Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Northern State University softball squad broke a 4-game scoreless streak on Friday, scoring five runs through two games, but the Wolves found themselves overpowered by the host Augustana Vikings, who claimed a 9-4 victory in Game 1 and a six-inning 9-1 win in the nightcap.

NSU freshman Brittany Huback snapped the Wolves' scoring drought in a big way in the top of the third inning in game one, sending her second home run of the year over the left field fence.  The 2-out, 2-run shot plated freshman Brooke Norris, who recorded a 1-out double and moved up to third on an Ashley Gabler sacrifice bunt.

The Vikings, however, struck early and often in the early going, putting together 3-run efforts in both the first and third innings to stake themselves to the early lead.  Augie then staved off a mini Wolves rally in the top of the fifth to hang on for the 9-4 win.

Game two proved to be a tightly fought affair through much of the game before the Vikings came up with a pair of home runs in the late going to put the game away.  Augustana pulled away from a 3-1 advantage with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, then put together an offensive onslaught in the bottom of the sixth to come away with the win.  A 2-run homer by freshman Britt Stewart capped the inning, giving the Vikings the mercy rule win.

NSU, now 3-22 overall and 0-10 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, now heads south to take on Wayne State in another NSIC doubleheader.  First pitch against the 23-12 (8-1 NSIC) Wildcats is slated for noon.