Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – For the first time in 2024, the Northern State University softball team tallied a league sweep, defeating Southwest Minnesota State. The Wolves and Mustangs played 17 innings of softball from Koehler Hall of Fame Field, with Northern scoring seven runs on 12 hits.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score Game 1: NSU 6, SMSU 5 (10 inn.)
Final Score Game 2: NSU 1, SMSU 0
Records: NSU 20-18 (6-12 NSIC), SMSU 17-24 (8-10 NSIC)
HOW IT HAPPENED | GAME 1
- Northern scored their six runs on nine hits with one error in the 10 inning victory
- Southwest Minnesota State led off the contest with three runs in the top of the first
- The Wolves answered in the bottom of the frame with three runs of their own on a pair doubles by Emma Owens and Avarie Eagle, scoring Lexi Chase, Kyra Knudtson, and Owens
- NSU took the led in the bottom of the sixth on a single through the left side by Taylor Coleman, scoring Liv Richardson
- SMSU tied the game in the seventh and the team’s headed to extra innings as Northern left one runner on in the bottom of the frame
- The Mustangs broke through with one run in the top of the tenth and the Wolves fate was in their own hands
- Taylor Coleman singled with one out and came around to score on a triple to left center by Ashley Fauske; tying the game
- Fauske scored the game winner on a single to left center by Knudtson
- Three Wolves tallied multiple hits in the win, led by Avarie Eagle going 3-for-5
- Abby Rux started for the Wolves throwing 6.2 innings with seven hits, four earned runs, and two strikeouts
- Coleman entered in the seventh, earning her fifth win of the season, giving up just one run and two hits with two strikeouts
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Avarie Eagle: 3-for-5, 1 RBI, 2 doubles
- Ashley Fauske: 2-for-6, 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 triple
- Taylor Coleman: 3.1 innings pitched, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 strikeouts, win, 2-for-3, 1 run 1 RBI
HOW IT HAPPENED | GAME 2
- Solid defensive play was the name of the game in the night cap with six scoreless innings of softball in the book
- Northern broke through in the bottom of the seventh on a single to centerfield by Liv Richardson, scoring Avarie Eagle from second
- The Wolves scored their one run on three hits, led by Richardson with a pair of base knocks
- Lexi Chase threw a gem for NSU with a complete game shutout, giving up just three hits and striking out four
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Liv Richardson: 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 double
- Kyra Knudtson: 1-for-2
- Lexi Chase: 7.0 innings pitched, 3 hits, 4 strikeouts
UP NEXT
Northern returns to Koehler Hall of Fame Field on Saturday, taking on Southwest Minnesota State. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. between the two teams. The first 100 fans into the facility on Saturday will receive a free box of Cracker Jacks with one lucky winner taking home a Northern State prize pack.
Northern returns to Koehler Hall of Fame Field on Saturday, taking on Southwest Minnesota State. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. between the two teams. The first 100 fans into the facility on Saturday will receive a free box of Cracker Jacks with one lucky winner taking home a Northern State prize pack.