Clermont, Fla. – On their final day from the NTC Games, the Northern State University softball team fell to Lewis University 8-0 in five innings, but then bounced back to defeat the University of Pitt Johnstown 3-0. With the split, the Wolves wrap up their spring break trip with a 10-4 record, improving to 13-5 overall on the year.

Game One – Lewis University

After the Wolves were forced out in a 1-2-3 top of the first, Lewis University took advantage, tallying two runs off two singles, a walk and an error.
The Flyers added to their lead in the following two innings, tacking on five runs to make it 7-0 with five base hits.

The Wolves threatened in the top of the fifth, gaining two base runners off a Jamie Fisher single up the middle and Madison Rutter reaching on an error. Lauren Kunz laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the two runners, however the Wolves were unable to capitalize with two outs.

In the bottom of the fifth, Lewis University added an additional run off a walk and a pair of pass balls to seal the win in five innings.

From the plate, NSU was held to just two team hits coming off the bats of Jamie Fisher and Katelynn Dilts. Fisher suffered the loss from the mound, allowing seven hits and three earned runs against the Flyers. The sophomore is now 5-2 overall early in the season.

Game Two- Pitt Johnstown University

The Wolves quickly recovered in game two, notching the first run of the contest in the third inning. Lauren Kunz entered scoring position for NSU with a single up the middle and a stolen base. An RBI single through the right side by Katelynn Dilts scored Kunz to put the Wolves up 1-0. Shayla Steinley and Jenna Helgeson loaded the bases, but Northern was unable to convert and would leave three runners on.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Shayla Steinley blasted a triple to right field, with Jenna Helgeson due up to the plate once again for the Wolves. Helgeson made it a 2-0 game with a shot to center field. After Helgeson placed herself in scoring position with a stolen base, freshman Kennady Thompson approached the plate and drilled an RBI double down the left field line.

With the 3-0 lead, Northern State held Pitt Johnstown scoreless through the final two innings to clinch their last victory of the NTC Games.

Shayla Steinley and Jenna Helgeson each led the Wolves from the plate, going 2-for-3. Dilts, Helgeson and Thompson each recorded RBIs in the contest.

Missy Elkins earned her second shutout from the mound, improving to 5-3 on the year. Elkins allowed six hits, forcing ten groundouts and nine fly outs.

The Wolves will resume action from the Missouri Western Tournament next weekend. First pitch is set for Friday, March 17^th at 12 p.m. against Missouri Western State from St. Joseph, Missouri.