Lightel's 12-k shutout leads Softball in OAC split at Heidelberg

By Tim Glon

TIFFIN — Senior Kirsten Lightel (Tallmadge) threw a 3-hit shutout in dominating fashion to lead the Ohio Northern softball team to a double header split at Heidelberg on Saturday afternoon at Fran's Field.

The Polar Bears (11-3 overall, 1-1 Ohio Athletic Conference) won the opener 3-0 behind Lightel's 12-strikeout shutout.

The Student Princes (10-6, 1-1) rallied for a 5-0 victory in the second game of the day.

Lightel was impressive, throwing just 66 pitches, 53 of which were for strikes, as only nine HU batters put the ball in play during the game.

Sophomore Gabby Stewart (Union, Ky./St. Henry) smacked a 2-run home run in the top of the fourth to give ONU all the runs it would need.

Senior Miranda Huddle (Versailles) added an insurance run in the fifth when she singled home senior Jenna Hollar (Lima/Bath) to make it 3-0.

In the nightcap, Ohio Northern out-hit Heidelberg 9-7, but stranded 10 base runners in the game.

HU scored once in the third and added four more runs in the fifth to take a 5-0 lead.

The Polar Bears will return to action on Monday with a 2:30 pm double header against Hanover (Ind.) in the home opener at the ONU Softball Field.