Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University softball team made it a weekend sweep at home today as they defeated Minnesota Crookston with scores of 7-0 and 5-3. The Wolves, who are currently on a four game win streak, improve to 13-25 overall and 6-16 in the Northern Sun. Northern continues to improve their offensive numbers as they currently hold the single season home run record (20) with six games remaining in the regular season. 
 
Game One
 
The Wolves started off hot in the first inning of play, racking up four runs and batting through the line-up. Eryn Yancy, Macey Engel, Ashley Clapp and Courtney Moore each recorded singles in the inning, while Rachel Albright notched a double and two RBI. Northern went scoreless in the next three innings at the plate, leaving the scoreboard set on 4-0 Wolves.
 
Engel connected for a one out single to right in the fifth inning to begin the Northern rally. Lindsey Hubler stepped to the plate and crushed her sixth home run beyond the left field fence. Hubler plated Engel on the play and notched two RBI in the at bat. Rachel Albright added to the Northern attack sending her own long ball over the left field fence to bring the game score to 7-0.
 
Kami Smesmo was a knock out for the Wolves on the mound garnering nine strikeouts in her seven innings pitched. The win marked Smesmo's ninth of the season and third complete game shutout. The Golden Eagles recorded only three hits off the NSU ace.
 
Game Two
 
After a one, two, three inning in the first, Northern was at it again scoring the first run of the game and taking the lead. Lindsey Hubler led off the second with a single to right and later scored of an RBI fielder's choice off the bat of Rachel Albright. The Golden Eagles quickly answered back in the top of the inning with four straight singles and a run.
 
The Wolves took the lead and kept it in the fourth as Rachel Albright, who reached base after being hit by a pitch, crossed home due to an illegal pitch by the UMC starter Schaust. Northern was again forced to rally in the sixth, as the Golden Eagles cut the lead to one.
 
Ashley Clapp led off the sixth with her first career triple, a blast to dead center field. After two quick outs by the eight and nine hitters, Kelsey Gale reached base on a walk and proceeded to steal her second base of the game. Both Clapp and Gale came around to score when Kalie Maiden lined a ball through the three-four hole.
 
Freshmen Missy Elkins started the game for the Wolves and threw 5.2 innings to capture the win. Elkins struck out two UMC batters and gave up one earned run. The victory marks her fourth of the season and second in as many days. Kami Smesmo entered the game to seal the victory for the Wolves, while notching her third career save in the outing. Smesmo recorded four strikeouts in eight batters faced.
 
The Wolves will take a break from the comforts of Mocassin Creek Complex as they travel for a mid-week match-up, April 23^rd, against St. Cloud State. Game times are set for 3 and 5 p.m. between the two squads.