Contact: Tyler Friel, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Box score

RIVER FOREST, Ill. (29 Mar. 2017) – Battling unfavorable weather conditions all afternoon, the North Central College softball team finished half of their scheduled doubleheader, defeating Concordia University Chicago 6-2 on Wednesday afternoon before game two was postponed.

The Cardinals did not waste any time getting their offense going as they took a 2-0 lead in their first at-bats, taking advantage of two Cougar errors and two hits. With one out, Jenna Trojniar paved the way with a single up the middle followed by a walk issued to Anna Seffernick. Brooke Kehoe then loaded the bases, reaching on an error from Concordia's shortstop. Samantha Phelps stepped up to deliver an RBI-single to left field to score Trojniar and an error from the Cougars left fielder allowed Seffernick to come across. The Cougars cut the deficit right away, using a leadoff walk, a passed ball, and a sacrifice bunt to put a runner in scoring position. On a fielder's choice the next batter, Stefanie D'Anna came across to give the hosts a one run shortage.

The Cougars (9-6) then tied the game in the second inning with an RBI-double from D'Anna but that would be as many runs as the Cardinal defense would allow. It would take until the fifth for the Cardinals to break the tie as Seffernick proved once again her ability to produce with an RBI groundout to score Taylor Clugston. Kehoe then doubled down the left field line to score Trojniar to put the Cardinals up 4-2 after five. North Central was not finished as Clugston recorded her second hit of the game with a two-run homer to left field in the sixth, scoring Molly Price in the process and giving the Cardinals the definitive 6-2 victory.

North Central (9-6) was led by the one-two punch of Clugston and Trojniar, going a collective 5-for-8 at the plate while both scoring twice on the day. Clugston recorded two RBI while Kehoe, Seffernick and Phelps each added one.

In the circle, Jennifer Yager battled the elements in a complete game effort, allowing eight hits and two earned runs while striking out one and walking four.

Game two was postponed due to inclement weather with no decision made as to a potential make-up date. The Cardinals return to Naperville for their home opener on April 1. Game times at Shanower Family Field are scheduled for 1 and 3 pm.