St. Paul, MN -- North Central University (NCU) Softball battled through a high-scoring doubleheader against the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) Cougars at Reynolds Field, dropping both contests despite an explosive offensive showing in game one. The Rams totaled 18 hits across the day, highlighted by a four-hit performance from freshman shortstop Reese Jenkins and a multi-home run effort from sophomore catcher Kaitlyn Havens.

Game 1: North Central 9, Morris 13

North Central's offense came alive early and often in the opener, responding to an early deficit with a big second inning. After falling behind 3-0, the Rams erupted for four runs in the bottom half of the second. Freshman utility player Mykaela Broek and junior pitcher/first baseman Erica Gilles sparked the rally with back-to-back singles before freshman third baseman/catcher Rhaina Boggess drew a walk to load the bases. Freshman infielder/outfielder Allina Mendoza delivered an RBI single, and a defensive miscue allowed two more runs to score. Freshman outfielder Abi Rogers reached base to bring home another run before Jenkins capped the inning with an RBI single to give NCU a 4-3 lead. The Rams continued to apply pressure in the third as Havens launched her first home run of the game, cutting into the lead and keeping momentum on NCU's side. In the fourth inning, North Central delivered another surge. Rogers and Jenkins each singled to set the table before freshman first baseman Bailey Bast drove in a run. Havens followed with a clutch two-run home run, her second of the game, to tie the contest at 8-8. Despite the offensive firepower, the Rams could not hold off a late push. North Central added one more run in the fifth as Jenkins tallied her fourth hit of the game and drove in Boggess, finishing a standout performance at the plate. The Rams totaled 15 hits in the contest, showcasing consistent production throughout the lineup. Jenkins led the way with a 4-for-4 effort and two RBIs, while Havens went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBIs. Rogers added a 2-for-4 performance with two runs scored, and Broek contributed two hits.

Game 2: North Central 0, Morris 12 (5 innings)

In the second game of the doubleheader, North Central found opportunities early but was unable to break through offensively. The Rams scattered three hits across the contest, with sophomore catcher/infielder Kaitlyn Havens, freshman infielder Alyssa Leos, and junior pitcher/first baseman Erica Gilles each recording a hit. North Central's best chance came in the bottom of the fifth inning when Leos and Gilles opened the frame with back-to-back singles. The Rams advanced runners into scoring position following a wild pitch, but were unable to capitalize as the inning came to a close with runners stranded. Graduate pitcher/infielder Alley Fleener started in the circle and worked through multiple early threats, while Broek provided relief in the later innings. Defensively, the Rams showed flashes of resilience, recording key outs in the field to limit damage through the first four innings before a late surge created separation. Despite the result, North Central continued to compete at the plate and on the bases, looking to carry momentum from their offensive performance in game one into upcoming matchups.

Top Performers: 

• Kaitlyn Havens (So., C/2B): combined 4-7, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
• Reese Jenkins (Fr., SS): combined 4-6, 2 RBI, R, HBP
• Abi Rogers (Fr., CF): combined 2-6, 2 R, BB

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, the Rams travel on the road to face the Crown College Polars in a UMAC three-game series. The series opening game is scheduled for Friday, April 10th, at 4:00 PM at the Crown Softball Field in St. Bonifacius, MN. 

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