Morris, MN -- This afternoon, the North Central University (NCU) softball team began their last series of the season as they made their way to Morris to face the University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM) Cougars in a doubleheader. Last year, the Rams were swept in all three games of the series against the Cougars. Today, NCU would lose both games of today's doubleheader by 9-1 and 11-6. 

Game 1: NCU 1, UMM 9

The Rams struck first in the opening inning as senior shortstop Isabela Gallardo reached base after being hit by a pitch, advanced on an error and wild pitch, and was driven home by a double from senior catcher Aurora Prettyman. That early run gave North Central a brief 1-0 lead. Prettyman's double was one of only three hits for NCU in the game, with sophomore first baseman Erica Gilles and Gallardo each recording one as well. The Cougars responded in the bottom of the second, scoring eight runs to seize control of the game. Freshman pitcher Adison Schroer battled through the full four innings but was handed the loss. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Rams showed resilience defensively and continued to put the ball in play, making contact in every inning.

Game 2: NCU 6, UMM 11

Game two featured an explosive start for the Rams, who jumped out to a 6-1 lead after two innings. Isabela Gallardo sparked the offense again with a leadoff double in the first inning and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Aurora Prettyman. North Central poured it on in the second, capitalizing on a pair of defensive miscues and timely hits. Freshman left fielder Gabbie Ruzek smashed an RBI double, and freshman designated hitter Kaitlyn Havens followed with a 2-RBI single down the left-field line. Third baseman Adison Schroer and infielder Gallardo each added RBIs in the five-run frame. Senior Delaney Riddle led the Rams with a 3-4 performance, including a double, while Havens added two hits and two RBIs. Ruzek, Gallardo, and Schroer all contributed RBIs in the early surge. Unfortunately, NCU couldn't hold the lead, as UMM answered with six runs of their own in the third inning and tacked on three more in the sixth to pull away. Gilles pitched a complete game, surrendering 10 hits but only eight earned runs while striking out two in a gutsy effort.

Top Performers:

• Delaney Riddle (Sr., 3B/1B): 3-4, 2B (Game 2)
• Kaitlyn Havens (Fr., DH): 2-4, 2 RBIs, R, 2B (Game 2)
• Isabela Gallardo (Sr., SS): combined 2-5, RBI, 3 R, 2B

Looking Ahead:

North Central will complete their 2025 season as they finish the series against the Cougars tomorrow. The game is set to begin at 12:00 PM.

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.