Softball Game Preview: Oberlin Phoenix vs. Rittman Indians

Oberlin is on a four-game streak of home losses dating back to last season, and Rittman a four-game streak of away losses also dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Friday. The Oberlin Phoenix will be playing at home against the Rittman Indians at 5:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

On Thursday, Oberlin didn't have quite enough to beat Open Door Christian and fell 13-12.

Meanwhile, Rittman got the win against Crestline on Thursday by a conclusive 14-3. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Indians' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.

Lillian Halliwell and Cailin Tyree were a major factor no matter where they played. On the mound, Halliwell didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Tyree tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the fewest hits Halliwell has allowed since back in April of 2024. At the plate, Halliwell scored a run while going 2-for-3, while Tyree scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Those two stolen bases gave Tyree a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Carly Frame, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Meredith Brown was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-2.

Rittman always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .576. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Crestline only posted an OBP of .261.