Clermont, FL -- The North Central University (NCU) softball team split their Monday doubleheader at Legends Way Ballpark, using a dominant seven-run inning to secure a game one victory over the Westminster College (WC) Blue Jays before falling in the second contest to the Oberlin College (OC) Yeowomen. The Rams showcased timely hitting and resilience early in the day, highlighted by a breakout offensive surge that powered them to their first win of the trip.

Game 1: North Central 7, Westminster 5

North Central found themselves trailing early but responded with a decisive third-inning explosion that ultimately swung the momentum in their favor. After surrendering runs in the first and second innings, the Rams entered the bottom of the third facing a 3-0 deficit before delivering their most complete offensive inning of the day. Freshman outfielder Abi Rogers sparked the rally with a single, while graduate pitcher/infielder Alley Fleener followed with a sacrifice fly to get the Rams on the board. Freshman infielder Bailey Bast reached base to extend the inning, setting up sophomore catcher/infielder Kaitlyn Havens, who delivered a clutch two-RBI double to tie the game. Moments later, junior pitcher/first baseman Erica Gilles drove in two more runs with a single, giving North Central its first lead of the contest. Freshman third baseman/catcher Rhaina Boggess kept the inning alive with a walk before freshman utility player Mykaela Broek capped the rally with an RBI single, pushing the Rams ahead 7-3. That seven-run frame proved to be the difference, as the Rams totaled five hits and capitalized on defensive miscues to take control. Havens led the way offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBI and a double, while Gilles and Broek each contributed key RBI hits. In the circle, Fleener delivered a complete-game performance, working all seven innings to earn her first win. The graduate allowed 5 runs on 11 hits while striking out 4, limiting damage in key moments to preserve the lead. Despite a late push in the fifth inning, North Central's defense held firm down the stretch, securing the 7-5 victory.

Game 2: North Central 5, Oberlin 13

The Rams carried their offensive momentum into game two, striking early with a strong first inning. Abi Rogers opened the game with a hit and stolen base, while Alley Fleener followed with an RBI double. Bailey Bast added another RBI single to give North Central a quick 2-0 lead. North Central extended its advantage in the third inning as freshman infielder Alyssa Leos helped apply pressure, and Rhaina Boggess recorded a key hit to set the stage. Freshman shortstop/outfielder Reese Jenkins drove in a run while reaching on an error, helping the Rams build a 4-0 lead. Offensively, the Rams continued to produce throughout the game, finishing with nine hits. Bast led the effort with a 2-for-3 performance and two RBI, while Fleener added two hits and an RBI. Boggess also contributed with a multi-hit game, and junior outfielder/pitcher Kianna Kidder added a hit and scored a run. However, defensive struggles and a pivotal fifth inning shifted the momentum. After holding a lead through three innings, North Central allowed a large scoring surge that proved difficult to recover from. Despite adding a run in the sixth inning on an RBI single from Bast, the Rams were unable to close the gap. Mykaela Broek got the start in the circle, pitching four innings, while Erica Gilles provided relief down the stretch. The Rams ultimately fell 13-5 in the second game.

Top Performers: 

• Alley Fleener (Gr., P/2B): combined 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2B, 2 SF, R, and a complete-game win in game two (7.0 IP, 4 SO)
• Kaitlyn Havens (So., C/DP): 3-for-6, 2 RBI, 2B, 2 R, BB
• Bailey Bast (Fr., DP/1B): 2-for-6, 2 RBI, R, BB

Looking Ahead: 

North Central continues its Florida slate on Tuesday, March 24, with a busy three-game schedule at Legends Way Ballfields. The Rams will open the day against Buffalo State (NY) at 9:00 AM CT before taking on Middlebury College (VT) at 11:30 AM CT and closing the day against Lawrence University (WI) at 1:45 PM CT.

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.