Rochester, MN -- Today, The North Central University (NCU) softball team competed in the Rochester Dome Games, hosted by Luther College, in a doubleheader against the Hamline University (HU) Pipers and the nationally ranked #24 Bethel University (BU) Royals. North Central would fall in both matchups, losing 11-1 to Hamline and 14-2 to Bethel. Despite facing tough opponents, the Rams displayed strong individual performances, with Aurora Prettyman blasting a home run and Delaney Riddle contributing offensively across both games.

Game 1: NCU 1, HU 11 

Hamline struck early in the first inning, scoring 4 runs to take control of the game. NCU had a chance to respond in the bottom half after senior Isabela Gallardo led off with a single, but the Rams were unable to bring her home. In the second inning, the Pipers threatened again but were held scoreless after solid defensive plays from senior Kelsey Henninger and freshman Gabbie Ruzek. NCU capitalized on the momentum in the bottom of the frame when senior Aurora Prettyman launched a solo home run to right-center field, cutting the deficit to 4-1. Fellow senior, Maggie Kohl, followed with a single, and freshman Addison Schroer added another hit, but Hamline escaped the inning without further damage. HU extended their lead in the third with a solo home run and another unearned run, making it 6-1. The Rams tried to rally in the bottom half, as senior Delaney Riddle reached base with a single, but the Piper's defense held strong. Hamline tacked on additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings, capitalizing on North Central's errors and walks to stretch their lead to 11-1. In the final half-inning, Schroer collected her second hit of the day, and Henninger drew a walk, but the Rams couldn't push across another run, resulting in an 11-1 loss.


Game 2: NCU 2, BU 14 

The Rams came out firing in game two, striking early to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning against #24 Bethel. Isabela Gallardo led off the game by drawing a walk, and Delaney Riddle followed with a double to right field, setting up North Central with runners in scoring position. Aurora Prettyman then delivered in a big way, ripping a 2-RBI double to left field, scoring both Gallardo and Riddle to give NCU an early advantage. Erica Gilles kept the momentum going with a single, advancing Prettyman to third, but Bethel was able to escape the inning without further damage. The Rams' defense held strong in the bottom of the first, with pitcher Addison Schroer recording a strikeout and the infield making key plays to keep Bethel off the board. In the second inning, NCU threatened again as Gallardo doubled to center field, and Schroer followed with a single to put runners on the corners. However, the Royals' defense held, keeping the Rams from extending their lead. Bethel's offense came alive in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on free passes and an inside-the-park home run to take control of the game. The Royals plated seven runs in the inning, flipping the script and putting the Rams in a  7-2 deficit. North Central battled to regain momentum in the third, but Bethel continued to build on their lead with 4 more runs, extending the score to 11-2. The Rams continued to show fight, with Gilles doubling in the fifth inning, but the Royals closed out the game, securing the 14-2 victory in five innings.
 

Top Performers:

• Aurora Prettyman (Sr., C): combined 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, R, 2B 
• Addison Schroer (Fr., P): combined 3-5; 9.0 IP, 6 SO
• Delaney Riddle (Sr., 3B/DH): combined 3-6, R, 2B
• Isabela Gallardo (Sr., SS): combined 2-4, R, 2B, 2 BB

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams travel to Florida to compete in The Spring Games Tournament March 4-9. NCU will take on Johnson & Wales University in a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 4th. Game one starts at 10:15 AM CT. 

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on softball and all things NCU Athletics.