Morris, MN -- The North Central University (NCU) softball team concluded their season today as they faced the University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM) Cougars. Yesterday, the Rams fell to the Cougars in both games of their doubleheader, 9-1 and 11-6. Today, North Central wrapped up their season as they finished the series with a loss.

North Central came up empty in the first inning despite putting the ball in play. The Rams opened the game with a pop-up, strikeout, and fly out, setting up the defense for a challenging bottom half. A string of early defensive miscues and timely hitting by the opponent led to a big inning, as 13 runs crossed the plate in the bottom of the first. Despite the difficult start, sophomore Erica Gilles and freshman Adison Schroer shared duties in the circle and worked to limit further damage throughout the remainder of the game. In the second inning, the Rams continued to battle at the plate but were held hitless through three innings by the Cougars' starter. Meanwhile, the Morris added five more runs in the bottom of the second on a pair of extra-base hits and a sacrifice fly to stretch their lead to 18-0. NCU's offense showed signs of life in the top of the fourth when Delaney Riddle lined a single up the middle to break up the no-hit bid. Riddle would later advance to second in the fifth inning on a groundout, but the Rams were unable to bring her around to score. North Central's best opportunity to break through offensively came in that fifth frame before a fielder's choice closed the inning and ended the game via run rule.

Looking Ahead:

This series concludes the NCU softball 2025 season.

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