Watertown, WI – Tuesday, North Central University (NCU) Softball wrapped up their second day in Wisconsin with a non-conference doubleheader sweep, overpowering the Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) Sabercats in both contests behind explosive offense highlighted by a 36-run outburst in game one and a balanced attack in game two. The Rams combined for 49 runs across the day, showcasing relentless pressure at the plate and consistent production throughout the lineup.
Game 1: NCU 36, MBU 6
North Central wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for eight runs in the opening inning. Freshman outfielder
Abi Rogers reached base early and later delivered a two-RBI double, while graduate infielder
Alley Fleener and sophomore infielder
Kaitlyn Havens each contributed early RBI knocks to jumpstart the offense. The Rams capitalized on defensive miscues while stringing together timely hits to build an 8-1 lead after one inning. The offensive surge continued in the second inning as North Central plated eight more runs. Havens drove in two runs with a double, while junior pitcher
Erica Gilles and freshman utility player
Mykaela Broek each added RBI hits. The Rams' ability to consistently put runners on base and force pressure led to extended innings and a commanding 16-1 advantage. North Central added three more runs in the third, highlighted by Fleener's two-RBI swing, before breaking the game open completely in the fourth inning with a 15-run explosion. The Rams combined patience at the plate with aggressive baserunning and clutch hitting, as Rogers, Fleener, Havens, and Gilles all drove in runs during the frame. Fleener's bases-clearing triple and multiple RBI opportunities capitalized on continued defensive pressure. In total, the Rams scored in every inning, finishing with 36 runs on 17 hits while drawing 14 walks and taking advantage of numerous defensive miscues. Rogers led the way with seven runs scored and four RBIs, while Fleener posted a standout performance with six RBIs, including a triple. Havens added five RBIs, and Gilles matched that total with five RBIs of her own in a dominant all-around effort. In the circle, Gilles earned the win, tossing a complete five innings while working through traffic and limiting damage despite multiple baserunners.
Game 2: NCU 13, MBU 2
North Central carried its momentum into game two, striking early once again.
Abi Rogers set the tone on the basepaths, drawing a walk and swiping multiple bases before
Alley Fleener,
Kaitlyn Havens, and freshman first baseman
Bailey Bast delivered consecutive RBI doubles to give the Rams a 3-0 lead in the first inning. After a quiet second and third inning offensively, the Rams responded to a brief push by the opposition with a decisive fourth inning. North Central plated six runs in the frame, capitalizing on walks, hit-by-pitches, and timely hitting. Havens and
Erica Gilles each drove in runs, while freshman catcher
Rhaina Boggess and freshman infielder
Alyssa Leos added RBI singles to extend the lead to 9-2. The Rams closed out the game with four more runs in the fifth inning. Bast delivered another RBI hit, while Boggess drove in runs with an extra-base hit and later scored as North Central continued to apply pressure. The team finished with 13 runs on 12 hits, showcasing balanced production throughout the lineup. Boggess led the offense with two hits and two RBIs, while Havens scored three runs and drove in two. Bast contributed three RBIs on a two-hit performance, and Leos added two hits and an RBI. On the basepaths, Rogers was disruptive with four stolen bases, consistently putting herself in scoring position. Junior pitcher
Kianna Kidder earned the win in the circle, throwing a complete game with seven strikeouts over five innings while allowing just two runs and not walking a single batter. Her command and ability to limit hard contact helped secure the sweep.
Top Performers:
- Abi Rogers (Fr., CF): combined 3-6, 6 RBI, 9 R, 4 SB, 2B, BB, 5 HBP
- Alley Fleener (Gr., 2B): combined 3-7, 7 RBI, 7 R, 3B, 2B, 3 BB, HBP
- Kaitlyn Havens (So., 3B): combined 4-7, 7 RBI, 7 R, 2 2B, 3 BB, HBP
- Erica Gilles (Jr., P/DP): combined 4-8, 6 RBI, 7 R, 2 BB, HBP, 5.0 IP, 3 SO, 37 NP, Win (Game 1)
- Kianna Kidder (Jr., P): Game 2: 5.0 IP, 7 SO, 2 ER, 0 BB, Win (Game 2)
Looking Ahead:
Up next, the Rams will travel to Mankato, Minnesota, to face Bethany Lutheran College on Friday, April 24. First pitch is set for 5:30 PM at Thomas Park.
All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams
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