The Polar Bears returned from spring break ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Several athletic programs travelled across the country to face new competitors and refine their skills in anticipation of Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) action later in the month.
Check out March’s significant sports moments on campus.
Softball
The warm and overcast conditions during the 2026 ONU Invitational Softball Tournament was a welcomed break from Ohio’s temperamental spring weather. Six teams gathered at Durbin-Hileman Stadium to play a series of games over the course of three days.
Ohio Northern kicked off the weekend with a double-header against Hope College. An intense matchup unfolded as each team fought for a victory, but the Polar Bears ultimately fell to their opponent in both games.
The team returned to Durbin-Hileman on the final day of the tournament prepared to take home a win. Cheers erupted as the Polar Bears earned a 6-2 victory against Ohio Wesleyan. Although the final game resulted in a loss, the tournament provided valuable experience to the team as it begins OAC play.
Baseball
Ohio Northern hosted seven consecutive baseball games in March. Each matchup had notable moments, but two opponents stood out from the rest: Alma (Mich.) and Marietta.
The baseball team kicked off its home-opener against Alma with three home runs by senior Andrew Stechschulte. Small wins throughout the game could not compete with Alma’s run streak, and the matchup concluded with a 14-8 loss. The Polar Bears came back later that afternoon for a shot at redemption and fought each inning to earn a 7-6 victory.
Ohio Northern faced Marietta the following weekend, and the student-athlete’s frustration was evident. The team once again fell in their first game with a crushing score of 12-1. A break between games gave the Polar Bears a chance to reset before returning to the field. The team celebrated an 8-5 win as senior Chase Armstrong became the baseball program’s all-time leader in home runs with 29 total.
Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse
The men’s lacrosse team returned from its spring break travels prepared to dominate its OAC counterparts. Capital University was the first conference foe the Polar Bears faced on home turf, and the results were thrilling. Senior J.D. Hale and freshman Jack Switter lead the team to a 11-4 victory as they each scored three goals throughout the game.
Lightning flashed across the stadium during the men’s final game of the month. The Polar Bears waited through nearly two hours of weather delays before defeating Heidelberg 25-3. Sixteen student-athletes contributed goals to secure the win and finish the month strong.
March was a challenging month for the women’s lacrosse program. Despite achieving several victories in Texas over spring break, the team’s home matches have concluded with unfortunate losses against Oberlin, Otterbein and Calvin (Mich.). The Polar Bears will be back in action April 3 at Dial-Roberson Stadium as they take on Marietta.
Takeaways
Only half a semester remains in the school year. Spring athletes must find a balance between prioritizing academics and maintaining their athletic performance. Discipline and drive will support the Polar Bears as they navigate a demanding season.
Ohio Northern’s Ryan Perras tags a Marietta runner mere inches before reaching the base to secure the out (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Ohio Northern’s starting lineup is welcomed onto the softball field by their teammates before a game against Ohio Wesleyan at the ONU Invitational (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Aslyn Farinelli (3) pitches to Marietta in a challenging matchup (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Ohio Northern’s softball team gathers for a brief player before their matchup against Ohio Wesleyan at the ONU Invitational (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Kyle Callahan (8) hits a ground ball in Ohio Northern’s first game against Marietta (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
An Ohio Northern softball player dashes to third base in a winning matchup against Ohio Wesleyan at the ONU Invitational(Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Carson Stevens (9) rounds third base during a tough game against Marietta (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Alyssa Hochstetler (4) slides into third base to remain safe in a 6-2 win over Ohio Wesleyan at the ONU Invitational (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Tyler Rinehart (21) dashes towards second base as his teammate runs home in Ohio Northern’s first game against Marietta (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Sophomore Mackenzie Hannahs (10) extends her bat in preparation for a bunt in a 6-2 game against Ohio Wesleyan (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Ryan Perras (26) fields the ball and makes a throw to first in a challenging game against Marietta (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Karlie Jannings (24) welcomes an athlete from the starting lineup onto the field before a game against Ohio Wesleyan at the ONU Invitational (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
Chase Armstrong (18) dives for the ball in Ohio Northern’s first matchup against Marietta (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery) 
An Ohio Northern infielder throws the ball to first base in a victorious match against Ohio Wesleyan at the ONU Invitational (Sports Information Photo/Evelyn Megery)