Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

AURORA, Ill. (May 1, 2024) - Rallying from a shutout loss to close the season with a victory, the North Central College softball team wrapped up its regular season with a split against Aurora University at Bedrosian Stadium.

The Cardinals (28-10) lost a 3-0 decision to the Spartans in the first contest before bouncing back to prevail, 3-1, in the nightcap.

Aurora (28-9) broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning of the opener, loading the bases with two away before Alyson Haegele plated two runs. The Spartans turned a leadoff double into a third run in the sixth. 

North Central managed just three runners in scoring position. Juliana Maude pitched her 14th complete game of the season, allowing five hits and three walks while striking out six. 

The Cardinals got on the board in the second game with two runs in the third inning. Ronnie Latka led off with a base hit and advanced to second on a two-out walk by Talia Torosian before Hailey Morsovillo singled to right field to drive Latka in. Torosian scored on an error on the same play, giving the guests a 2-0 advantage. 

The score stood until the seventh, when another leadoff single by Latka set the stage for a third North Central run. Latka advanced to second on Rachael Madsen's sacrifice bunt and went to third on Sarah Lynch's single before scoring on Torosian's seventh sacrifice fly of the season. 

Aurora managed its lone run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh before Caroline Dooley closed out her second complete game of the campaign. Dooley improved to 4-0 with the victory, allowing seven hits and one walk. Morsovillo and Latka each went 2 for 3 at the plate.

First-round pairings and start times for the CCIW Tournament will be announced following the end of conference play Sunday.  Click HERE for the full 2024 schedule and live coverage options. 

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