Clermont, FL -- Tuesday, North Central University (NCU) Softball continued its busy slate in the sunshine state with a trio of games. The Rams took on the Buffalo State University (BSU) Bengals, Middlebury College (MC) Panthers, and the Lawrence University (LU) Vikings. Despite the results, the Rams showed early offensive spark in game one and a resilient push at the plate in game two, highlighted by multiple-run innings and consistent pressure on the bases throughout the day.

Game 1: North Central 2, Buffalo State 18

North Central wasted no time getting on the board in the opening inning. Freshman outfielder Abi Rogers reached after being hit by a pitch and moved into scoring position before freshman designated player Bailey Bast delivered a single to put runners on. Sophomore catcher Kaitlyn Havens was also hit by a pitch to load the bases, and junior infielder Erica Gilles and freshman outfielder Mykaela Broek each worked RBI walks to give the Rams an early 2-0 lead. The momentum shifted in the bottom half of the inning, as defensive miscues extended the frame and allowed a big response from the Bengals. Graduate pitcher/infielder Alley Fleener started in the circle before junior outfielder/pitcher Kianna Kidder entered in relief as the Rams worked to settle in defensively. North Central tallied two hits in the contest, with Bast leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance. The Rams also showed patience at the plate, drawing three walks and being hit by pitches three times, finding ways to reach base despite limited hits.

Game 2: North Central 7, Middlebury 16

After falling behind early, the Rams battled throughout the middle innings and produced one of their strongest offensive stretches of the day. Trailing entering the third, Abi Rogers sparked the offense by reaching base and eventually scoring, putting North Central on the board. The Rams found their rhythm in the fourth inning as freshman infielder Reese Jenkins reached base and came around to score, while Erica Gilles delivered an RBI opportunity, and Kianna Kidder and Rogers each drove in runs to cut into the deficit. North Central continued to apply pressure in the fifth inning. Bailey Bast opened the frame with a single before Jenkins and freshman infielder Alyssa Leos reached to load the bases. Gilles drew an RBI walk, and Kidder delivered the biggest swing of the inning with a two-run double to right center, bringing the Rams within striking distance. Kidder finished 2-for-3 with three RBI, while Rogers added a hit, an RBI, and a stolen base. Jenkins reached base three times and scored twice, helping fuel multiple scoring innings. As a team, the Rams drew seven walks, showcasing disciplined at-bats throughout the game. Despite the offensive surge, North Central was unable to fully close the gap late.

Game 3: North Central 1, Lawrence 9

North Central once again struck first, capitalizing on early baserunning and timely hitting. Abi Rogers led off with a single and stole second before Bailey Bast delivered an RBI single to give the Rams a 1-0 advantage in the opening frame. The Rams held even through the first inning, but a multi-run second inning created separation. North Central looked to respond in the middle innings, putting a runner aboard in the fourth after Kaitlyn Havens was hit by a pitch, but a double play halted the momentum. Defensively, the Rams turned a double play and limited additional damage in later innings, while Alley Fleener logged a complete-game effort in the circle. Rogers recorded one of the Rams' two hits and added a stolen base, while Bast accounted for the team's lone RBI.

Top Performers: 

• Kianna Kidder (Jr., LF/P): combined 2-7, 3 RBI, 2B, 2.0 IP, SO
• Abi Rogers (Fr., CF): combined 2-7, RBI, 2 R, 2 SB, BB, 2 HBP
• Bailey Bast (Fr., 1B/DP): combined 4-9, RBI, R
• Erica Gilles (Jr., P/1B): combined 2 RBI, 3 BB, 3.0 IP, 3 SO

Looking Ahead: 

The Rams look to rest up on a day off tomorrow, before returning to action Thursday, March 26th, with a doubleheader against Union College (NY) at 9:00 AM CT, followed by a rematch with Lawrence University (WI) at 1:30 PM CT. Both games will be played at Legends Way Ballfields (Field 1) in Clermont, FL.

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