Grand Rapids Reporter

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University softball team's journey in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament concluded on Friday, May 3, following two narrow defeats during the second day of competition in Rosemont, Illinois.

The Bulldogs began the tournament with a victory over Wayne State at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex on Thursday. On Saturday, they initially led against top-seeded rival Grand Valley State 3-1 until the bottom of the seventh inning in round two. The Lakers managed to tie the game and ultimately secured a walk-off win in the eighth inning with a 4-3 scoreline.

After this loss, Ferris State faced an elimination game against third-seeded Purdue Northwest on Friday afternoon but was defeated 6-4, ending their hopes in the double-elimination event.

During their matchup with GVSU, Ferris State recorded five hits compared to nine from the Lakers. All three of their runs came in the first inning. Outfielder Ella McDonald contributed two hits, while shortstop Emma Gillard drove in two runs.

FSU senior Aryn Gallacher pitched through game one, allowing three earned runs on nine hits and achieving six strikeouts without walks.

In their subsequent game against Purdue Northwest, Ferris State fell behind early as their opponents scored three runs in the first inning and another in the second. Despite reducing the deficit to 5-4 by the fifth inning, they couldn't score further. The Pride totaled 12 hits against FSU's eight.

Gillard and Brooklyn Verbeek each provided two hits for Ferris State, with Gillard doubling and driving in two runs. Abby Meyer and Keelin Wheaton also contributed RBIs.

Ashley Webb pitched four and one-third innings for Ferris State during this game, surrendering five earned runs on 11 hits with two walks. Gallacher then pitched one and two-thirds innings without conceding any runs or additional hits.

The Bulldogs concluded their 2024 season with a total of 25 wins—their highest number of victories in eight years. This season's roster included only one senior player: Gallacher, who earned first-team all-conference honors. The remaining players are eligible to return next year.