KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Big innings worked both in favor and against the Northern State softball team Sunday as the Wolves split a pair of games at the Rebel Spring Games.
Two big innings helped boost the Wolves to a 10-2 decision over Saginaw (Mich.) Valley State in Northern's second game of the day. Earlier, the University of Indianapolis had an eight-run inning in handing the Wolves a 13-5 setback.
Against Saginaw, the Wolves trailed 2-1 before erupting for a five-run fourth inning. Morgan Schultz started the inning off in style with her solo home run. Other key hits included a two-run single from Kelsey Robling and a run-scoring double from Lindsey Hubler. Another run scored on a bases-loaded walk to Kelsey Gale.
The Wolves tacked on four runs in the sixth. Schultz contributed an RBI single during that inning, and runs also scored on an error, bases-loaded walk and a fielder's choice. Schultz and Gale finished with two hits each for NSU, while Debbie Evans pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs on four hits.
In the earlier game, the Wolves trailed 5-1 entering the sixth inning and were able to tie the game with a four-run inning, keyed by Hubler's two-run single. The wheels fell off for the Wolves during the bottom of the inning, as Indianapolis scored eight runs on just four hits. Indianapolis also benefitted from three walks, three passed balls, two wild pitches and one error during the inning.
The Wolves (5-3) will continue play at the Rebel Spring Games today, taking on Saginaw Valley State again as well as Wheeling (W. Va.) Jesuit.
Northern State|000 014-- 5 4 1
Indianapolis|004 018--13 10 2
Kami Smesmo, Stephanie Horkey (6) and Eryn Yancy; Morgan Foley, Jennifer DeMotte (6) and Jenny Thompson, Samantha Krcelich. 2B -- Northern, Kelsey Gale; Indianapolis, Taylor Russell, Alexa Alfaro. HR -- Indianapolis, C. Williamson.
Saginaw Valley State|101 000-- 2 4 3
Northern State|100 504--10 8 2
Jillian Williamson, Chelsea Davis (4), Sarah Appold (5), Sara Vrabel (6) and Ashley Beal; Debbie Evans and Yancy. 2B -- Saginaw Valley State, Amanda Kimes; Northern, Kelsey Gale, Lindsey Hubler. HR -- Northern, Morgan Schultz.