MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Northwestern softball team (26-15) returned to Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament action Friday when they faced St. Scholastica (23-15). Both teams entered the 12 p.m. match-up undefeated in tournament action after splitting in regular season play. The Eagles got on the board in the first inning and never trailed, cruising to a 3-1 victory. With the win, Northwestern advances to Championship Saturday for the second straight year.
Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) got the Eagles' momentum going early – singling to the pitcher in the first at bat of the game.
Kayla Madison (North Branch, Minn./Forest Lake) drew a walk and
Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) singled up the middle to bring Forcier home.
In the second inning, the Eagles tacked on another run. This time it was
Faith Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Vallley-Watkins) who singled to get the offense rolling. The sister act was tough to stop as Faith stole second and
Mindy Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Valley-Watkins) singled to left to bring her home – giving Northwestern a 2-0 edge.
Scholastica earned one run back in the bottom half of the inning, but the effort wouldn't be enough. The Eagles scored their third and final run in the fourth when
Kayla Hannasch (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) singled to left and stole second and
Faith Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Vallley-Watkins) drove her home.
Northwestern would shut down the Saints in the final five innings behind dominant pitching from
Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar). The sophomore allowed 10 hits but was backed up by solid Northwestern defense. Eight Scholastica runners were left on base. Kopacek's win marks her 13th this season.
Mindy and
Faith Forcier (Watkins, Minn./Eden Vallley-Watkins) each recorded two hits and an RBI in the game.
The Eagles will return to action on Saturday, May 4 at noon. They will face the winner of the UMAC tournament's game 7 (taking place at 4 p.m. Friday).
For tournament match-ups, scores and ticket information – visit the UMAC's tournament page
HERE.