WATERTOWN, Wisc. -- Switching to nonconference action, the North Central University (NCU) softball team hit the road for a doubleheader against Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) for the NCCAA matchup. The Rams proved themselves over the Sabercats for the second time this season with a 15-3 and a 17-4 win.

Game One Recap

NCU connected with the ball pretty early on as they scored four runs in the opening inning including a hit by Isabella Gallardo (Austin, TX) that brought in three Rams. MBU scored two runs of their own in the first inning and another in the second inning. But that was all the offensive action NCU allowed in the rest of the game. Nine strikeouts from pitcher Hosanna Gattle (Merrit Island, FL) and another nine outs from catcher Aurora Prettyman (Portland, OR) made it impossible for the Sabercats to score another run. Instead, the Rams themselves were the team that racked up the runs. NCU scored two runs each in the third, fourth, and fifth innings including a double to center field by Delaney Riddle (Lake Stevens, WA) to bring in two runs. The Rams kept going even into the sixth and final inning as they put up five more runs. A single from Catherine SanMiguel (San Antonio, TX, Kaiserslautern High School) and a single from Sydney Harmon (Meno, OK) brought in two runs and Harmon also found herself crossing home plate to put NCU up 15-3 by the end of the game.

Game Two Recap

Starting out the second game as strong as the last, the Rams put a lot of players on base resulting in five run scored. Ending those five runs were two from a SanMiguel double to center field. However, the Sabercats answered right back with four runs of their own. This offensive effort didn't rattle the Rams and NCU came back in the second inning to score another five runs. Eight different Rams contributed to the score either by a run scored themselves and through an RBI. At the top of the third, Lindsey DeJong (St. Charles, MO, St. Charles High School) singled to third base but Kali Kahalekomo (Muncie, IN) and Gallardo both managed to run home. The rest of the game was like a revolving door for NCU as many players crossed home plate more than once. The Sabercats did hold the Rams scoreless in the fifth inning but were unable to overcome the deficit from the previous four innings.

Key Performers

• In the first game, Isabella Gallardo recorded five RBI's and one run, a single game high for Gallardo.
• Also breaking a single game high was Hosanna Gattle who threw nine strikeouts in the first game.
• Rounding out the second game was Lindsey DeJong with five RBI's and two runs.
• Catherine SanMiguel also added in five RBI's in the second game.

Looking Ahead

The softball team gets no rest as they head into another doubleheader tomorrow, Friday Apr. 22, playing against two separate Upper Midwest Athletic Conference teams. First up is Bethany Lutheran College at 10 a.m. followed by a matchup with Martin Luther College at 2 p.m. The Rams lost previously to Bethany but will face off with Martin Luther for the first time this season. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the softball team and much more information.