Clermont, Fla. -- The University of Northwestern softball team hit their stride in Florida -- winning two big games in Tuesday play at Legends Field. The Eagles downed the University of Pittsburg at Greensburg, 8-4 and took down Smith College, 3-1 after recording 24 hits and allowing just 10. The Eagles improve to 8-4 overall this season and are 5-3 at the Spring Games.

Game 1: Northwestern 8, Pitt-Greensburg 4

After a scoreless first inning, freshman Sara Wood (Union Mills, Ind./South Central) roped a triple to left field to score two. Pitt earned one run back in the third inning, but the Eagles were quick to extend the lead once again. Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) doubled and Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland) singled (both driving in runners) to advance UNW's lead to 4-1 through three innings of play.

The Eagles would orchestrate another productive inning in the fifth, scoring three runs on RBI's from Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area), Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) and Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege). Madison drove in Northwestern's final security run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly to score Ronning.

Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) led UNW with three hits apiece in the contest. Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland) and Sara Wood (Union Mills, Ind./South Central) each recorded two.

Carlson earned her first career win in the circle, throwing six innings and giving up just two earned runs. She struck out five and gave up four hits. Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege) relieved Carlson to close out the game, Nelson gave up a hit before retiring the side to secure the 8-4 win.

Pitt-Greensburg moves to 3-3 on the year.

Game 2: Northwestern 3, Smith 1

The Eagles bats stayed hot as they matched-up with Smith College in Tuesday's second tilt. Northwestern put together 12 more hits and limited Smith to just five.

Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) picked up where she left off, driving a single up the middle to score Sara Wood (Union Mills, Ind./South Central) in the bottom of the first. The Eagles tacked on two more runs in fourth inning - which would be enough to seal the win. This time it was Wood who drove in the first runner, while Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) followed suit. Madison led the Eagles at the plate against Smith, going 3-for-4 with an RBI.

Sara Wood (Union Mills, Ind./South Central) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) added two hits apiece and eight UNW players were credited with a hit for a well-balanced offensive effort.

Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) pitched seven complete innings to earn the win. The sophomore gave up five hits and just one earned run after facing 28 batters. She struck out four and walked one to improve her record in the circle ot 3-2 this season.

Through eight games played in Florida, Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland) and Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) lead UNW in hits with 11 apiece. Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) has recorded a team-best seven RBI's.

Northwestern will return to action on Thursday, March 14 for their final day of competition at the Spring Games. The Eagles will take on Nebraska Wesleyan and Roger Williams University at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. at Minneaola Fields. Keep up with all things Eagle softball at www.unweagles.com