Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University Warriors raced to a 12-3 five-inning win in Game 1 and hung on for a 5-3 win in Game 2, handing the Northern State Wolves a two-game setback on Friday afternoon in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference softball action.

The Wolves slipped to 10-23 overall and 3-10 in NSIC play while the Warriors, ranked sixth in the latest NFCA Top 25 national poll, improved to 29-6 on the season and 13-3 in league action.

WSU used to the big inning and the long ball much to its advantage in Game 1.  Junior Kathy Crudo homered in the bottom of the first to overcome a quick 1-0 Northern State lead.  After two more runs in the second, the Wolves cut the Warrior lead to just two at 5-3 after sophomore Kelsey Robling's second home run in as many games.

The Warriors, however, erupted for seven runs on eight hits in the bottom of the fourth to break the game open.  WSU starter Courtney Strang shut down the Wolves in their last two remaining at bats to keep it a run-rule affair.

Freshman Jordan Florey was tagged with the loss for the Wolves, giving up the first four Warrior runs on three hits and a pair of walks.

The Wolves regained their composure in Game 2, battling back from an early 2-0 deficit using an unearned run in the second and a two-out RBI double from senior Kelley Suggs in the third to tie the game.

WSU, however, led off the bottom of the third with three straight hits and followed with a two-out RBI double of their own to score three runs and regain the lead.

NSU countered with a pair of lead-off singles in the fourth, but fell victim to a line-drive double play.  Freshman Sarah L'Allier plated fellow freshman Lindsey Hubler to salvage one run out of the deal before the Warriors escaped the inning.  WSU freshman Michelle Lund sat the Wolves down in order in the next three innings to pick up her sixth win of the season.

NSU junior Kelli Bornander took the loss for the Wolves.

NSU remains on the road to close out the weekend, facing Upper Iowa in another NSIC doubleheader.  UIU dropped a pair of 11-2 decisions to U-Mary on Friday in Fayette.