AKRON, Ohio — No. 1 Akron (32-23) secured a narrow victory over No. 4 Ohio (36-19) by a final score of 6–5 at Firestone Stadium in Game 5. Akron capitalized on three doubles and a triple to drive in five RBIs. The Bobcats' effort included four home runs, but Akron's pitching held firm, striking out five over seven innings to maintain the lead.

Haley Glass was a significant asset for the Zips, recording two doubles and driving in a run to propel Akron to the one-run win.

"You're gonna make me cry. The kid has done nothing but get big hits for us all year and play her tail off all year long and it's awesome for her" said an emotional Craig Nicholson following Glass's standout game.

Delaney Jenkinson showcased her versatility by hitting a triple and adding a stolen base to the team's efforts. Meagan Lee led the Akron team with two runs scored while Madie Jamrog went the distance in the circle, delivering five strikeouts over seven innings to solidifying her key performance.

"Well, she settled in. We made some adjustments with what we were doing, you know, they did a good job in prep for her, and, you know, early in the game they hit some pitches that I didn't necessarily think were bad pitches. I'll have to go back and look and see, but they were ready for what she's going to do. We had to change and do something different and she did a fantastic job of doing that" Nicholson added on Jamrog's outing.

Belle Hummel emerged as a standout performer for Ohio, delivering a powerful offensive display with two home runs and three RBIs while contributing significantly to the team's scoring with two runs of her own. Izzie Wilson also made her mark, hitting a home run and driving in one run, while scoring once. Jordyn Wycuff added to the team's power-hitting with a home run, an RBI, and one run scored.

This victory sets Akron up for tomorrow's semifinal matchup at 12 PM ET, where they will take on the winner of Game 6 between Northern Illinois and Western Michigan.