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[Joshua Hoerner | WOUB]

Bobcats take down RedHawks, secure spot in MAC Championship game

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AKRON, Ohio (WOUB)-  The Ohio Bobcats (37-17) found their way back on the diamond at Firestone Stadium looking to once again defeat the Miami RedHawks (33-24). Stakes were high as the winner of this game would be guaranteed a spot in the MAC Championship game. Ohio outshined its rival in the semifinal matchup 5-2 and punched their ticket to Saturday’s title game.

Kicking off the game, the Bobcats came out swinging. Brenna Farmer led the offensive attack, doubling to right center and driving CiCi Keidel home. Into the bottom of the first, Miami struggled to find their footing with Skipp Miller starting another impressive pitching performance. 

In the top of the third, Brenna Farmer would step back up to the plate, hitting yet another double. From there, Emma Hoffner hit a double of her own, batting in Farmer and bringing the Bobcats up 2-0.  

In the latter half of the third, Miami found a way to get on the board, as Chloe Parks would triple to right center field, batting in Danitza Hernandez and giving the RedHawks their first run of the day. Following close behind, Ella Carter’s center field single would be enough to send Park home, upping the score to 2-2 to round out the third. 

Ohio Softball head coach Jenna Hall talking to players during a huddle vs Miami.
Ohio Softball head coach Jenna Hall talking to players during a huddle vs Miami. [Lindsey Crawford | WOUB Public Media]
For the next two innings, both teams would hold steady, with little movement being made in the way of scoring. However, in the top of the third, Ohio would dig deep, mustering three runs. Emma Hoffner’s RBI single up the middle would allow for both CiCi Keidel and Lauren Yuhas to cross home plate. From there, Brenna Farmer would find her way home again, courtesy of a single from Abby Kennely. This late game push would be the nail in the coffin, finishing the game with Ohio bringing home the win 5-2. 

Bobcats Head Coach Jenna Hall talks about how it feels to be heading to the championship. 

“Obviously we are not done yet with the job. There’s a lot more to go, but I’m just so proud of these kids and the way they fought and the way they continued to stay together,” Hall said. “It feels great, our team feels great, we’re just hoping we can continue this. We’re really just going to soak this in and enjoy this while we can.” 

The Ohio Bobcats will be back at Firestone Stadium on Saturday to compete for the MAC Championship title. And it will be a rematch with Miami as the RedHawks shut out Ball State, 8-0 in Friday’s final game.