Minneapolis, MN -- Today, the North Central University (NCU) softball team began its final conference series of the year as they hosted the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) Cougars. UMM racked up the hits as they amassed 20 total hits compared to 5 by the Rams. Despite scoring 4 runs in the final inning, NCU could not overcome the big deficit as they suffered an 18-6 loss in game one of the series.
The Cougars were able to get a beat on the Rams pitching early, as they totaled 5 hits and scored 6 runs in the first inning. Junior Delaney Riddle crushed her third home run of the year to score NCU's first run of the game. In the second, Morris would pour it on as they racked up 6 hits and scored 8 runs to take a commanding 14-1 lead. With two outs in the bottom of the third, Isabela Gallardo would double down the left field line. Maci Tripp singled to score Gallardo and then advanced to second on the throw. Over the next two innings, the Cougars tacked on 4 more runs to make it 18-2 headed into the bottom of the fifth. Freshman armen Dotson would double down the right field line and Genesis Friedl would earn first on a hit by pitch. An error would put Gallardo on first to load the bases for Maci Tripp, who would an a 2 RBI triple to right field. Then Riddle hit a sac fly to score Tripp for the fourth run of the inning. Despite the late-game spark, the Rams would fall 18-6 in 5 innings.
Top Performers:
Looking Ahead:
Softball returns to Xcel Field Park for a doubleheader to close out their season series with the Cougars starting at 11:00 AM tomorrow.
All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on softball and all things NCU Athletics.
