Lenser throws 1-hit shutout as Softball splits with Salve Regina (R.I.), #11 Case Western Reserve to open Spring Break trip

By Wes Mayberry

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Ohio Northern softball team opened its 2023 season Sunday by splitting games with Salve Regina (R.I.) and No. 11 Case Western Reserve in The Spring Games at Diamondplex Field.

The Polar Bears (1-1 overall) began their Spring Break trip with a 7-0 victory over Salve Regina (0-2 overall) in the first game of the day before falling 8-1 to Case Western Reserve (6-0 overall).

Sophomore Ashley Lenser (Brookville), the reigning Ohio Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, highlighted the day with her one-hit shutout of Salve Regina that included five strikeouts and no walks.

While Lenser shut down the Seahawks' offense, the ONU bats got going late in the game to provide plenty of run support en route to finishing with 11 hits.

After an RBI single from senior Annika Murray (Hilliard/Bradley) in the top of the fifth inning, the Polar Bears added four more runs in the sixth, three of which scored on wild pitches. Murray plated the other run in the frame with an RBI single.

Northern capped the scoring with a two-run seventh inning on RBI singles from Lenser and freshman Lainie Howell (Upper Sandusky/Riverdale).

Murray, Howell and senior Sydney Motylinski (Ida, Mich.) each had a team-best two hits in the game.

Against the Spartans in Game 2, the Polar Bears managed just two hits and scored their lone run when Murray reached base on a fielder's choice that plated sophomore Taylor Hilty (Kettering/Fairmont) in the bottom of the third inning.

The Polar Bears return to action on Monday for a doubleheader with games against Endicott (Mass.) at 9 a.m. and No. 20 Babson (Mass.) at 11:30 a.m.