HIRAM, Ohio - April 26, 2025 - Hiram softball moved one conference win away from clinching a spot in the 2025 NCAC Tournament on Saturday afternoon, splitting a critical doubleheader against Wittenberg with a 6-5 win and 4-0 loss at Betty Doughman Dillahunt Field.
With an 8-2 conference record, the Terriers are currently third in the NCAC standings and could punch their ticket to the NCAC Tournament by winning at least one game against DePauw on Sunday. If Hiram were to advance to the conference tourney, the team would tie a program record with five straight postseason appearances.
Game 1 Recap
Darian Kanno got back to her winning ways to open the day in the circle, setting a new career-high with her 13th win in the 2025 season alone. The senior worked around traffic and three unearned runs throughout the game, but logged yet another complete game to put her team in position for the win – 7 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K.
After Wittenberg pulled ahead in the first, 2-0, Hiram answered with each of the next five runs in the game. Danielle Robles had an RBI single in the second inning and Angel Santellan lifted her first home run of the season in the third inning, a two-run shot that gave Kanno some key run support.
The Tigers fought back and tied the game with a three-run fourth, but a bases-loaded walk to Megan Moser came in the ensuing frame to give the Terriers a one-run advantage. That margin would hold for the remainder of the contest, with Kanno stranding runners in scoring position in each of the last three innings to punctuate the tightly contested clash.
Game 2 Recap
Wittenberg had a balanced performance in Game 2, with its starting pitcher working a complete game shutout and the home offense combining for four runs on nine hits. Hiram's Lillie Greene had a strong effort for the Terriers with a complete game of her own – including zero walks issued – but Wittenberg stayed ahead throughout the contest.
Kanno led Hiram with two hits in the game, while the 7-8-9 hitters in the Terriers lineup (Megan Moser, Lola Thomas, Haven Papineau) each recording a base hit, too. Hiram stranded six runners in the game, which led to the tight defeat.
What's Next
A quick turnaround is in store for the Terriers, as they get set to face the No. 1 team in the conference on Sunday in DePauw University. The two teams will square off for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. from DePauw Tigers Field in Greencastle, IN.
