GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - It's do-or-die for the William Woods Owls from here on out.
The Owls dropped their opening game in the NAIA Tournament on Monday, falling 4-2 to the host school, Davenport, Mich., in the double-elimination Davenport Bracket.
Davenport got on top early with two runs in the bottom of the first on two walks, a wild pitch, a stolen base, two hits and one error.
William Woods got within 2-1 in the fourth when Lindsey LeCuru (Helias High School) reached on a fielder's choice, moved to second on fielder's indifference and later scored on a single.
However, Davenport smacked a two-run homer in the fifth to regain control.
The Owls' threatened in the final inning, getting one run in on an RBI double by Hannah Campbell (Russellville High School) and putting the tying runs on base before the rally fizzled out.
Each team managed just four hits in the game.
MacKenzie Bowden (Jefferson City High School) took the loss, throwing a complete game. Three of the four runs were earned and she struck out five while walking three.
William Woods (39-16) will play an elimination game at 2 p.m. today against Huntington, Ind. (31-22).