. 

"Our bats really picked it up in the second game to add to the strong defense and start a great trip!" added Sniffen.

Oberlin continues their run at THE Spring Games tomorrow, Monday, March 23 when they play a pair of games. First, taking on Lawrence at 10 a.m., followed by North Central at 12:30 p.m.

Keep up with the Crimson and Gold on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and watch every home game on the Oberlin Sports Network online or on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV.