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

Game one box score
Game two box score

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Apr. 22, 2017) -  Closing out their final non-conference series of the season, the North Central College softball team split their doubleheader against Mount Mary University, falling in a close 2-1 decision before shutting out game two 6-0 Saturday afternoon.

Anna Seffernick would break the tie in the fifth with an RBI-single to center field, scoring Taylor Clugston in the process. The Blue Angels would tie the game in the sixth, taking advantage of a Cardinal error earlier in the inning. It would take extras to decide game one as Mount Mary was down to their final out with runners on first and third in the bottom of the ninth. A single to left field would win it for the host team, stealing one from the Cardinals.

Clugston, Sarah Esposito and Jenna Amazzalorso all recorded multi-hit games, each going 2-for-4 from the plate. Clugston and Rachele Belletini were the only Cardinals to record extra base hits with a double each. Clugston recorded her ninth stolen base of the season.

Despite the loss, Jennifer Yager allowed just one earned run on eight hits, striking out a season-high seven strikeouts while walking none.

North Central would not give the Blue Angels any hope in game two, outhitting their opponents 10-4 in seven innings. In the first, back-to-back RBI-singles from Esposito and Amazzalorso provided a 2-0 lead and a bases loaded walk to Belletini would extend the lead 3-0. North Central tacked on a run in the second as Brooke Kehoe singled to left to score Jessica Weaver from third.

In the third, the Cardinals would have bases loaded with nobody out to start the inning. Unfortunately, a double play would limit the Cardinal threat but it would allow Esposito to score. Weaver would then double down the left field line to again add to the lead, with six runs tallied on the scoreboard. North Central would rely on their defense the rest of the way, as Weaver continued to dominate the Blue Angels.

Weaver (8-6) would strike out three while allowing four hits and no walks in the complete game win. Esposito would again go 2-for-4 in game two with Weaver finishing 2-for-3.

The Cardinals begin their final week of the regular season on Tuesday, April 25 as they host North Park University at Shanower Family Field at 3 and 5 pm. North Central currently sits fifth in the conference with three College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) series left against North Park, Elmhurst College and Augustana College.