St. Paul, MN -- Tuesday, North Central University (NCU) Softball hosted the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) Cougars for a UMAC showdown under the lights at Reynolds Field. After numerous reschedules, North Central was ready to face off with a competitive opponent in Morris, a team that has had the Rams' number in recent years. Tonight, NCU battled in a high-scoring affair before ultimately falling 18-8 after a strong offensive showing that saw the Rams post 11 hits and answer early with a four-run first inning.

North Central wasted no time responding to an early deficit, showing resilience and offensive firepower throughout the contest. After surrendering runs in the opening frame, the Rams answered immediately in the bottom of the first. Freshman outfielder Abi Rogers sparked the rally with a leadoff single and stolen base. Freshman shortstop Reese Jenkins followed with a hit and swipe of her own to put pressure on the defense. Freshman first baseman Bailey Bast added another base knock before freshman utility player Mykaela Broek delivered a two-RBI double to cut into the deficit. Junior Erica Gilles capped the inning with a two-RBI single to center, tying the game at 4-4. The Rams continued to apply pressure in the third inning. After freshman third baseman Rhaina Boggess reached base and freshman infielder Alyssa Leos was hit by a pitch, Rogers drew a walk to load the bases. Jenkins came through again in a big moment, driving a three-RBI double into the gap to bring North Central within two runs at 9-7. North Central added another run in the fifth inning as Leos worked a walk and advanced into scoring position. Rogers and Jenkins each recorded singles to keep the inning alive before Bast lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the run, making it 13-8. Offensively, the Rams were led by Jenkins, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a double, while Rogers added a 2-for-3 performance with two runs scored and a walk. Bast contributed a pair of hits and an RBI, and Gilles finished 2-for-4 with two RBI. Broek also added two RBI on her extra-base hit as part of an 11-hit team effort. Despite the consistent offensive production, North Central could not slow the opposing lineup, which capitalized on key moments throughout the middle and late innings. The Rams continued to compete at the plate, recording hits in five of six innings and showcasing aggressive baserunning with multiple stolen bases.

Top Performers:

• Reese Jenkins (Fr., SS): 3-4, 3 RBI, R, 2B, SB
• Abi Rogers (Fr., CF): 2-3, 2 R, BB, SB
• Bailey Bast (Fr., 1B): 2-3, RBI, SB
• Erica Gilles (Jr., DP): 2-4, 2 RBI

Looking Ahead:

Rams Softball returns to Reynolds Field tomorrow, April 1st, for a doubleheader against the University of Minnesota Morris at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

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