Box score
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. –
Kelley Benhase turned in another strong pitching performance, striking out five batters in a 2-1 win for the Northern Kentucky University softball team over Niagara to close out play at the Frost Classic on Sunday.
Benhase (3-2) won her third game of the tournament after allowing just one run on five hits as the Norse improved to 3-6 on the young season.
The Purple Eagles (1-4) got the scoring started in the top of the second inning when Alexis Wayne came home from third after Katelyn Gruarin got caught in a rundown at first base.
NKU responded in the fourth inning, beginning with a
Dee Dee Davis single to right field.
Michelle Carson responded with a check-swing single and Davis took third on an errant throw by the Niagara third baseman.
After
Alexis VanHorn reach on a fielding error by the pitcher,
Tory Speakman lifted an RBI-single into right field to bring in Davis and tie the game.
Mandi McQueen put the Norse ahead for good on an RBI-groundout, scoring Carson. Benhase locked things down from there, allowing just two more Niagara base runners the rest of the way.
Speakman had two of NKU's five hits on the day to pace the offense.
The Norse return to action next weekend at the Bears Classic, hosted by Mercer University in Macon, Ga. NKU will take on the host Bears along with Chattanooga and Central Arkansas.
