Ohio Wesleyan loses in the first round to DPU softball team 3-1

After winning their second straight North Coast Athletic Conference regular season title the Tigers' softball team took one step closer towards capturing their first NCAC tournament championship. DePauw defeated Ohio Wesleyan, 3-1 in their first round matchup Friday afternoon.

The Tigers improved to 24-17 and will play Wittenberg in their second round contest, while Ohio Wesleyan dropped to 22-17 and face Ohio Wesleyan in the loser's bracket.

DePauw was first to score as they tallied two runs in the third inning. Jennifer Ridge reached on a two-out single to right center and scored on Linsey Button's homerun to right field.

Megan Landahl led-off the bottom of the fourth inning with a triple down the right field line. Lauren Krumwiede reached on a fielder's choice that plated Landahl.

Ohio Wesleyan scored their lone run in the fifth inning. Taylor Dickson started the frame with a walk and advanced to second on Amanda Boyle's sacrifice bunt.

Brooke Warner singled to short to load the bases and Erica Bryan reached on a fielding error by DePauw pitcher, Kahla Nolan, plating pinch runner Jessica Gooden.

Outside of her fielding gaffe, Nolan dominated the contest scattering two hits and striking out seven on her way to a complete game win.

Dani Haley took the loss for the Battling Bishops after giving up three runs on six hits and striking out four.

Game three between DePauw and Wittenberg is scheduled to start at approximately 2:10.