SIOUX CENTER, Iowa - Northwestern bounced back in a big way after their loss, scoring five unanswered in a 5-0 win over York, before a come-from-behind victory 2-1 over Benedictine.

Game 1: NWC 5, York 0
Win: Allison Koontz (2-1)
Loss: L. Knapp (0-2)
Save: None

How It Happened
Northwestern took control in the first inning, scoring three runs. Myla Murphy started with a single and advanced to second with a stolen base. Rylee Bomgaars followed with a single, and both players advanced on stolen bases. Ava Gross then doubled to center field, driving in Murphy and Bomgaars. Gross later scored on a sacrifice fly by Faith Kacmarynski, for the 3–0 lead by the end of the inning.

In the second inning, Northwestern capitalized on a York error as Jenny Luevano reached base and advanced to third after a sacrifice. Sydney Jacobs then reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Luevano to score an unearned run, extending the lead to 4–0.

The seventh inning saw the Raiders add one final run. Allison Koontz was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on a sacrifice, and scored on a groundout by Tatum Schmalbeck, sealing the scoring at 5–0.

Game Notes

• Myla Murphy hit .500 in the contest with two hits, and scored a run.
• Ava Gross led the team with two RBIs on one hit.
• Allison Koontz rallied with her defense, pitching seven innings with just two hits.
• The Raiders only struck out twice.

Game 2: NWC 2, Benedictine 1
Win: Allison Koontz (3-1)
Loss: B. Selvage (0-1)
Save: Tatum Schmalbeck (2)

How It Happened
A pitching dual early, but in the third inning, Northwestern's Myla Murphy recorded a single and then successfully stole second base. She would end up stranded on base due to Benedictine's stout defense.

Benedictine took the lead in the sixth inning when a single to center field drove in their first run. However, the Raiders responded in their half of the inning as Rylee Bomgaars doubled to left field, and Tatum Schmalbeck followed with a single to right field, bringing Bomgaars home and tying the game. Aly Vortherms, pinch-running for Schmalbeck, scored the go-ahead run on a single by Ava Gross. 

In the seventh inning, Audrie Kohl and Allison Koontz effectively closed out the game from the mound, maintaining the lead and securing a 2-1 victory for the Raiders.

Game Notes

• Tatum Schmalbeck matches her save total from last season in her fourth game.
• Five separate Raiders notched a hit in the contest.
• Audrie Kohl pitched well in five innings allowing three hits and striking out five.
• Ava Gross notched her third RBI of the day.

Next Up: The Raiders will face Bismarck State on Friday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. at the ASB Sports Complex in Sioux Center.

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