Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University held its first home games of the 2025 season in Big Rapids, Michigan, on March 28, securing a split in their matchup against Purdue Northwest as part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) at the FSU Softball Field.

In the opening game, Ferris State emerged victorious with a 12-6 win. The contest was temporarily delayed by lightning in the first inning, with Purdue Northwest initially scoring two runs. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the third inning. However, Ferris State responded with a six-run rally in the bottom of the third. Despite a tie in the fifth inning, the Bulldogs hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth, accumulating an additional six runs to secure their win.

The Bulldogs tallied 13 hits as opposed to Purdue Northwest's nine hits. Sophomore first baseman Alexis Kozlowski made a notable contribution, driving in six runs, including a grand slam in the sixth inning. Outfielder Emma Gillard hit a solo home run immediately afterward. Other contributors included Emily Killion, Bailey McCalister, and Brooklyn Verbeek, each with two hits. McCalister also contributed two runs and a double, while Killion and Paige Antcliff added doubles.

On the mound, sophomore Catherine O'Doohue pitched a complete game for Ferris State, conceding six runs on nine hits, with five strikeouts and four walks.

In the second game, the Bulldogs struggled offensively, managing only two hits, which led to a 3-2 defeat. Ferris State initially secured a two-run lead in the second inning, but Purdue Northwest clawed back, scoring in the fourth and sixth innings to secure their win. Ferris State's Jadyn Joseph earned one hit and drove in two runs.

Pitcher Ella Covill-Marter delivered a strong effort despite the defeat, pitching all seven innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, with three walks and two strikeouts.

Looking ahead, Ferris State will host Grand Valley State on April 1 after rescheduling due to weather concerns. The doubleheader is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the FSU Softball Field.