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HOME OF NORTHWESTERN RED RAIDERS ATHLETICS
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1
Mount Mercy MMU 0-1
2
Winner Northwestern NWC 1-0
Mount Mercy MMU
0-1
1
Final
2
Northwestern NWC
1-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Mount Mercy MMU 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 1
Northwestern NWC 0 0 0 0 2 0 X 2 6 0

W: Koontz, Allison (1-0) L: A. Webb (0-1) S: Schmalbeck, Tatum (1)

1
Northwestern NWC 1-1
2
Winner Mayville State MSU 1-0
Northwestern NWC
1-1
1
Final
2
Mayville State MSU
1-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Northwestern NWC 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Mayville State MSU 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 8 2

W: L. Mathiowet (1-0) L: Koontz, Allison (1-1)

Game Recap: Softball | | NWC Athletic Communications

Raiders Split Season Openers

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa - The Raiders split their season openers in low-scoring fashion as they defeat Mount Mercy 2-1 thanks to an Ava Gross RBI single before falling 2-1 to Mayville State on a walkoff single.

Game 1: NWC 2, MMU 1

Pitching Decisions
Win: Allison Koontz (1-0)
Loss: A. Webb (0-1)
Save: Tatum Schmalbeck (1)

How It Happened
Mount Mercy picked up a hit in the first and fourth innings but couldn't capitalize, stranding runners each time. Northwestern mirrored this, getting hits in the first and third innings yet leaving their runners stuck on base, maintaining the deadlock at zero-zero through four.

The tide turned in the fifth inning. Mount Mercy struck first blood with an RBI single to right field, putting them up one-nothing. The Raiders answered with a Myla Murphy single before she stole second. Ava Gross stepped up and knocked a single, bringing in two runs, aided by an error from the Mustangs' first baseman, allowing Murphy and Berkley Johannsen to score.

Northwestern's defense took the reins in the sixth, with Tatum Schmalbeck returning to the mound and efficiently retiring the side. The seventh inning had its tense moments as Mount Mercy started with a leadoff double, but the Raiders held firm, sealing the victory without giving up any more runs. 

Game Notes:
  • Freshman Ava Gross went 2-3 at the plate with the eventual game-winning RBI single.
  • Myla Murphy was 1-2 with a stolen base and a run scored.
  • Allison Koontz's pitching debut was five innings, five hits, one run, and one strikeout.
  • Tatum Schmalbeck notches her third career save.
Game 2: MSU 2, NWC 1

Pitching Decisions
Win: L. Mathiowet (1-0)
Loss: Allison Koontz (1-1)
Save: None

How It Happened
In the second inning, the Raiders seized an early lead when Ava Gross reached first on an error and advanced to second on the throw. Jenny Luevano then singled to center field, allowing Gross to cross home plate for an unearned run for the 1-0 score. 

In the fourth inning, Mayville State answered back with a solo home run, tying the game. The Raiders' defense stood firm in the fifth, despite a double by the Comets, as they retired the next three batters without conceding a run, keeping the score tied. 

However, in the bottom of the seventh, the Comets broke through with a single before doubling down the left field line, bringing home the decisive run. The game wrapped up with a 2-1 win for Mayville State.

Game Notes:
  • The Raiders struggled offensively with two hits and six strikeouts.
  • Ava Gross nothched her third hit of the day.
  • Audrie Kohl got the start in the circle, pitching three innings and dealing five strikeouts.
  • Rylee Bomgaars picked up her first stolen base.
Next Up: The Raiders will take on York on Saturday, February 7 at 9 AM at the ASB Sports Complex in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut
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