Dalton, a staple for the Bobcats' defense, has missed the past five games for Ohio.
Coming off a disappointing Mid-American Conference weekend, the Bobcats are searching for more consistency.
That consistency is something they have found in ace Savannah Jo Dorsey, but is also what they are currently lacking at the shortstop position because of injury.
Ohio (20-13, 2-4 Mid-American Conference) will battle MAC opponent Kent State (22-10, 5-1 MAC) this Tuesday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Ohio Softball Field. Shortstop Amanda Dalton, a staple of Ohio's defense, is questionable heading into Tuesday's double header.
Dalton, a senior, slid into second base in the fifth inning last Saturday in the third matchup of a home series against Western Michigan. Immediately after the slide, Dalton came up limping and did not return to the game after the frame.
That stretch for an extra base was the last time she made an appearance in Ohio's lineup, as she has missed five-straight games.
Failing to play due to injury is not something Dalton has been used to. She was one of three Bobcats to start all 47 games last season, recording 44 hits and 32 runs for the Bobcats.
Starting in her place for the majority of the five-game absence has been freshman shortstop MacKenzie Brunswick.
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Facing Kent State, a team in the top half of the MAC in team batting average (sixth), on-base percentage (third) and RBIs (third), Ohio could possibly be without Dalton and her ability to produce hits and make plays when on base.
Dalton is ranked fourth on Ohio in both batting average (.301) and third in stolen bases (13).
Ohio coach Jodi Hermanek thought Dalton would have the chance to be ready to go in the doubleheader against Kentucky, but ultimately did not have her play due to medical advice from the training staff.
Regardless, Hermanek still felt confident Dalton would be available against Ball State this prior weekend, but Dalton remained sidelined.
In the first matchup of the doubleheader Tuesday, Dorsey will likely face off in the circle against Kent State pitcher Ronnie Ladines, and Dorsey will undoubtedly hope to look over her shoulder and see Dalton.
@NKairys
nk596613@ohio.edu
