Live Stats
Clermont, Fla. – The Northern State University softball team picked up their second split in two days from the NTC Spring Games. The Wolves defeated Northwood University 6-2 in their first match of the day, then fell to No. 4 California University of PA 0-4 to wrap up the double-header.  NSU improves to 6-4 overall early in the season.
 
Game One – Northwood University  
 
Northern State trailed early in the match-up versus the Timberwolves, as Northwood University recorded two runs off of one hit, two walks and one error in the bottom of the first.
 
The Wolves did not let their opponents hold the lead for long as they exploded for four runs in the top of the second inning. It started with Brittney Lash who was hit by a pitch, followed by Katie Dawson who singled to center field. With two runners on, Michaela Liebl approached the plate and ripped a single to right center, loading the bases for junior Lauren Kunz. Kunz took advantage of the opportunity by drilling a grand slam to center field, taking the 4-2 lead.
 
Michaela Liebl started the offensive attack once again for the Wolves in the top of the sixth, as she singled up the middle with no outs. Lauren Kunz moved Liebl over with a sacrifice bunt, and senior Kelsey Gale knocked her in off of a single to center field. Kalie Maiden kept the rally going for NSU with a single to the left side. Jamie Fisher hit a grounder to second base to record the final RBI of the inning.
 
In the 6-2 victory, the Wolves recorded 10 hits in 30 at bats. Kelsey Gale led the team going 3-4 with an RBI, while Kalie Maiden and Michaela Liebl nabbed two hits each. Lauren Kunz tallied four of Northern State's six RBI's in the match-up.
 
Missy Elkins recorded her fourth win of the 2016 season, now 2-0 from the NTC Spring Games. Elkins allowed just two hits and five walks in 27 faced batters, holding the Timberwolves to one earned run.
 
 
Game Two – California University of PA
 
The Wolves looked to keep the momentum going in the second game, facing their first nationally ranked team of the season. No. 4 California University of PA tallied one run in the top of the first off of two walks and a two-out single up the middle.
 
Slow to get the bats going, Northern State did not make their first threat until the bottom of the fifth inning, as Katie Dawson came in to pinch hit. Dawson lined a double to left center, however, with two outs the Wolves were not able to hit her around.
 
The Vulcans added three more insurance runs in the top of the third as they targeted the left side, ripping two singles to start the inning. After another single up the middle, Emily Price of the Vulcans, hit a two RBI double to left center. The Wolves escaped the jam, down 0-4.
 
Northern State was held to just three hits in the contest, coming from Kalie Maiden, Katelynn Dilts and Katie Dawson.
 
Defensively, the Wolves held 11 Vulcan runners from scoring. Junior Rachel Albright was handed her first loss, falling to 1-1 on the season. Facing the aggressive California University of PA batters, Albright recorded two strikeouts and six walks, allowing just seven hits in six complete innings pitched.
 
Action will pick up once again at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m when the Wolves take on Ohio Dominican University and Holy Family University.