Sophomore Bailey Brownfield’s 11th inning home run was all the offense that the Kent State softball team (16-21, 6-6 Mid-American Conference) needed in their 1-0 victory over against Ohio University (26-11, 7-5 MAC) Wednesday. 

“I think it was two excellent pitchers going at it,” coach Eric Oakley said of the game. “The MAC has a lot of good pitchers, and Ohio has one of the best, but we have one of the best too. It was two of the best pitchers in the MAC going at it. Ronnie is up there with the best pitchers in the MAC, no question.”

Senior pitcher Ronnie Ladines (W, 8-12) threw all 11 innings for the Flashes, and held the Bobcats to seven hits and two walks.

The Flashes loaded the bases multiple times throughout the game but weren’t able to score any runs.

Brownfield and sophomore right fielder Jen Cader each had two hits for the Flashes. 

Senior pitcher Savannah Jo Dorsey struck out 22 Flashes in her 11 innings on the mound while only surrendering six hits. Sophomore designated hitter Morgan Geno and sophomore right fielder Natalie Alvarez each had two hits for the Bobcats.

“Overall, they played very well,” Oakley said. “We needed defense to take care of business. (Ohio University) had a couple opportunities to score, and we made really big plays to stop them from doing that. (The Flashes) had great energy, and they never gave up. It’s hard going that many innings when you’re the visiting team because every inning you don’t score that’s another six more outs you have to get than the other team. Ronnie did a great job at keeping her composure.”

The Flashes take on Miami University at the Diamond at Dix this Friday at 3 p.m. 

Samantha Ross is a sports reporter, contact her at [email protected].