Softball scheduled to open 2019 campaign with annual Spring Break trip
By Blake Moore
ADA — The Ohio Northern softball program is slated to raise the curtain on the 2019 season with its annual Spring Break trip under third-year head coach Jackie (Mangola) Price.
The Polar Bears will open the campaign travelling to warmer climates for a week-long road trip in Florida from March 4 to March 10.
Following the southward trek, Northern will host four consecutive doubleheaders at the ONU Softball Field. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 as the team hosts MIAA foe Alma (Mich.) for a 1 p.m. doubleheader start time.
The nonconference schedule also includes home dates with Trine (Ind.), Wooster, and Transylvania (Ky.) and a trip to Anderson (Ind.).
Northern will begin Ohio Athletic Conference play Saturday, March 23 when Heidelberg visits Ada. The 18-game conference slate will also include visits from Wilmington, Baldwin Wallace, John Carroll, and Marietta.
The 4-team, double-elimination OAC Tournament is slated for May 3-5 at the home field of the OAC Regular Season champion.
Last season, the Polar Bears posted a 32-11 overall record and a 13-5 league mark to finish second in the regular season standings. Ohio Northern would go on to win the OAC Tournament crown and join the field for the 2018 NCAA Tournament before bowing out in the regional rounds.