Jessica Farris (right) is greeted after giving NKU a 4-3 win in Game 1.
Game 1 box score |
Game 2 box score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team extended its winning streak to five by sweeping a doubleheader from Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday.
Jessica Farris' run-scoring single with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning gave NKU a 4-3 walk-off win in the opener. The Norse completed the sweep with a 4-2 victory in the nightcap. NKU improved to 27-12 overall, 17-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
In Game 1, NKU rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the sixth inning and tied the game on
Emily Schwaeble's two-run homer to left-center field. It was the seventh home run of the season for Schwaeble.
Tied at 3-all in the bottom of the seventh inning, Kelly Sullivan doubled with one out. Pinch-runner
Jennifer Hoff then advanced to third on a grounder to second by
Mandi McQueen, bringing Farris to the plate with two outs.
Farris stroked Wisconsin-Parkside pitcher Jill Vondrak's first delivery through the left side for a single to drive in Hoff with the winning run.
April Ehlers struck out 11 batters and picked up her 12th win of the season for NKU. Farris was 3-for-3 and scored a run.
In the nightcap, NKU built a 4-0 lead after three innings and held on to complete the sweep.
Ashley Gates and
Natalie Papi each drove in two runs to lead the Norse offense, while Farris added two doubles and scored twice.
NKU pitcher
Chelsie Roy recorded her 11th victory of the spring by scattering 13 hits and striking out five batters.
NKU will play host to Lewis at noon Saturday in a doubleheader that will also be the final home games of the season. The Norse trail Lewis (17-3 GLVC) by one-half game in the battle for first place in the GLVC standings.
If NKU sweeps Lewis, the Norse will earn the No. 1 seed for next week's GLVC Tournament in East Peoria, Ill.
In addition to honoring its seniors, NKU will host Strike Out Cancer on Saturday to create awareness for breast cancer research. Fans will be able to make a $5 donation to cancer research and will receive a pink tote bag with the NKU logo and a raffle ticket for a chance to win several prizes during the day.
