Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University concluded its softball weekend with a split in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference against Purdue Northwest. Visiting Hammond, Indiana, the Bulldogs fell 2-0 in the opener but bounced back in the finale with a 6-2 victory.

During the initial matchup, Purdue Northwest gained an early lead with a run in the first inning and another in the fifth, keeping Ferris State scoreless. The Bulldogs managed six hits compared to the Pride's seven. Abby Meyer and Maddie Gkekas each recorded two hits, including doubles. Jadyn Joseph and Alexis Kozlowski contributed a hit each. Despite FSU pitcher Catherine O'Donohue's effort—allowing only one earned run on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks—the Bulldogs couldn't overtake the Pride.

In the second game, Ferris State rallied, scoring four runs in the third inning. Though both teams scored two runs in the sixth, the Bulldogs maintained their lead, preventing the Pride from scoring in the seventh. In this contest, Brooklyn Verbeek led with two hits and two RBIs, supported by hits from Meyer, Joseph, and Riley Kish. Kozlowski and Bailey McCalister each knocked in a run. Cecelia Bell secured her seventh win by permitting two earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk.

With a current overall record of 21-13 and a conference record of 10-8, Ferris State holds a tie for second in the GLIAC standings. The Bulldogs are set to host Davenport on Wednesday, April 16, with games scheduled for the afternoon.