Leesburg, Fla. – The Northern State University softball team extends their win streak to eight-straight by collecting another sweep from the NTC Games. The Wolves defeated Salem International University 16-1 in five innings and took down Cedarville University 4-1 to improve to 11-3 overall in the 2017 season.

Game One – Salem International University

Northern State came out swinging in the top of the first inning, as Jenna Helgeson blasted a two-run homerun for the Wolves in the three slot, followed by a two-out three-run homer by Katie Dawson.

Salem International looked to answer in the bottom of the first as they tallied two base runners off two walks. The Tigers loaded the bases off an error and then slide a run across with an infield RBI to close the scoring gap to five runs.

Ahead 6-1, the Wolves did not let up in the following inning. Both Jenna Helgeson and Rachel Albright connected for RBI doubles to extend the NSU lead to 9-1.

At the plate again in the top of the fourth, the Wolves tacked on seven additional runs with a three-run homerun off the bat of Lauren Kunz and a solo shot by freshman Kaitlyn King.

Jamie Fisher and the Northern State defense shut the Tigers down in the bottom of the fifth to seal the 16-1 victory. Fisher allowed just one hit and one earned run with five strikeouts in five innings pitched.

From the plate, the Wolves tallied 15 hits in 30 at bats. Jenna Helgeson went a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, homerun and three RBIs, followed by Rachel Albright, Jamie Fisher and Lauren Kunz with two each.

Game Two- Cedarville University

After shutting Cedarville down in the top of the first, the Wolves would go on to rally in the bottom of the inning. Shayla Steinley reached base on an error, followed by Jenna Helgeson with a drawn walk. With two runners on, Kennady Thompson loaded the bases with an infield single. At the plate next for the Wolves, Katie Dawson launched a grand slam to left field to put Northern up 4-0 after one.

Both teams struggled to string hits together, until the top of the sixth when the Yellow Jackets singled through the left side with two outs. A walk and a single up the middle loaded the bases for Cedarville's Jessica Stegar. The eight batter connected for single to left field to cut the Yellow Jackets' deficit to three runs. Missy Elkins struck out the next batter to leave three runners stranded.

Cedarville threatened again in the top of the seventh inning with two hits, however the NSU defense successful fielded the final two groundballs to seal the sweep.

NSU recorded four team hits from Katelynn Dilts, Kennady Thompson, Courtney Sjerven and Katie Dawson. Dawson recorded all four RBIs for the Wolves.
From the mound, Missy Elkins held Cedarville to no extra base hits, allowing just nine singles with three strikeouts. Elkins improved 4-2 on the year with the win.

Northern State will continue play on March 10^th as they face Georgian Court University and the University of Southern Indiana at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.