MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Northwestern softball team (8-16) cruised to a pair of run-rule victories over North Central University (0-12) Saturday in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) action. The Eagles took game one, 33-0, before defeating the host Rams in game two, 14-0, at East Philips Park.

UNW improves to 3-1 in league play, while NCU drops to 0-4.

Game One
Northwestern's offense exploded for a program record 33 runs on 21 hits, as the Eagles put together 12 runs in the second before adding a season-best 14-run inning in the third.

Ellen Larkin (Excelsior, Minn./Southwest Christian) had a monster performance at the plate, as the junior finished 4-for-5, scored five runs, while recording three RBI. UNW had seven players turn in multi-hit efforts at the dish. One of those players was Jennifer Ankrom (New Hampton, Iowa/New Hampton), who smashed a solo home run in the fifth.

Lauren Silbernick (Osakis, Minn./Osakis) was sharp in the circle, allowing just three hits and not surrendering a run in five innings of work en route to picking up the win. She also fanned four in the outing.

Game Two
The Eagles carried their momentum from game one, rolling to a 14-0 victory in five innings in game two. UNW did most of its damage in the second frame, putting a seven spot on the scoreboard. Northwestern added five runs in the fifth to secure its eighth win of the year.

Ellen Larkin (Excelsior, Minn./Southwest Christian) picked up right where she left off at the plate, finishing the nightcap 3-for-3 to lead the offensive attack. Emily Geurkink (Baldwin, Wis./Baldwin-Woodville), Megan Collins (Wabasha, Minn./Wabasha-Kellogg) and Kaylee Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley Watkins) added a pair of RBI each, while Colleen Feldheim (Northfield, Ill./Loyola Academy) and Megan Collins (Wabasha, Minn./Wabasha-Kellogg) contributed two hits apiece.

Meghan Schroeder (Big Lake, Minn./Spectrum) hurled a five-inning shutout, allowing just five hits, while striking out three to claim the win.

The Eagles will travel to Mankato next Wednesday to continue UMAC play with a doubleheader at Bethany Lutheran College. Fans can find more information at www.unweagles.com.