Kissimmee, FL -- North Central University (NCU) softball continued their slate of spring break games in Florida with a pair of contests against Penn State Brandywine (PSB) Lions and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Umass) Corsairs. NCU was unable to get off to the hot start they have been used to in either contest today, as they went scoreless in 10 innings. North Central lost to PSB 13-0 and 8-0 to UMass.

Game 1: NCU 0, PSB 13

North Central started the day against Penn State Brandywine, with Freshman Addison Schroer in the circle. She kept the game even through the first inning, retiring the side with a strikeout and two routine groundouts. However, Brandywine broke through in the second, scoring 3 runs on a combination of walks, a wild pitch, and a defensive error. North Central looked to respond in the second when sophomore Karmen Dotson laced a double to right field, advancing sophomore Erica Gilles, who had singled earlier in the inning. With two runners in scoring position, the Rams had a chance to cut into the deficit, but Brandywine's pitcher shut the door with a strikeout and groundout. The Lions took control of the game in the third, posting an 8-run inning, taking advantage of North Central's miscues and drilling timely hits. The Rams struggled to contain the offensive onslaught, with Brandywine capitalizing on walks and key at-bats. North Central's best scoring opportunity came in the third when senior Isabela Gallardo ripped a double to left-center. She advanced to third on a groundout by Schroer, but Brandywine's defense turned a crucial double play to end the threat. Penn State tacked on 2 more runs in the fourth, securing a 13-0 lead. Schroer battled through the outing, finishing with 4 innings pitched, 3 strikeouts, and 10 hits allowed. The Rams were unable to generate any late-game offense, sealing the shutout loss.

Game 2: NCU 0, Umass 8

Following the tough opening game, the Rams faced UMass-Dartmouth, where pitching again proved to be the story. Addison Schroer took the circle again and held strong through the first inning, but an early wild pitch and a two-out RBI single put UMass-Dartmouth on top 2-0. North Central's offense looked to answer in the first inning when Schroer helped herself with a single to right field. However, the Rams couldn't capitalize, as back-to-back strikeouts ended the frame. In the second and third innings, the Rams played solid defense, highlighted by senior Maggie Kohl making a diving stop at third to prevent extra bases. However, UMass-Dartmouth extended its lead in the third with another run-scoring hit, pushing the lead to 3-0. NCU's best opportunity came in the fourth when freshman Kaitlyn Havens singled to left, but a groundout and strikeout stranded her at first. Meanwhile, UMass-Dartmouth broke the game open in the fourth with a 4-run inning, fueled by a defensive error and a bases-loaded walk. With an 8-0 deficit in the fifth, North Central needed a rally to extend the game. However, UMass-Dartmouth's pitching remained dominant, striking out the side to end the game and completing a two-hit shutout.

Looking Ahead:

NCU Softball will wrap up their Florida trip with a doubleheader against the University of Mount Union at 8:00 AM CT and followed by Westminster College at 1:00 PM CT.

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