ST. PAUL – The University of Northwestern softball team suffered a heartbreaking loss Friday, as its record-breaking season came to a close with a 2-1 loss to No. 23 Central College (28-11) in an elimination game at the St. Thomas Regional. The Eagles end their season 25-17.



The Dutch got their leadoff hitter aboard via an Eagle error and plated her with an RBI single before tacking on what proved to be the game-winning run in the second.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the third, Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) lifted a ball to left and the junior speedster raced home after it was misplayed by the left fielder. The play – which cut Central's advantage in half – was scored as a double with an error.

UNW had ample chances in the later innings, but couldn't string together any timely hits, as the Eagles left nine runners on base.

Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area ) went 3-for-4 at the dish, while Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) tallied a pair of hits to lead the offense.

Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) (13-9) had an outstanding performance in the circle, as she held Central to just five hits and one earned run over six innings.

For their efforts, Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area ) were named to the All-Regional Team.

Fans can visit unweagles.com and follow @unwsoftball on Twitter for updates throughout the off-season.