Washington's softball team is in the midst of a tough stretch, dropping their seventh consecutive game in a 5-4 loss to Ohio State on Friday. The Huskies now sit at 34-16 overall and 15-7 in Big Ten play, but the recent skid has tested their resilience.

The game was decided in a single disastrous inning for Washington. Starter Morgan Reimer couldn't escape the third, surrendering five runs on four hits and three walks over just 2 1/3 innings. The Buckeyes capitalized on bases-loaded walks, a two-run double from second baseman Sami Bewick, and an RBI single from first baseman Kiki Estrada to build an insurmountable lead.

Rylee Rehbein provided a strong relief effort, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out five over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. But the damage was already done. Reimer took the loss, falling to 22-7 on the season.

The Huskies showed fight late. Third baseman Giselle Alvarez had a stellar day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two walks and a towering two-run home run in the fifth inning. First baseman Alexis DeBoer followed with a two-run blast of her own in the seventh, pulling Washington within one. But the rally stalled when standout catcher Jadyn Glab was caught stealing second, ending the threat.

Ohio State starter Lauren Boutte worked a complete game, scattering eight hits while walking four and striking out four to improve to 7-5. Despite Washington's eight hits, they couldn't string together the consistent offense needed to overcome the early deficit.

Coach Heather Tarr's squad will look to snap the streak on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. PT. For a team that started the season strong, this stretch is a test of character—and a reminder that in softball, one inning can change everything.