MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – On one of the nicest days this spring, the North Central University (NCU) softball team set out for their last set of games for the regular season. The Rams faced
Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) rival Crown College (CC) with the home field advantage. The Storm managed to come out on top of NCU in both games, 8-12 and 0-20.
Game One Recap
The Rams came out strong, with four runs in the first inning alone. This early surge of offense was led by a number of Rams, including
Lindsey DeJong (St. Charles, MO, St. Charles High School) who tripled to center field to bring
Lily Adams (White Bear Lake, MN, White Bear Lake Area High School) and
Emily Loop (Phelan, CA, Serrano High School) home. Shortly after,
Rachel Loukinen (Little Falls, MN, Little Falls High School) hit one to bring in
DeJong. From then on, it was a back-and-forth game between NCU and CC. While the Rams were able to score late in the game, the Storm had a big scoring second inning which ultimately led them to win the game, 8-12.
Game Two Recap
NCU played a strong second game as well, despite the heat. It was more of a defensive game for the Rams, led by some good play in the infield. Shortstop
Megan Paulson (North Liberty, IA, Iowa City West High School) had two outs and three assists to outs at first and second base.
DeJong had four outs at first base and then
Crystal Garza (Elk Grove, CA, Capital Christian School) had one of her own at first when she was subbed in. And
Loukinen had three outs and three assists at second base. NCU wasn't able to connect as much offensively as the first game, but still gave their final game of the season their all. At the end of five innings, the final score went to the Storm, 0-20.
Key Performers
- Freshman Lindsey DeJong had quite the day with two RBI's, one run, and a total of 13 outs for both games at first base.
- Lily Adams had two runs and one RBI for the Rams.
- Senior Megan Paulson had two runs, four outs, and five assists in her final double header for the Rams.
Looking Ahead
The Rams finished off their season with this double header. In a COVID-19 spring season, the NCU softball team really came together and had each other's backs and worked their best all the time. The Rams look forward to the 2022 season where they will be eager to get back on the field and show the rest of the teams how competitive they can be.
