Northern Kentucky University Athletics

NKU-ATU box score | NKU-UNA box score

DECATUR, Ala. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team erupted for 12 hits to take a 4-0 win over North Alabama and salvage a split in Day 2 action at the Charger Chillout.

The split keeps NKU at an even 2-2 record on the young season.

The Norse got on the board in the top of the first inning when Emily Schwaeble drove in her first run of the season on a single to left field that drove in Jessica Farris, who drew a walk to lead off the frame.

Farris would drive in a run of her own in the second inning, bringing in Ashley Gates to extend the lead. Mandi McQueen followed up with an RBI-double to quickly make it a 3-0 Norse advantage.

NKU got one more in the sixth inning when freshman Michelle Carson brought Gates home again on a sacrifice fly to left.

Gates ended the game 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Natalie Papi went 2-for-4 while Schwaeble and Farris each went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

April Ehlers was stellar in the circle, scattering four hits and striking out 10 Lions to move to 1-1 on the season.

The late win took the edge off a 5-0 loss to Arkansas Tech in the day's opening game.

A two-run home run by Tiphani Moon in the top of the first inning gave the Golden Suns all the advantage they needed.

NKU struggled to string together any offense, getting just five hits on the game, with four of those coming from the freshman class.

The Norse got their best chance in the bottom of the seventh inning, using a Jamie Raabe double and working a pair of walks to load the bases. Suns pitcher Shelby Jo Fenter bore down and got Mandi McQueen to fly out to center to end the game.

Schwaeble (0-1) took the loss in the circle for the Norse, surrendering five runs on seven hits in five innings of work. Schwaeble also struck out three batters.

NKU closes out play in the Charger Chillout with Sunday action against Augusta State and West Alabama.