Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Box Score Game 1
Box Score Game 2

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Putting a program record eight game win streak on the line, the Northern State Wolves softball team worked hard and utilized a walk-off single to earn a split with the nationally ranked Winona State Warriors.

The Wolves improved their record to 21-21 while sitting 10-8 in the loop while the third ranked Warriors have a record of 33-6 while sitting 14-4 in the NSIC.

In the first game, the Warriors used two separate innings to place three runs across the plate enroute to a 6-0 victory over the Wolves.

Freshman Kami Smesmo was charged with the loss after pitching three innings giving up four hits and three runs.

The Wolves were unable to get into an offensive groove as they were held to just three hits by Stacey Struzynski. Brittany Huback, Rachel South and Brooke Norris were the lone Wolves to pick up hits.

The second game of the day was drama filled while the Wolves gave the Warriors just their sixth loss on the season.

Winona State jumped on the scoreboard first using two hits in the first inning to take the early 1-0 lead. Northern State retaliated in the bottom of the second as Kelsey Robling doubled into right field and advanced to third on a passed ball. Robling scored on a single from Whitney Luhring.

Northern State took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning as Ashley Gabler worked a walk and was advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Caitlin Moran. Gabler crossed home plate as Huback singled into right field.

In a drama filled seventh inning, the Warriors tied the game on a single to right field. With runners on second and third and one out, Northern State pitch Kelli Bornander got Ashley Walker to strike out and Kathy Crudo to fly out into left field.

With the game tied at 2-2 Caitlin Moran legged out a single to the shortstop. The NSIC leader in stolen bases promptly swiped second base to get into scoring position for Brooke Norris. Norris, previously 0-3 on the day laced a single up the middle to score the speedy Moran and take the game 2 victory 3-2.

Bornander once again limited damage while giving up ten hits but only allowing two runs while striking out three in the complete game effort. Bornander on a five game win streak has just a 2.0 ERA in that stretch while pitching 35 innings and holding opponents to a .263 average.

Offensively, the Wolves picked up nine hits and were led by Luhring and Eryn Yancy with two hits apiece.

The Wolves will take on Upper Iowa University on Sunday at Moccasin Creek Field in Aberdeen with first pitch slated for 12 p.m. start.