Minneapolis, MN -- Today, North Central University (NCU) Softball was back in action after returning from their spring break trip to Florida. The Rams faced off with crosstown foes, Augsburg University (AUG), in a non-conference doubleheader. When NCU faced the Auggies around the same time last season, the Rams struggled to muster any offense and also made costly mistakes defensively, Today, it was much of the same as North Central lost 8-0 and 9-0 in games finalized via run-rule.
Game 1: NCU 0, AUG 8
The Rams opened the day with a competitive start, but a late-inning surge from their opponents proved too much to overcome. Pitcher
Addison Schroer put together a solid effort through four innings, limiting the damage before a five-run fifth inning put the game out of reach. NCU's offense managed three hits, with Schroer leading the way with a pair of singles.
Erica Gilles also contributed with a base hit, while
Kaitlyn Havens reached base but was unable to spark a rally. Despite keeping the game within reach early, defensive miscues in the later innings and a lack of offensive production ultimately sealed the Rams' fate. North Central's best scoring opportunity came in the second inning when Gilles worked a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by
Maggie Kohl. However, back-to-back strikeouts ended the scoring threat. Augsburg walked away with an 8-0 win in game one.
Game 2: NCU 0, AUG 9
In game two, NCU once again struggled to find offensive rhythm, recording just four hits in the contest.
Kaitlyn Havens provided a highlight with a double, while
Gabbie Ruzek collected two singles and
Maggie Kohl added a hit of her own. The game began on a tough note for the Rams as their opponents plated five runs in the opening frame, capitalizing on a mix of timely hitting and defensive errors. Despite a resilient effort from Schroer in the circle, issuing three strikeouts and allowing nine hits over four innings, the Rams were unable to climb back into the game. NCU showed signs of life in the second inning when Ruzek and Kohl delivered back-to-back hits, but an aggressive play at the plate resulted in an out, halting any potential momentum. Defensively, the Rams improved in the middle innings, keeping their opponents off the scoreboard in the third before allowing two more runs in the fourth and final frame. The Auggies won game two 9-0 after 5 innings.
Top Performers:
Looking Ahead:
Up next, NCU will host a doubleheader against Maranatha Baptist University on Friday, March 14th at the West Saint Paul Dome. Game one is slated to begin at 1:00 PM.
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