Northern Kentucky University Athletics

NKU-CSU box score | NKU-UWG box score

DECATUR, Ala. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team used great hitting performances and a gutsy comeback to post a pair of wins in Day 2 action at the Charger Chillout.

NKU took an 8-0 victory over Columbus State before finishing out the day with a 4-3 win over West Georgia.

NKU got on the board early against Columbus State, scoring on back-to-back doubles from Rose Broderick and Ashley Gates in the bottom half of the first inning.

Pitcher April Ehlers was rolling from the get-go, striking out seven of the first nine batters she faced en route to an eight strikeout performance.

Broderick and Gates combined for more offense in the third inning. After a bunt single from Jessica Farris, Broderick uncorked another double to the left field wall to score Farris before Gates stepped up to slam her first home run of the season, a towering shot to left center field.

The Norse tacked on four more runs in the fourth, including a two-run single Samantha Smith, her first hit in an NKU uniform. Smith would later score on a wild pitch. Broderick closed out a 3-for-3 game with an RBI-single to post NKU's final run.

Ehlers allowed just one hit in the shutout victory.

The Norse displayed heart in Game 2, coming back from a three-run deficit in the first inning to post a dramatic 4-3 victory over West Georgia. After a walk to Emily Schwaeble and a single from Jamie Raabe to open the top of the second inning, Gretchen Lorenz stepped up and blasted a bases-clearing triple to the center field wall. Lorenz would come in to score on a Farris sacrifice fly to even the score at three.

Ehlers, who came on in relief of Chelsie Roy in the first inning, continued her roll, retiring the first 12 batters she faced.

Farris would put the Norse up for good in the fourth inning. The sophomore reached base on an infield single and took second on a Stephanie West sacrifice. Broderick would then ground out to shortstop, but as the UWG defense tried throwing across to catch Farris taking third, the ball sailed away and allowed Farris to score and give the Norse a 4-3 lead.

Ehlers locked down the Wolves from there, allowing just one hit for the remainder of the contest to post the victory. The junior improved to 2-1 on the season on the strength of a 10 strikeout relief performance.

With the wins, NKU leveled its record at 2-2 on the season.

The Norse will close out play in the Charger Chillout on Sunday, facing Barry and North Alabama.