Aberdeen, S.D. – On opening day of the 2016-17 season, the Northern State University softball team was defeated by Southwest Minnesota State 6-2, but then came back to defeat Minnesota Crookston 16-0 in the following game. The Wolves are now 1-1 in non-conference play early in the year.

Game One – Southwest Minnesota State

Southwest was first to rally in the contest, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second inning off a bases loaded walk, a double down the left field line and a sacrifice fly ball.

Northern State responded in the top of the next inning by putting their two lead off batters on first and second with back to back bunt singles. Sophomore Jenna Helgeson teed off for a triple down the right field line to cut the Wolves' deficit to just two runs.

The Mustangs tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the third off two hits, and the Wolves were unable to spike a comeback in the final four innings of play.
From the mound, Missy Elkins gave up seven hits for six earned runs and four strikeouts. In relief for the NSU, Rachel Albright held the Mustangs to just one hit in three complete innings pitched.

As a team, Northern State collected seven hits in 28 at bats. Jenna Helgeson led the Wolves from the plate, going 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Katelynn Dilts, Rachel Albright, Kennady Thompson, Lauren Kunz and Ashley Clapp each notched one hit a piece.

Game Two – Minnesota, Crookston
After a slow offensive start in game one, the Wolves jumped to an 8-0 lead in the first inning against the Golden Eagles. Rachel Albright got the momentum going for the Wolves in the inning with a three-run homerun to left field to score Katelynn Dilts and Jamie Fisher.

NSU added to their lead in the bottom of the following inning, nabbing five runs off four singles, a double and two walks. Courtney Sjervan and Anne Jonas blasted homeruns in the third and fourth innings to give the Wolves a 16-0 advantage.

Both teams would go scoreless in the final inning to allow NSU the 16 run victory.

As a unit, Northern State notched 16 hits in the five innings of play. Lauren Kunz and Courtney Sjervan led the Wolves from the plate with three hits each. Sjervan went a perfect 3-3 with four RBIs. Katelynn Dilts, Madison Rutter and Katie Dawson recorded two hits a piece for the Wolves, while senior Rachel Albright followed up with three RBIs.

Sophomore Jamie Fisher earned her first shutout of the season from the mound, holding the Golden Eagles to two hit, while picking up four strikeouts.

The Wolves will continue action from the PC tomorrow, facing Dakota State University at 4 p.m. and Valley City State at 6 p.m.