ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern St. Paul Softball team had themselves a day both at the plate and in the circle as the Eagles powered their way to a doubleheader sweep of the North Central Rams on Saturday afternoon. The UNW offense exploded for 18 runs in game one and another eight in game two while the pitchers dealt a pair of shutouts as the Eagles improved to 5-3 in conference play.
Game One
The Eagles were dynamite in the opening game, scoring 18 runs on 14 hits in just four innings at the plate. UNW scored five in the first inning, upped the ante to seven in the second, got four more in the third, and added another two in the fourth. Every batter in the starting lineup had at least a hit or an RBI.
Four Eagles scored thrice in the opener, as Briggs Carlson (North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West), Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn/Kingsland), Ellie Ronning (Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria Area), and Shelby Stoll (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) each crossed the plate three times.
Stoll led the Eagles with four RBI in game one, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and scoring twice.
While the Eagles put on a show at the plate in game one, Carlson had a terrific day in the circle. The junior allowed just a single hit in the five inning shutout performance, striking out six to earn her fourth win of the season.
Game Two
Northwestern's pitching remained lights-out in game two as Diana Boyce (Phoenix, Ariz./Park City) threw another UNW shutout. The sophomore struck out three in five innings and allowed just three hits and no walks.
The Eagles scored four in their first inning and four more in the final inning. After getting the shutout win in game one, Carlson pinch hit with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth. The junior made the most of her opportunity, hitting a bases-clearing walk-off triple to drive in three and end the game at 8-0.
Stoll followed up her fantastic game one with a lead-off home run. The trio of Telma Roesler (Hastings, Minn./Crown College), Hailey Hansen (Elbow Lake, Minn./West Central Area), and Carlson each tripled for the Eagles. Ronning hit her team-leading 16th double of the season in the fifth.
Up Next
Northwestern will host the Bethany Lutheran Vikings for their final home games of the regular season on Wednesday, April 21st. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30pm.
