HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Golden Grizzlies opened conference play with a duel against the Norse (NKU), falling 2-0 in a low-scoring contest on Friday.

Despite tallying more hits than NKU and out-hitting the home team, 7-4, Oakland was unable to push a run across, marking just its second scoreless game of the season.
The game began with an early threat from the Golden Grizzlies in the top of the first, as singles from Brooklyn Plitz, Kam Troyer, and Maggie Murphy loaded the bases. However, nothing materialized, as a flyout allowed the Norse to escape the jam and keep the game scoreless.

Outside of an Autumn Liebhauser triple in the top of the second, both teams remained relatively quiet at the plate until the fourth inning, when NKU broke through with back-to-back solo home runs from Brielle DiMemmo and Brooke Keltner to take a 2-0 lead.

With one last chance in the top of the seventh, Oakland once again looked to shift the momentum. The inning began with a single from Kayla Turmell, followed later by a Kenna Bommarito base hit, putting runners on the corners with one out. However, the Golden Grizzlies were unable to capitalize, sealing the 2-0 loss in the conference opener.

Despite the loss, Bommarito turned in a strong performance, striking out seven batters without issuing a walk while allowing just four hits over six innings of work.

Plitz finished 2-for-3 at the plate as the only Golden Grizzly with multiple hits, while Troyer, Murphy, Liebhauser, Turmell, and Bommarito each recorded a hit as well.
The teams return to the field tomorrow, Mar. 21, for a series-ending doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. ET.