MINNEOLA, FL – The University of Northwestern softball team wrapped up action at the 2019 Spring Games on Thursday – finishing the tournament with a 5-5 record to move to 8-6 overall. The Eagles faced two tough opponents in Thursday play, falling to Nebraska-Wesleyan, 2-0 and dropping a 6-1 match-up to Roger Williams.
 
Game 1: Nebraska-Wesleyan 2, Northwestern 0
 
In a quick game that featured solid defensive play, Nebraska-Wesleyan scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning that would be good enough to seal an eventual 2-0 win.
 
The Eagles put together six hits (to Wesleyan's seven), but left seven runners on base. Kayla Hannasch (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) connected on two hits apiece, while Faith Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Vallley-Watkins) recorded one.
 
Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege) pitched a complete six innings in the circle – suffering her first loss of the Spring Games. Nelson had yet another strong outing, allowing just two earned runs and striking out two.
 
With the win, Wesleyan improved to 7-4 on the year.
 
Game 2: Roger Williams 6, Northwestern 1
 
Roger Williams orchestrated six runs in the first two innings to take the permanent lead. The Hawks put together 10 hits to UNW's six and capitalized on three Northwestern errors.
 
Despite the offensive drought, the Eagles did get one run back in the bottom of the fourth when Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege) singled to left field to score Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland).
 
Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) started in the circle for Northwestern and threw an inning before being relieved by Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West). Carlson threw six innings and gave up just three hits.
 
Roger Williams improved to 5-4 overall with the win.
 
Spring Games Highlights:
 
Abbie Nelson (Holdrege, Neb./Holdrege) led Northwestern both at the plate and in the circle. The junior hit .444 on the week, totaling 12 hits (including three doubles) and four RBI's. She went 3-1 in the circle with an ERA of 1.73 through 26 innings pitched.
 
Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) collected a team-best 13 hits at the Spring Games, hitting .419 with 31 at bats. Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) led the squad in RBI's with seven.
 
Head Coach Alicia du'Monceaux recorded her 200th career win following the Eagles' Monday win over Dubuque. Northwestern's 5-5 Spring Games record is the best in school history.
 
Up Next:
 
The Eagles will return to action on Tuesday, March 26 for their home opener against Bethel University. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Reynolds Field.