The Muskingum softball team was swept by Ohio Athletic Conference rival Marietta on Sunday at Donna Newberry Field. The Pioneers won the opener 4-1 and took game two, 4-3.

In the opener, Marietta's Alexis O'Hair fired a complete game eight-hitter with one run and four strikeouts to hold the Muskie offensive attack at bay. 

The Pioneers (13-9, 6-2) used a two-run single in the third inning by Hannah Tarski and a two-run double by Courtney Kerwood in the fourth inning to account for their scoring.

Muskingum starter Ashley Gilbert tossed four innings and allowed four runs on five hits with five strikeouts. Sophomore Haley Dotson fired the final three innings and did not allow a hit.

Junior Kayley Bevard led the squad going 3-for-3 and junior Jaclynn Hess added a double and run scored. Sophomore Amber Bova drove in the Muskie run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

In the nightcap, Marietta scored three in the first and one in the second to grab the early momentum. Brittany Curry led the game off with a home run and finished the outing going 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Tarski went 4-for-4 with an RBI and run scored.

The Muskies seem poised to rally back by scoring two in the third and one in the fourth. In the fourth with a run already home, Muskingum had runners on second and third with one out when freshman Haylea Garner laid down a squeeze bunt but sophomore Kelly Martin was tagged out at the plate charging in from third on the play. Hess then flew out to left to end the Muskie threat.

Bevard went 1-for-2 with two walks, an RBI and one run and Hess had an RBI double. Senior Courtney Allen registered a sacrifice fly.

Senior Rachel Bannister started the game and lasted just 0.1 innings after allowing three runs on two hits. Sophomore Kristin Gill pitched the final 6.2 frames and allowed one run on eight hits with three strikeouts.

Trinity Schlabach garnered the win after going four innings and allowing three runs on six hits. Kerwood nailed the save firing the final three innings and allowing one hit.

Muskingum (12-10, 5-3) hits the field next at Wilmington on Wednesday, April 9. Game one of the scheduled doubleheader is slated for 3:00 p.m.