ASHLAND, Wis. – The University of Northwestern softball team opened up Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) action at Northland on Saturday. The Eagles were dominant in the doubleheader, putting together 34 hits to record 17-6 and 20-5 (five inning) wins over the Lumberjills.
 
With the pair of victories, the Eagles advance to 11-9 on the year and start the conference season with a 2-0 mark. Northland falls to 0-10 overall.  
 
Game 1: Northwestern 17, Northland 6
The Eagles took a 2-0 lead after the first half inning of play, which only jumpstarted UNW's dominant offensive performance. They tacked on eight runs in the second and seven more in the third before securing the five-inning, 11 run victory.
 
Seven different Northwestern players recorded hits as Kayla Hannasch (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) led the way with three apiece. Ronning and Faith Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Vallley-Watkins) recorded four RBIs in the win.
 
Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) started in the circle for UNW and pitched the complete five inning game. She allowed 10 hits and six runs enroute to the win. Her record improves to 4-4 this season.
 
Game 2: Northwestern 20, Northland 5
The Eagles picked up where they left off in game two, starting game two with a leadoff homerun from Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins). Eight Eagles recorded hits in the game led by Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins), Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) who each connected on four.
 
In addition to the dominant offensive performance, Northwestern's defense recorded zero errors on the day.
 
Ronning led Northwestern at the plate in the series, going 7-for-8 with four doubles, two homeruns and 10 RBIs.
 
Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) finished with six hits, scored seven runs and recorded three doubles, a triple and a homerun on the day.
 
Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) started in the circle, pitching all five innings while allowing just nine hits. The freshman improves to 3-1 this season.
 
The Eagles will return to action on Wednesday, April 3 when they continue UMAC action against Bethany Lutheran. First pitch in Mankato, Minn. is slated for 3:30 p.m.
 
Follow UNW softball online this season at www.unweagles.com