Ashland University softball opens new home with wins
ASHLAND — Maybe it was the near, 60-degree weather that got them pumped up but the Ashland University softball team christened Deb Miller Field at the Archer Ballpark Complex in style as the Lady Eagles earned 3-2 and 3-1 wins over Davenport University on Tuesday.
Ashland now is 6-14 on the season, and Davenport slips to 5-14 with the losses.
“It’s a dream honestly, just being here, like the energy is so much better, and everyone is just excited to play and be on our own turf,” offered AU junior catcher Jordyn Severns, who said the team’s trio of pitchers all threw well. “Every game I just said, spin the ball, hit your spots, that's it. They all hit their spots perfectly today, and change-ups we utilized a lot too, so it really threw them off so it was awesome.”
Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the Lady Eagles mounted their comeback.
AU starting pitcher Kayla Ruperto led the inning off with a ringing double and was moved to third on senior Lauren McMillan’s single. Two outs later, freshman second baseman Danielle Robbins stepped to the plate and singled up the middle to plate the pair, with what proved to be the game-winning hit.
“It felt good. I took a deep breath, and I knew whatever I was going to do, I was going to do for my team,” Robbins pointed out. “None of it is for me, I’m playing for my team. I’m going to sacrifice, do whatever I can to get on base for my team or move the runners. I think this is a really good start and we’re just going to go up from here.”
AU coach Emlyn Knerem said Robbins hit the ball well but played solid defense in the field, making several exceptional plays, including being a part of a pair of double-plays..
“Danielle’s range is just phenomenal, and she got a ball really deep towards second base and made a great play on it and got the out, and that’s what we need is those bog defensive plays,” Knerem praised. “She’s playing like a veteran. And she does a lot for us at the plater\ as a leadoff, she puts the ball in play quite a bit, wreaks some havoc with defenses, and has good speed so when get her on base we can move her around, have her score, so I’, excited of what’ she’s done so far but what she is going to do.”
Robbins, Kaitlyn Carney and Shaffer all had a pair of singles for AU.
Ruperto went the first 5 ⅓ innings, yielding two runs (one earned) on four hits, striking out a pair and issuing one walk.
Shaffer came on in relief and got the win in the circle, tossing 1 ⅔ frames, giving up two hits and whiffing one.
“I think we were very efficient, all of us came out and we just wanted to attack the zone and make our defense work,” Ruperto noted. “We have six pitchers, which is really nice. We all bring something a little different. And Cassidy came in in relief and did such a great job. We both are different, so I know I can come out and she can go in and shut it down.
“Knowing I was in relief before the game started, and seeing Kayla go out there and do an amazing job, it made me feel like I wanted to go out there and finish the game to get the win.”
In the nightcap, AU boiled to a 3-0 lead, scoring all of its runs in the second inning.
Junior Hailey Krinn legged out a one-hop triple to the fence in right field and was brought home with one out on an infield single by McMillan. McMillan scored on a walk and wild pitch to sophomore Maddy Burdette, who later scored om a single to center by senior Kat Lohse.
Senior Josie Duncan went the distance to earn the win in the circle for AU, relinquishing one run on six hits, adding five strikeouts and issuing one walk.
“It’s really exciting and to get two wins here in our first games is just awesome,” Duncan beamed. “We’ve been so blessed to have this field and to have everybody come behind us. We’re just showing them now what kind of team we are. Seeing people up in the stands, being able to call this home and throw the seven innings was the best.”
Knerm credited her pitchers for performing so well, with Severns being singled out for her work behind the plate.
“Our pitchers did so well today, I was so proud of them. Kayla came in and threw a really strong half of the first game, and Cassidy came in and shut them down,” she lauded. “And Josie threw a great second game, so it’s nice to have a deep staff this year.
“Now that she’s a junior, Jordyn is really owning her position behind the plate, and she’s so athletic,” Knerem added. “The pitchers respond to her really well, they have a really good rapport, and that’s why she’s calling pitches this year because the pitchers trust her, and she does a great job of leading from behind the plate.
“Today, it was still surreal, But it’s nice to have our own space, to have a place we call home.”
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland University softball opens new home with wins
