St. Paul, MN --  North Central University (NCU) Softball kicked off the 2026 season with a road UMAC doubleheader against the University of Northwestern (UNW) Eagles. Today, North Central dropped both contests, but showed early offensive flashes, including multiple baserunners and extra-base contact in game two. The Rams tallied five hits across the twin bill and saw several newcomers record their first hits of the season.

Game 1: NCU 0, UNW 8

North Central looked to settle into the season early, but the game shifted quickly in the opening inning. After a scoreless top half, the Eagles capitalized on early baserunners to plate two runs in the first inning. In the second inning, the Rams showed patience at the plate as freshman designated hitter Bailey Bast and junior first baseman Erica Gilles each worked walks to put runners on base. However, North Central was unable to convert, leaving two stranded. The Rams continued to battle defensively through the middle innings behind graduate pitcher Alley Fleener, who logged 4.0 innings in the circle while navigating multiple traffic-heavy frames. Offensively, North Central broke through for its lone hit in the fourth inning as freshman third baseman Rhaina Boggess delivered a single to center field, advancing a runner into scoring position. The Rams later loaded the bases in the fifth inning following walks by freshman shortstop Reese Jenkins and junior left fielder Kianna Kidder, along with a hit-by-pitch drawn by freshman center fielder Abi Rogers, but were unable to push a run across. Despite the final score, the Rams showed discipline at the plate with five walks and consistent pressure on the basepaths.

Game 2: NCU 0, UNW 19

North Central came out more aggressive in the second game, producing early offensive momentum in the first inning. After two quick outs, sophomore designated hitter Kaitlyn Havens delivered a highlight double off the left field fence, followed by a walk from Bailey Bast to put two runners on base. The Rams threatened early but were unable to capitalize. In the second inning, the Rams again generated offense as Rhaina Boggess singled and later stole second, while freshman infielder Alyssa Leos added a base hit to move a runner into scoring position. North Central finished the game with four hits, their highest output of the day. Havens led the extra-base production with a double, while Bast, Boggess, and Leos each recorded singles. Boggess also added a stolen base, highlighting early aggressiveness on the basepaths. In the circle, junior pitcher Erica Gilles started the game before freshman utility player Mykaela Broek provided relief, combining for 4.0 innings of work. Broek helped stabilize the defense through the middle innings, recording multiple groundouts and limiting additional scoring opportunities late. Defensively, the Rams continued to compete through all five innings, turning multiple routine outs and working through adversity against a high-pressure offensive lineup.

Top Performers:

• Kaitlyn Havens (So., C/DH): Game 2: 1-3, 2B
• Rhaina Boggess (Fr., 3B/C): combined 2-4, SB

Looking Ahead:

Rams Softball now heads south to the Sunshine State for a slate of 10 non-conference matchups. NCU first takes on Westminster College (MO) on Monday, March 23rd. First pitch is scheduled for 9:00 AM CT at Legends Way Ballfields (Field 2) in Clermont, Florida.

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