Wayne, Neb. (Northern State) – With their third straight NSIC split, the Northern State University softball team earned their 18th win of 2024. The Wolves tallied a come from behind win in game one and fell short in a 2-run loss in game two.

THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score Game 1: NSU 8, WSC 4
Final Score Game 2: NSU 1, WSC 3
Records: NSU 18-15 (4-10 NSIC), WSC 6-28 (2-8 NSIC)

HOW IT HAPPENED | GAME 1

  • Wayne State jumped out to an early lead in game one, with a 3-run homer in the first
  • The Wildcats held the Wolves at bay through 3-complete, however Northern broke through in the fourth with five runs on four hits
  • Elly Smith kicked off the inning with a double to right and her pinch runner, Alysa Lowe came around to score on a single through the left side by Claire Zbylut
  • With two outs in the inning, Kamdyn Barrientos single to center scoring Kyra Knudtson and the Wolves trailed by one
  • Two runners were on base and Lexi Chase stepped to the plate, sending one over the right center fence for the 5-3 Northern State lead
  • Emma Owens tacked on three more runs in the top of the fifth on a homerun to right centerfield as well; Taylor Coleman and Knudtson scored on the play following a leadoff single and walk
  • Wayne State recorded their final run in the bottom of the sixth and Northern closed out the 8-4 win
  • NSU notched their eight runs on ten hits, without giving up a defensive error
  • Zbylut and Owens led the team with multiple hits, as Zbylut notched three and Owens added two
  • Mckenzie Wanner threw her fifth win of 2024 in a complete game with four strikeouts

NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

HOW IT HAPPENED | GAME 2

  • The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third when Wayne State notched a 2-run homerun
  • Northern responded with a run scored in the top of the fourth by Taylor Coleman, however it was their only run of the contest
  • The Wildcats added a run of insurance in the bottom of the fourth on a sacrifice fly
  • NSU recorded six hits in the game and left seven runners on base; they also continued to play perfect defense without an error
  • Alexandria Arndt led the offense going 2-for-3, while Lexi Chase notched the lone extra base hit for the Wolves; a double
  • Chase suffered the loss, giving up all three runs on six hits with six strikeouts
  • Abby Rux threw the final two innings and held Wayne State to just one hit

NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

UP NEXT
Northern State will play their first games of 2024 from Koehler Hall of Fame Field on Wednesday, hosting Minot State. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 12 p.m. against the Beavers. Wednesday is the Wolves annual Mental Health Awareness contest. NSU will wear specialty jerseys for the game and NSU Counseling Services will be in attendance to share information with fans.