MONTGOMERY, Ala.  – Northern Kentucky University Norse softball opened up the 2026 season on Thursday, taking on Alabama State in the first game of the 2026 Stinger Classic. The Norse and Hornets went back and forth in a high-scoring, lengthy affair that topped out at over three hours. NKU's offense lifted them over the hosts, as the Norse rattled off 19 hits and scored 12 runs. 

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky – 12, Alabama State – 8
LOCATION: Barbara Williams Softball Complex – Montgomery, Ala. 
RECORDS: NKU: 1-0 | ASU: 0-1

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE 
- Northern Kentucky recorded a remarkable 12 runs on 19 hits, the latter mark topping any single-game hit total from NKU's 2025 campaign. 
- While the Norse offense was red-hot all game, scoring a run in every inning, Norse pitching allowed eight runs and eleven hits. Kyndall Ford got the start, piting 2.1 innings, allowing five hits, four walks, and six earned runs. Freshman Abigail Byrd relieved her for her first career win, allowing six hits, no walks, and two earned runs while striking out four over 4.2 innings of work. 
- Leadoff hitter Mack Brow put together an inspiring first game, setting career-highs with 4 hits and three stolen bases. She finished 4-5 from the plate and also scored a career-high four runs. 
- Brielle DiMemmo went 3-4 at the plate with two runs scored, an RBI, a walk, and a pair of doubles.
- Brooke Keltner went 2-3 with four RBI, a run scored, a walk, and a lead-taking two-run homer. 
- Jena Rhoads batted 2-5 with a pair of doubles, bringing home three runs while scoring once. 
- Kenzie Gulley went 2-3 at the plate with a run scored and a walk. 
- Lexy Morris went 2-4 with a pair of runs scored. 

FOLLOW NKU NORSE SOFTBALL 
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