CLERMONT, FL –The Northwestern softball team returned to play following a day of rest when they met up with Franklin and Marshall College for Monday morning action at Hancock Park. The Eagles battled for seven complete innings before falling 2-1 to the Diplomats. Northwestern redeemed the morning loss when they took down Dubuque, 5-0 in the day's second match-up. The win marked a milestone for Head Coach Alicia du'Monceaux, who recorded her 200^th career victory. Coach du'Monceaux is in her 11th season at the helm of the Eagles softball program.
 
Game 1: Franklin & Marshall 2, Northwestern 1
 
Despite giving up just six hits in the game, it was one hit that ultimately sealed the 2-1 victory for Franklin and Marshall. The Diplomats scored two runs in the top of the first inning on a homerun, and that's all it took to secure the win.
 
Northwestern did manage to edge back when Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) homered to pull the Eagles within one. Unfortunately, UNW was limited to just three additional hits and plagued by an uncharacteristic 10 strikeouts.
 
Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) had a strong showing in the circle, despite earning the loss. The sophomore pitched the complete seven innings, giving up six hits and striking out three.
 
Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) led UNW offensively going 2 for 3 at the plate. Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) rounded out the offensive production for Northwestern with a hit apiece.
 
 
Game 2: Northwestern 5, Dubuque 0
 
In 90 degree Florida heat, the Eagles took on Midwest foe University of Dubuque (Iowa) in an afternoon tilt. Northwestern scored early, tacking on a run in the top of the first when Megan Aasness (Fergus Falls, Minn./Hillcrest Academy) drew a bases loaded walk.
 
The Eagles tacked on another run in the sixth inning when Kayla Hannasch (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) connected on a sacrifice fly to left field to score Bridgette Kollos (Mapleton, Minn./Maple River).
 
The Eagles padded their lead in the top of seven when Taylor Ehnstrom (Aitkin, Minn./Aitkin) singled to right center to score two and Faith Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Vallley-Watkins) roped an RBI double to the gap.
 
Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege) pitched another lock down performance – improving her season record to 3-1. Nelson allowed just three hits, walked two and struck out three in her seven innings of work.
 
The Eagles will return to play on Tuesday when they take on the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg at 9 a.m. and Smith College at 11:15. Stay up to date with all things Northwestern softball at www.unweagles.com