Ferris State Earns Split In First Home Action Of The 2025 Season

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University softball squad opened the home portion of its 2025 slate on Friday (March 28), earning a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) split versus Purdue Northwest at the FSU Softball Field.

Ferris State rolled to a 12-6 win in the opener before falling in a close 3-2 setback in the nightcap in the home-opening action.

The opening game was halted for nearly an hour due to a lightning delay in the opening inning and Purdue Northwest jumped in front early with a pair of runs in their first trip to the plate. The lead grew to 3-0 in the third before FSU answered with six runs in the bottom of the inning. After the Pride tied the game up in the fifth, the Bulldogs got back-to-back home runs in the sixth and came up with six runs in the inning to pull away for the win.

The Bulldogs had 13 hits in the opener to nine for PNW.

Sophomore first baseman Alexis Kozlowski had a huge day at the plate in game one, driving in six runs for FSU. Four of her runs came on a grand slam in the sixth, which was immediately followed by a solo shot from outfielder Emma Gillard. Both finished with two hits as did right fielder Emily Killion, shortstop Bailey McCalister and third baseman Brooklyn Verbeek.

McCalister knocked in two runs for the Bulldogs and doubled in the game. FSU also got doubles from Killion and catcher Paige Antcliff in the victory.

Sophomore Catherine O'Doohue earned the win in the circle, throwing all seven innings and allowing only six runs on nine hits with five strikeouts and four walks.

In game two, the Bulldogs scored two runs in the second for the early lead before PNW answered with a run in the fourth. The Pride surged ahead by scoring two more in the sixth and kept FSU off the board in the Bulldogs' final two at-bats to garner the split on the day. The Bulldogs were limited to only two hits in the outing while Purdue Northwest finished with seven.

Second baseman Jadyn Joseph and outfielder Breanna Blair each had a hit for the Bulldogs. Joseph also drove in two runs.

The setback spoiled a strong performance from Ella Covill-Marter in the pitching circle as she threw all seven innings, giving up only three runs on seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts.

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Tuesday (April 1), hosting West Michigan rival Grand Valley State at the FSU Softball Field in league play. The doubleheader was originally slated to be held on Sunday, but has been moved back two days due to expected weather and rain. First pitch for game one on Tuesday is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (ET).