NKU players walk off the field after suffering a 2-0 loss against Quincy.
Box score
EAST PEORIA, Ill. – The prospect of facing Torie Bunzell in an elimination game isn't the ideal situation for any Great Lakes Valley Conference softball team.
Just ask Northern Kentucky University, which managed just one hit against Bunzell on Saturday during a 2-0 loss to Quincy in an elimination game in the GLVC Tournament. Bunzell finished with 14 strikeouts and retired the final 12 NKU batters in order.
Whitney Kroeger provided the only scoring with a two-run homer off NKU starter
Chelsie Roy in the fourth inning. With a runner aboard, Kroeger sent a 1-0 deliver from Roy over the fence in left-center field to give Quincy a 2-0 lead.
That's all the Lady Hawks would need with Bunzell in the circle. Bunzell, the GLVC Pitcher of the Year, is now 26-10 this spring. Quincy improved to 30-15 overall and avenged two regular-season losses to NKU.
Roy (12-4) allowed just four hits and struck out two batters.
Ashley Gates had the only hit for NKU, which dropped to 29-15 with the loss. The Norse had advanced to the championship round of the past two GLVC Tournaments, but consecutive losses to Lewis and Quincy ended that streak in this year's event.
NKU is fifth in the latest NCAA Division II Midwest Region poll, and the top eight teams will receive berths to the NCAA Tournament. The Norse are expected to receive an at-large bid when the field is announced Monday at 10 a.m.
NKU has earned trips to the past two NCAA Tournaments. The Norse won regional championships in both 2004 and '05.
