PLYMOUTH, Minn. – In the first game post spring break trip, North Central University softball (0-7, 0-0 UMAC) fell to Maranatha Baptist University (1-0) 12-2 in five innings on Thursday morning. Maranatha outhit the Rams 13-6 throughout the game. However, Junior pitcher Amanda Roth (Appleton, Wis./Neenah) came out firing recording six strikeouts in her five innings pitched. The game was level after one inning with hopes for the Rams first win of the season. North Central's hitting efforts started out strong but fizzled after the bottom of the third when the Sabercats jumped out to a 10-1 lead over the Rams. Amanda Roth scored for the Rams again in the bottom of the fifth for the Rams second run of the day. The Rams couldn't overcome the Sabercats strong second inning and fell at the end of five.

How It Happened

First Inning: In the top of the inning, Janae Jorgensen had a ground out to send Katelyn Hockema home for the 1-0 lead. Leading off for the Rams, Alex Rodriguez (Minneapolis,Minn./Homeschool) had a single to center field but ultimately was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice which saw Amanda Roth get on base. Aggressive base running and a passed ball send Roth home tying the game at 1-1.

Second Inning: The top of the inning saw the Sabercats go 0-3 from the plate as the Rams recorded three critical outs. A walk and two singles from the Rams saw the bases loaded before an out from Nora Sullivan (Naperville, Ill./Matea Valley) ended the inning. Through two innings the score remained tied 1-1.

Third Inning: In the top of the third the Sabercats found their groove scoring nine runs in the inning and eight runs before North Central recorded the first out. The Rams tried to come back in the bottom of the third but Maranatha's defense secured three quick outs to move into the fourth. At the end of three, the Sabercats grabbed a 10-1 lead.

Fourth Inning: Following a heavy hitting third inning, the Sabercats recorded one run in the fourth from sacrifice pop fly from Becky Campbell to send Jorgensen home. Two ground outs and a foul out ended the inning for the Rams. Maranatha led 11-1 going into the fifth.

Fifth Inning: Katelyn Hockema scored again for the Sabercats following a base hit, a passed ball, and deep line drive from Michaela Trail. Roth had two strikeouts in the fifth. Roth wasn't finished in the bottom of the fifth, scoring her second run of the game for the Rams with a triple that set her up for the go ahead run from Kylee Bommersbach (Sartell, Minn./Sartell). The Rams couldn't keep the fire going and ended the inning and the game 12-2 to Maranatha Baptist.

Up Next: The Rams will have three games in day two action of the NCU Dome Tournament Fri. March 17. The first game features the Rams hosting Finlandia University at 8:50 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. game against Martin Luther College and a 12:50 p.m. rematch against Maranatha Baptist University. Live stats can be found here for all NCU games.