Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – In the 2023 home finale, the Northern State University softball team split with the University of Mary. Northern tallied a 1-run win in game one and fell in extra innings in game two.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score Game 1: NSU 2, MARY 1
Final Score Game 2: NSU 2, MARY 4 (8 inn)
Records: NSU 14-30 (8-16 NSIC), MARY 7-35 (2-22 NSIC)
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 1
- Northern scored their two runs on seven hits in game one and gave up four errors defensively
- The Wolves tallied their two runs in the bottom of the first on a bases loaded single to right center by Kyra Knudtson
- Ashley Fauske and Claire Zbylut scored on the play following a hit-by-pitch and bunt single
- The Marauders answered back with one unearned run in the top of the sixth
- Lexi Chase started for the Wolves and earned the win, giving up just three hits in her sixth win of the season
- Liv Richardson led the Northern State offense with two hits, while Emma Owens tallied the lone extra base knock
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Liv Richardson: 2-for-2, walk
- Emma Owens: 1-for-3
- Kyra Knudtson:1-for-3, 2 RBI
- Lexi Chase: 7.0 innings pitched, 1 run, 2 hits, 6 strikeouts
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 2
- Northern tallied their two runs on seven hits with three errors in game two, scoring both in the bottom of the third
- The University of Mary jumped out to a 2-0 lead, scoring one run apiece in the second and third innings
- Kamdyn Barrientos and Alexandria Arndt scored the two runs for the Wolves in the third
- NSU had a chance to win it in the bottom of the second with runners on first and third with two outs
- The Marauders got out of the jam and the game headed to extra innings
- A pair of outfield errors for the Wolves led to two Marauder runs in the eighth and ultimately made the difference in the game
- Abby Rux suffered the loss in the circle, despite striking out a career high 11 in the game
- Claire Zbylut, Kamdyn Barrientos, and Alexandria Arndt each recorded a team leading two hits in the game
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Claire Zbylut: 2-for-3, 1 RBI, double
- Kamdyn Barrientos: 2-for-3, 1 run
- Alexandria Arndt: 2-for-3, 1 run
UP NEXT
Northern travels to Winona State and Upper Iowa this Saturday and Sunday to close out the regular season. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday versus the Peacocks and 12 p.m. on Sunday against the Warriors.