Box score
STARKVILLE, Miss. –
Paige McQueen scattered four hits and struck out three batters over seven innings of work to lead the Northern Kentucky University softball team to its first win of the season, defeating Mississippi Valley State by a 3-1 score to conclude play for both teams in the Bulldog Kickoff Classic, hosted by Mississippi State University.
The Norse (1-4) combined for eight hits on the day, including a 2-for-3 effort from
Dani Devlin.
Katelyn Roy added her first home run of the season and
Dee Dee Davis went 1-for-2 with a walk.
Roy's home run opened the scoring when she led off the bottom of the second inning with a blast on a 1-2 pitch. The Norse added to their lead in the third inning when
KC Straley led off the inning with a single to centerfield, promptly stole second base and moved to third on a passed ball. Davis followed by working an 11-pitch walk, and also swiped second base. An errant throw on Davis's base stealing attempt allowed Straley to score from third base, making it a 2-0 NKU lead.
The Devilettes (1-4) scratched a run across in the fifth inning when Garrett led off the inning with an infield single and then stole second. Back-to-back ground balls to Davis at second base wound up bringing Garrett across and cutting the deficit in half at 2-1.
Devlin's second hit of the day was a one-out double in the bottom of the sixth inning to get another scoring frame started for the Black and Gold.
Dana Jarboe came on in a pinch-hit role and ripped a single to centerfield, moving Devlin into scoring position for
Mandi McQueen, who would drive in the insurance run on a groundout.
Paige McQueen picked up her first collegiate win in the circle, going to 1-0 on the season. She was able to induce 16 ground ball outs and threw 68 of her 100 pitches for strikes.
The Norse hope to gather momentum from the win as they prepare for next weekend's Rafter Memorial Tournament, hosted by Kennesaw State University. NKU will open the tournament on Friday with a game against in-state rival Morehead State. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
