MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Northwestern softball team moved to 5-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play with two wins over Bethany Lutheran College Wednesday. The Eagles won a pitchers dual, 1-0, in game one before exploding for a 12-1 five-inning run-rule victory in game two.

UNW improves to 10-16 overall, while BLC drops to 4-14 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

Game One
Behind a gem from hurler Lauren Silbernick (Osakis, Minn./Osakis) and a first inning run, UNW squeaked out a 1-0 win in game one.

In a pitchers dual that saw a combined two hits, Ann Lokke (St. Francis, Minn./St. Francis) came around to score on a wild pitch in the top of the first for the Eagles. Silbernick then shut the door on the Vikings, tossing a one-hit shutout. She fanned three en route to picking up her fifth win of the year.

Colleen Feldheim (Northfield, Ill./Loyola Academy) led off the seventh with a single through the left side of the infield for Northwestern's lone hit.

Game Two
UNW found its groove at the plate in game two, using a seven-run fourth inning to secure a run-rule victory.

Ellen Larkin (Excelsior, Minn./Southwest Christian) got things going for UNW in the top of the first, delivering a run-scoring single to score Megan Threlkeld (Burnsville, Minn./Burnsville). The Eagles went on to add another run in the first, one in the second, two in the third and seven in the fourth to run away with the conference affair.

Larkin continues to swing a hot bat, as the catcher finished 3-for-3, while also scoring three runs. Threlkeld added a pair of hits at the dish, while Jennifer Ankrom (New Hampton, Iowa/New Hampton) and Threlkeld touched home twice.

Meghan Schroeder (Big Lake, Minn./Spectrum) went the distance in the circle, surrendering just six hits and one earned run in five innings of work.

The Eagles will return home to host Northland College in a conference doubleheader Saturday. First pitch in game one is slated for 4 p.m. Fans can find more information at www.unweagles.com.