Spring has brought fresh air and a renewed spirit to Ohio Northern’s athletes. The warm weather and sunshine came and went, but the Polar Bears’ dedication to their sports never wavered. The pressure mounted for high performance as Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) seasons came to a close.
Check out some of April’s notable sports moments on campus.
Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse
The men’s lacrosse team had a successful winning streak at Dial-Roberson Stadium this past month, with victories against Transylvania (9-6), Mount Union (18-4) and Wilmington (24-4). Perhaps the most noteworthy game of April was the OAC Tournament semifinals, where the Polar Bears faced Capital. Fans gathered in the stands on a brisk Wednesday evening to watch the 17-3 victory and celebrate the team’s advancement to the tournament final against No. 1 Baldwin Wallace.
The season ended on a series of tough losses for the women’s team. April’s lineup began strong with an 18-6 home win against Marietta and two additional victories on the road. The team ultimately fell 16-5 to Mount Union on Senior Day and 13-6 to the same team in the OAC semifinals.
Men’s and Women’s Track and Field
Ohio Northern hosted Bluffton and Manchester (Ind.) for the 6th annual Mike Becraft Invitational, honoring the 1980 track and field alum who was both a legendary athlete and a generous supporter of the program. The upperclassmen celebrated Senior Day alongside their teammates, coaches and families in addition to the regularly scheduled events.
Both the men’s and women’s teams dominated the event, powering their way to first place. Out of 17 events, the men won 15 and the women won 12.
Baseball
Wander Field was a source of good fortune for the baseball team, as every home game ended in victory. April’s spotty weather and frequent rain delays did not inhibit the team’s ability to perform well. A combination of five home wins and road victories led the Polar Bears to the OAC Tournament in May.
Takeaways
The regular season has come to a close for spring sports. Athletic teams are finishing up conference play and traveling for the NCAA Division III tournament across the country. Support for the Polar Bears during their final weeks of competition is crucial for maintaining morale and crossing the finish line strong.
