ST. PAUL – The University of Northwestern softball team (6-16, 2-2 UMAC) exploded for a combined 32 runs in its sweep of visiting North Central University (0-20, 0-6) Saturday at Reynolds Field. The Eagles won the opener, 20-0, before topping the Rams, 12-0, in game two.

Game One
Northwestern plated 14 runs in the first two frames before earning the run-rule victory.

Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) and Megan Threlkeld (Burnsville, Minn./Burnsville) both belted three hits, with two of Threlkeld's hits being doubles. The senior shortstop drove in six runs, including a bases-clearing two-bagger in the second. Colleen Feldheim (Northfield, Ill./Loyola Academy) and Ann Lokke (St. Francis, Minn./St. Francis) delivered two hits apiece, while Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) crossed the plate four times.

Lauren Silbernick (Osakis, Minn./Osakis) hurled five shutout innings, not allowing a run, while surrendering just seven hits. The senior fanned three.

Game Two
Leading 1-0 heading into the home half of the fourth,  the Eagles put together an 11 run frame to pick up their second win on the day in five innings.

Kaylee Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) was the offensive leader, as the centerfielder went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, two runs scored and a pair of RBI. Megan Threlkeld (Burnsville, Minn./Burnsville) smacked a pair of hits and also drove in two RBI.

Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege) claimed her third win of the season in the circle, throwing a two-hit shutout in her five innings of work.

The Eagles will continue conference play Tuesday when Bethany Lutheran visits Reynolds Field. First pitch in game one is slated for 3:30 p.m. Fans can find more information on the softball program at www.unweagles.com.