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Northwestern College Athletics

Northwestern College
HOME OF NORTHWESTERN RED RAIDERS ATHLETICS
HONORING CHRIST THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS
Nike
sb-recap-naiasb-250222
4
Winner Northwestern NWC 12-0
1
Central Methodist (MO) CMU 4-1
Winner
Northwestern NWC
12-0
4
Final
1
Central Methodist (MO) CMU
4-1
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Northwestern NWC 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 4 8 1
Central Methodist (MO) CMU 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 2

W: Jacobson, Ellie (6-0) L: H. Cotter (2-1)

4
Baker (KS) BU 2-4
6
Winner Northwestern NWC 13-0
Baker (KS) BU
2-4
4
Final
6
Northwestern NWC
13-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Baker (KS) BU 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 6 3
Northwestern NWC 1 0 1 0 3 1 X 6 5 2

W: Kralik, Kate (4-0) L: K. Baker (1-3)

Game Recap: Softball | | NWC Athletic Communications

Two Key Wins Gained at NAIA Softball Invitational

SHAWNEE, Okla. – Northwestern picked up two wins over top-25 opponents on Saturday, defeating No. 7 Central Methodist (Mo.) and No. 24 Baker (Kan.) at the NAIA SB Invitational.

GAME 1: NWC 4, CMU 1
Pitching Decisions
Win: Ellie Jacobson (6-0)
Loss: Haley Cotter
Save: None

How It Happened
Northwestern picked up a signature win on Saturday afternoon, taking down No. 7 Central Methodist (Mo.) in their first game of the weekend.

The Raiders began the game strong defensively, holding the Eagles to a single run in the first inning. CMU's initial run came from a solo homer to left field, but NWC managed to prevent further scoring despite a couple of base hits allowed.

In the third inning, the Red Raiders tied the game at 1-1 when Gwen Mikkelsen hit a double to left field, driving in Ashtyn Billings who had earlier singled. This offensive momentum was maintained into the fourth inning, where a sacrifice play allowed Tatum Schmalbeck to score, putting the Raiders in the lead at 2-1.

The fifth inning saw NWC extend their lead to 3-1 after an error by the Eagles' third baseman allowed Billings to reach base, and he later scored on a passed ball. Mikkelsen advanced to third on the same pitch but was caught attempting to steal home.

The Raiders concluded their scoring in the seventh inning with Mikkelsen crossing home plate following a series of strategic plays, cementing the final score at 4-1. Ellie Jacobson's pitching was instrumental in shutting down CMU's offense, allowing no runs after the first inning and securing the win for Northwestern.

GAME NOTES:
  • The win marked Northwestern's first top-10 win since they defeated No. 6 Indiana Wesleyan on March 7, 2023.
  • Ellie Jacobson pitched a gem in the circle, throwing a complete game with five strikeouts and one run allowed.
  • Gwen Mikkelsen went 3-for-4 with an RBI double.
  • Charli Bomgaars was 2-for-3 at the plate.
GAME 2: NWC 6, BU 4
Pitching Decisions
Win: Kate Kralik (4-0)
Loss: K. Baker (1-3)
Save: None

How It Happened
Despite falling behind in the top of the first, Northwestern moved back ahead for a 6-4 win over No. 24 Baker (Kan.).

The Red Raiders began the game with consistent offensive efforts, responding to the Wildcats' early score in the first inning. After the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead, the Raiders tied the game when Gwen Mikkelsen crossed home plate following Chloe Gallegos' single to center field, making the score 1-1.

The third inning saw the Raiders pulling ahead as Tatum Schmalbeck scored on a fielder's choice play by Jori Hajek, increasing the lead to 2-1. This was a result of effective base running and strategic bunting, allowing the team to capitalize on their opportunities.

The Raiders' offensive momentum continued in the fifth inning, where they extended their lead significantly. Ashtyn Billings' single to left field brought in Hajek, while subsequent errors by the Wildcats allowed Maddie Kvatek and Billings to score, pushing the lead to 5-1.

In the sixth inning, the Raiders added another run to maintain their lead. A sacrifice fly by Kvatek allowed Gallegos to score, making it 6-2. Despite the Wildcats' attempt to rally in the seventh inning, the Raiders' earlier cushion secured their victory at 6-4.

GAME NOTES:
  • The Raiders drew nine walks on the night, led by three from Tatum Schmalbeck.
  • Ashtyn Billings walked twice, drove in a run, and had a stolen base.
  • Kate Kralik punched out six batters in four innings pitched.
  • Abby Flanagan threw three innings in the start, picking up a strikeout.
  • Northwestern's pitching duo did not surrender a walk.
Up Next: The Raiders have another opportunity for a big win on Monday, traveling to Chickashaw, Oklahoma to face Science & Arts (Okla.). First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut
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