St. Paul, MN – Thursday, North Central University (NCU) Softball opened its conference series against the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) Yellowjackets with a doubleheader at Reynolds Field. Despite the final results, the Rams showed resilience at the plate in Game 2 and continued to battle through adversity, highlighted by early offensive execution and multiple hitters recording base knocks.

Game 1: NCU 0, UWS 23 (5 inn.)

North Central looked to settle in early, but the visitors capitalized on early momentum to build a lead in the opening innings. The Rams showed flashes defensively and continued to compete through all five innings, working to limit further damage after the early surge. Offensively, junior pitcher/first baseman Erica Gilles led the way, going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate, including a double, accounting for both of the Rams' hits in the game. Her consistent contact provided a bright spot as North Central looked to generate offense. In the circle, graduate pitcher/infielder Alley Fleener got the start, while Gilles came in for extended relief work, logging 3.2 innings and continuing to battle through a heavy workload. The Rams continued to put the ball in play, but were unable to string together multiple hits, ultimately falling in five innings.

Game 2: NCU 1, UWS 13 (5 inn.)

North Central responded quickly in Game 2 with a strong opening frame. Freshman outfielder Abi Rogers reached base to begin the inning and advanced into scoring position before sophomore catcher Kaitlyn Havens delivered a single to put runners on. Moments later, Gilles came through again with an RBI single to score Rogers and even the game at 1-1 early. The Rams continued to show improved offensive production throughout the game, finishing with four hits. Gilles once again led the charge, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, while Havens, graduate pitcher/infielder Alley Fleener, and freshman infielder Alyssa Leos each added hits to keep pressure on the defense. In the circle, freshman utility player Mykaela Broek tossed all five innings, working through traffic and continuing to compete despite extended innings defensively. Defensively, the Rams turned key outs early and held things close in the opening inning, but extended innings allowed the game to open up. Still, North Central's early response and increased offensive output marked a step forward from Game 1.

Top Performers: 

• Erica Gilles (Jr., P/1B): combined 3-4, RBI, 2B
• Kaitlyn Havens (So., C/IF): Game 2: 1-3
• Mykaela Broek (Fr., P): Game 2: 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 2 SO

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, the Rams will return to Reynolds Field for Game 3 of the series tomorrow, April 17th. Game time is to be determined due to possible weather changes.

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