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Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Box Score

Apr. 28, 2011-- Pouring on three runs in the third inning, the North Central College softball squad downed regionally-ranked University of Chicago, 4-0, on Thursday in a non-conference game at Shanower Field.

The Cardinals (19-9) broke open a scoreless game in the bottom of the third inning, plating three runs. A Colleen Drennan double to right center field brought in Vlasta Mangia before scoring on a double by Lauren Schramm in the ensuing at-bat. Brianna Nelson drew a walk with the bases loaded, scoring Laura Whitfield who reached base on a single for the frame's third run.

North Central tacked on an insurance run in the fifth inning as Mary Caron belted in Alyssa Rabulinski who led off the inning with a single through the left side.

Lauren Schramm finished two-for-four while an RBI to lead the offense effort for the Cardinals while Julia Schneider accounted for three of the Maroons (19-10) four hits on the afternoon.

Mangia (7-4) earned the win in the circle for the Cardinals, tossing a complete game shutout and striking out three while Sarah Neuhaus (7-3) suffered the loss, tossing the first 2 1/3 innings, yielding five hits and allowing one earned run.

Game two was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Chicago entered the game ranked fourth within the Great Lakes Region by the NCAA and was the Cardinals' second win over a regionally-ranked opponent. North Central downed second-ranked University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 7-6 in eight innings on March 22 in Tucson, Ariz.

North Central continues its homestand on Friday, hosting Carthage College in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m.