SIOUX CENTER, Iowa - Once again, Northwestern bounces back after a loss with a two big wins. The Raiders take a 15-0 win over Dakota State in five innings before pulling away from Bellevue in the seventh with a 4-2 win.

Game 1: NWC 15, Dakota State 0 (5 Innings)
Win: Allison Koontz (5-1)
Loss: M. Usselman (0-1)
Save: None

How It Happened:
In the first inning, the Raiders took an early lead as Rylee Bomgaars scored after advancing to third on a throw, and Sydney Jacobs crossed the plate on an RBI triple by Allison Koontz. The second inning saw another run added to the Raiders' tally as Jenny Luevano walked and eventually scored on an RBI single by Bomgaars. This extended the lead to 3-0 for Northwestern.

The third inning was pivotal for the Raiders, who scored six runs. Paige Kingery's two-RBI single was followed by an RBI double from Berkley Johannsen. Several unearned runs came in later due to a passed ball and an error, increasing the lead to 9-0 after three innings.

In the fourth inning, the Raiders continued their offensive surge with another six-run rally. Key hits included an RBI double by Kavri Van Kekerix and RBI singles from Ava Gross and Koontz. The Raiders took advantage of the Trojans' defensive missteps to score additional runs, ending the inning at 15-0.

The Raiders' defense remained stout throughout, allowing only two hits over five innings. 

Game Notes:

• All but two Raiders notched a hit, those two were walked in their one at bat.
• Five Raiders batted 1.000 on the day.
• Rylee Bomgaars went 3-3 with two runs and an RBI, plus two stolen bases.
• Allison Koontz scored two runs on two hits with two RBIs and two walks.
• Berkley Johannsen also scored two runs on two hits.
• Koontz pitched a solo-shutout with two strikeouts and only allowing two hits.

Game 2: NWC 4, Bellevue 2
Win: Allison Koontz (6-1)
Loss: C. Bertolini (0-2)
Save: None

How It Happened:
The Bruins initially took the lead in the second inning with a solo home run, bringing the score to 1-0. 

The game remained tight until the sixth inning when Northwestern's Rylee Bomgaars scored on a single by Ava Gross, tying the game at 1-1. Bellevue responded in the bottom of the sixth, regaining the lead with an RBI single.

In the seventh inning, the Raiders' offense came alive. Paige Kingery singled and eventually scored on a single by Cassidy Gors, tying the game again. Berkley Johannsen and Gors both crossed the plate following a two-RBI single by Gross, pushing Northwestern ahead to 4-2. The Raiders' defense held firm in the final frame, as the Bruins were retired in order, sealing the victory.

Game Notes:

• Audrie Kohl pitched well, allowing just a solo homerun over four innings with two strikeouts.
• Ava Gross led the team with two hits and three RBIs, her second straight game with three RBIs.
• Three Raiders stole bases: Rylee Bomgaars, Sydney Jacobs, Ava Gross.
• Allison Koontz picked up three more strikeouts in the circle.

Next Up: The Raiders will face #23 Saint Xavier on Friday, February 20th at 2 p.m. 

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