COCOA BEACH, FL (Softball) – The Bears fell in game one against Judson University 6-4 before regrouping and defeating Claflin University and Macomb Community College by scores of 3-2 and 4-1 on Thursday afternoon at Chain of Lakes Park

Hannah Dittoe (SR/Pickerington, Ohio) (SR/Pickerington, Ohio) finished the day with three RBIs and a home run, while Morgan Conrad (SO/Circleville, Ohio) (SO/Circleville, Ohio) and McKenzie Whittaker (FR/McDermott, Ohio) (FR/McDermott, Ohio) both earned wins. Whittaker picked up her first win of the season after going five innings and allowing only one hit on two strikeouts.

Game 1 Judson University

SSU came out of the gate hot thanks to a lead-off home run from Katlyn Gleich (FR/Grove City, Ohio) (FR/Grove City, Ohio), but Judson was quick to respond, putting up three runs in the top of the second. Dittoe brought the Bears back with a two-run home run to center field. At the end of three the score was even at 3-3.

Judson picked up a run in the top of the fourth and Shawnee answered putting up a run of their own on a sacrifice fly from Dittoe. Judson finally pulled away for the final time picking up two runs in the fifth and defeating the Bears by a final score of 6-4.

Game 2 Claflin University

The Bears crossed the plate first in the second game. Peighton Williams (FR/Portsmouth, Ohio) (FR/Portsmouth, Ohio) singled to reach base and was able to score on a passed ball in the bottom of the second inning. Claflin scored a run in the top of the third, bringing the game even at one.

SSU reclaimed their lead in the fourth inning on a RBI from Megan Shupert (FR/West Portsmouth, Ohio) (FR/West Portsmouth, Ohio). Tara Duncan (JR/Lancaster, Ohio) (JR/Lancaster, Ohio) gave the Bears some insurance when she clubbed a ball over the fence in left field. Conrad was credited with a save, as SSU claimed a 3-2 victory.

Game 3 Macomb CC

The first three frames of game three were quiet as neither team was able to cross the plate.

The game remained scoreless until SSU put together a three-run fifth inning. The offensive spurt was started thanks to a home run from Miranda Melvin (JR/Oak Hill, Ohio) (JR/Oak Hill, Ohio). The Bears were able to score another run in the top of the sixth, leading them to a 4-1 victory

SSU concludes their trip to Florida Friday against Judson University. The game is slated for a 8 a.m. start at Chain of Lakes Park.