Contact: Ashleigh Jones, Sports Information Graduate Assistant
Game one Box Score
Game two Box Score
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (May 4, 2018)- The North Central College softball team won big with a walk-off homer in its 7-4 victory over third-seed Carroll University in game one of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) tournament; but fell short in game two, losing 2-1 against fourth-seed Carthage College, on Friday, May 4.
The Cardinals were fired up for game one of the CCIW tournament, shutting the Pioneers down early in the matchup, allowing them just two hits across three innings.
North Central, on the other hand, found its rhythm early scoring three runs in the bottom of the first, off of four hits.
The Cardinals would extend their lead to four the very next inning after a walked Emily Miller worked her way around the bases and scored off an error by the Pioneer left fielder.
North Centrals 4-0 lead would be cut drastically in the top of the fourth when Carroll finally found its swing resulting in two runs off three hits and an error by the Cardinals, cutting the lead to 4-2.
With the lead cut in half North Central's bats went cold, while the Pioneers seemed to heat up and eventually tie the game at four in the top of the seventh.
The Cardinals would keep their composure and battled their way onto and around the bases. Rachele Belletini gave hope to North Central as the leadoff hitter, finding a gap in center field, giving the Cardinals one on base.
Despite a groundout by Samantha Phelps, Belletini took advantage of the situation and advanced to second. Taylor Clugston would then follow with a single up the middle advancing Belletini to third with just one out in the bottom of the seventh.
Clugston continued to put pressure on Carroll's defense after she successfully stole second base just before the Cardinals recorded its second out.
With two in scoring position to end the game, Alexandra Martin stepped up to bat and brought not just one but three runs in, with a walk-off homer to give the Cardinals a 7-4 victory over Carroll in game one of the CCIW tournament.
In game two North Central's slow start offensively would prove to be detrimental in its matchup against Carthage.
In the bottom of the first, the Lady Reds quickly showed the Cardinals what they were capable of, jumping ahead 2-0, off of two hits and one error.
Despite their previous success at bat against Carroll, the Cardinals struggled to make contact and advance players, recording just seven hits and leaving a total of eight runners on base throughout the game.
After two scoreless innings, Jenna Trojniar would homer to left field to bring North Central within one, in the top of the third.
Down 2-1, the Cardinals and the Lady Reds would go inning for inning, and with time running out, North Centra found itself battling once again in the seventh inning to stay in the game.
Lisa Harrington would leadoff for the Cardinals, recording a single and then advancing to second off a sacrifice bunt by Seffernick. With one out, North Central caught another break when the Lady Red's shortstop overthrew first base allowing both Harrington and Miller to advance to third and second base respectively.
Unfortunately, with two runners in scoring position, the Cardinals would end game two of the tournament unable to capitalize, falling to Carthage 2-1.
The Cardinals (31-9, 12-4 CCIW) continue tournament play in Bloomington, Illinois and face Illinois Wesleyan University at 10 AM, on Saturday, May 5. For live stats and video click HERE.
