Clermont, FL -- Thursday, the North Central University (NCU) softball team continued its spring break slate with a doubleheader against the Union College (UC) Chargers and Lawrence University (LU) Vikings, falling in both contests despite flashes of production at the plate. The Rams combined for eight hits on the day and showed early offensive execution in game two, highlighted by strong performances from the top of the lineup.

Game 1: North Central 1, Union 9

North Central looked to settle in early, but defensive miscues proved costly in the opening innings. After a scoreless top of the first, the Rams allowed an unearned run in the bottom half before a difficult second inning created separation. Despite the early deficit, NCU continued to compete offensively. Freshman outfielder Abi Rogers led the charge, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base. Rogers sparked the Rams' lone scoring inning in the fourth, leading off with a single, swiping second, and advancing to third on a wild pitch. Sophomore catcher Kaitlyn Havens delivered the key swing, driving in Rogers with an RBI single to left field. Havens finished 1-for-3 with the team's lone RBI. Freshman utility player Mykaela Broek and junior outfielder/pitcher Kianna Kidder each added a hit as part of North Central's five-hit effort. In the circle, graduate pitcher/infielder Alley Fleener worked 5.2 innings, battling through traffic while limiting further damage after the second inning. North Central threatened late, putting multiple runners on in the sixth inning, but was unable to push across additional runs.

Game 2: North Central 3, Lawrence 8

The Rams responded with energy in game two, jumping out to an early lead and applying pressure on the basepaths. After allowing a run in the first, freshman outfielder Abi Rogers reached base and later scored on a clutch RBI double from freshman shortstop Reese Jenkins to even the score at 1-1. North Central continued to build momentum in the second inning. Freshman infielder Alyssa Leos reached after being hit by a pitch, and junior outfielder Kianna Kidder followed with a single. Rogers brought in a run with an RBI groundout, and Kidder later scored on a wild pitch to give the Rams a 3-1 advantage. Jenkins paced the offense with a double and an RBI, while Rogers added a hit, run, and RBI. Kidder contributed a hit, a run scored, and a stolen base as part of an aggressive offensive approach. Freshman utility player Mykaela Broek threw a complete game, allowing four earned runs while working through seven innings in the circle. North Central held its lead early before momentum shifted in the middle innings. The Rams continued to compete defensively and showed flashes offensively, but were unable to regain control late.

Top Performers: 

• Abi Rogers (Fr., CF): combined 3-6, 2 R, RBI, SB
• Kianna Kidder (Jr., OF/P): combined 2-5, R, SB
• Mykaela Broek (Fr., RF/P): 7.0 IP, 8 R (4 ER), and 3 strikeouts

Looking Ahead: 

The Rams will wrap up their Florida trip tomorrow with a pair of games at Legends Way Ballfields (Field 1) in Clermont, FL. They are set to take on Augustana College (IL) at 9:00 AM CT before facing St. Lawrence University (NY) at 11:15 AM 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.