Softball’s Rallies Fall Short Against Akron

Saturday, March 14

Muncie, IN

1 p.m.

Ball State University

11-9, 0-2

Akron

10-16, 10-16

Akron

Ball State

March 14, 2026 | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Game 1: Ball State 3 - Akron 5 Game 2: Ball State 0 - Akron 1

MUNCIE, Ind. - - Despite bringing the go-ahead run to the plate in each of Saturday's games, the Ball State softball team could not complete rallies in a pair of losses to Akron Saturday afternoon at the Ball State Softball Stadium.

In the opening game, the Cardinals (11-10; 0-3 Mid-American Conference) trailed by three runs heading into the bottom of the fifth. Senior pitcher Ella Whitney opened the frame with a solo home run, and one out later, BSU used three straight singles to load the bases. Unfortunately, a fielder's choice and a pop fly ended the threat and helped the Zips (11-16; 3-0 MAC) complete the 5-3 victory.

Despite a brilliant performance from sophomore Breanna Severino in the nightcap, Akron was able to manufacture the game's lone run in the top of the seventh inning. Ball State would not go quietly, however, as two singles and a walk helped the hosts load the bases with one out.

Once again, the Zips defense came up with another clutch play, turning a shallow popup into a game-ending double play, leaving the score 1-0.

In her best performance of the young season, Severino limited Akron to six hits and one run in a complete-game effort in the nightcap. That was coming off holding the Zips to no runs and two hits over 1.2 innings of relief in the opener. She also combined to strike out four batters over the two games.

Seven different Cardinals recorded hits in the opener, led by two from junior shortstop Maia Pietrzak. Pietrzak would also get a single in the nightcap, while finishing the series with a team-highs in batting average (.545 / 6-for-11), RBI (3) and runs scored (3).

The Ball State softball team is scheduled to return to action Tuesday with a 4 p.m. home game versus Purdue which will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

GAME 1 SCORING SUMMARY - Ball State 3 - Akron 5
B1 - Ball State jumped out to its first lead of the series thanks to a bases-loaded RBI groundout from senior left fielder Ashlee Lovett (1-0)
B1 - Two batters later, junior third baseman Mandy Lauth drew a bases-loaded walk (2-0)
T4 - Akron did all its damage in the fourth inning, starting on a bases-loaded RBI grounder by Meagan Lee who reached on a BSU error (2-1)
T4 - Sophia Wygast gave the Zips the lead with a two-run single to left field (2-3)
T4 - An RBI groundout by Andrea Day extended the lead to two runs (2-4)
T4 - Akron's final run came on an error at third base (2-5)
B5 - Whitney tried to spark a Ball State rally with a no-doubter to deep left field (3-5)

GAME 2 SCORING SUMMARY - Ball State 0 - Akron 1
T7 - Akron's Haley Glass drove in the game's lone run on a single to right field (1-0)