Zimmerman Walk-Off Lifts MVNU Softball to Game Two Win Over SAU

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University softball team (15-13, 8-10 CL) competed at the Cougar Softball Field against Spring Arbor University (19-11, 10-6 CL) on Tuesday, March 31.  

In the first game, both teams were held scoreless through the first two innings before Spring Arbor broke through in the top of the third to take a 1–0 lead. SAU added to the advantage in the fifth inning, scoring three runs to extend its lead to 4–0. 

MVNU responded in the bottom of the fifth, getting on the board when Brooklyn Krum singled and later came home on a hit by Skylar Zimmerman. In the sixth inning, Kiera Mayer drove a deep ball to left field, and Bailey Sheets eventually scored to cut the deficit to one. Despite the late push and loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh, MVNU couldn't complete the comeback and fell 3-4. 

In the second game, Spring Arbor struck first with a run in the top of the first inning, but MVNU quickly responded with two runs in the bottom half to take an early 2–1 lead. SAU answered in a big way in the top of the second, scoring five runs to move back in front, 6–2. 

MVNU began to chip away at the SAU lead in the bottom of the third. Jesenia Montalvo led off with a single to center field and advanced to third on a single by Dakota Staffan. Avery Miller followed with a single to left, driving in two runs and cutting the deficit to 6–5. 

The Lady Cougars tied the game in the bottom of the fourth when Staffan delivered another single to even the score at 6–6. Both teams were held scoreless from there, sending the game into extra innings. 

In the bottom of the eighth, Zhari Hill singled to left, and Mackenzie Reeves followed with another single to put two runners on for Zimmerman. Zimmerman delivered the game-winning blow, launching a three-run home run to give MVNU a 9–6 victory. 

What's Next  

MVNU softball returns to the Cougar Softball Field on Saturday, April 4 to take on Taylor University at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.