CLERMONT, FLA --  The University of Northwestern softball team continued action at the 2020 Spring Games on Friday at Hancock Park. The Eagles faced a pair of tough competitors, falling in a 2-1 battle to Fontbonne before dropping an 8-0 contest to Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).  
 
The Eagles move to 2-6 on the year as they continue to hunt for a win in Florida with eight games remaining at this year's Spring Games. Action will resume on Saturday at 9 a.m.
 
Sophomore Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) highlighted Friday play, going 4-for-6 at the plate with a double and an RBI.
 
Fontbonne 2, Northwestern 1
In a fast-paced game that featured solid defense and strong pitching, Fontbonne was first to score – putting together two hits and the first run of the game in the bottom of the sixth.
 
A poised Eagle squad responded with a run of their own in the top of the seventh to stay alive. Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland) got things going, singling to left. The rookie, Rachel Linebaugh (Golden Valley, Minn./Grace Academy), executed a timely sacrifice bunt to advance Schmidt, before Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) came through with the game-tying RBI.
 
Fontbonne's leadoff drew a walk in the bottom of seven, but was thrown out at second by Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) on an attempted sacrifice bunt by the two-hitter. The Griffins would respond with back to back hits to secure the 2-1 walk-off win.
 
Lexi Kopacek (Willmar, Minn./Willmar) put together a solid outing in the circle, allowing six hits, just one walk and striking out one. Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. Shelby Stoll (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) and Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland) rounded out the Eagles five hits as Fontbonne finished with six.
 
MSOE 8, Northwestern 0
The Eagles would face a tough (6-1) MSOE squad in game two, suffering from a deficit of 12 Raider hits to UNW's five. Northwestern stranded 10 runners on base and committed four defensive errors, handing MSOE an 8-0 final win.
 
Kendra Hardy (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) led Northwestern going 2-for-3 at the plate. Shelby Stoll (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo), Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West) and Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area) each tacked on a hit.
 
Northwestern will be back at it tomorrow when they take on MIAC opponent, Saint Mary's University at 9 a.m. followed by Dominican University at 1:30 p.m. Both games will be held at Legends Way Ballfields.
 
Follow Northwestern softball all season long on www.unweagles.com. All spring games will be available to follow on live stats HERE. Keep up with the team on social at @unwsoftball on Twitter and Instagram.