Softball Recap: Ashland Takes a Loss

Ashland extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to 25 on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 0-7 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of the Barron Golden Bears. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Golden Bears this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 15-7 back in April.

As for Barron, they are on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-4-1 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.4 runs over those games.

For Barron's part, Kailynn Duncan made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits (and not a single walk). Duncan has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs.

In other batting news, Maggie Cole was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season. Micahlee Skjerly was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one triple and one stolen base.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ashland will venture away from home to take on Hayward at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Hurricanes will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something the Oredockers surely won't give up without a fight. As for Barron, they will challenge Northwestern at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.