SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Northwestern traveled to Sioux Falls to play at the Sanford Sports Complex against College of Saint Mary in a GPAC double-header. Braving a hot March Saturday, the Raiders battled in two close contests, taking a comeback win 4-2 in Game 1 before walking off a 3-2 victory in nine innings in Game 2.

Game 1 - NWC 4 - CSM 2
Win: Tatum Schmalbeck (3-0)
Loss: S. Campbell (4-7)
Save: None

How It Happened:
The Flames opened the scoring in the first inning on an RBI double. The Raiders were unable to respond in their half, leaving the score at 1–0 after the first inning. In the second inning, College of Saint Mary hit a solo home run to extend their lead while Northwestern again failed to score.

The Raiders got on the board in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Tatum Schmalbeck. The score stood at 2–1 until the sixth innings when Northwestern's offense erupted. Aly Vortherms, running for Schmalbeck after her single, scored on a double by Paige Kingery. Berkley Johannsen, pinch running for Kingery, then scored on an error. Sydney Jacobs, who reached on the error, scored on a single by Cassidy Gors. This rally put the Raiders ahead 4–2 by the end of the sixth inning.

Northwestern held CSM scoreless in the seventh inning, securing a 4–2 victory. 

Game Notes

• Tatum Schmalbeck got the win in the circle and went 3-for-3 at the plate.
• Schmalbeck entered to pitch two innings and gave up just one hit and struck out three for the win.
• Paige Kingery picked up two hits, both doubles.
• Sydney Jacobs hit a triple, had an RBI, and stole a base.
• The Raiders pitching staff combined for a season-high seven strikeouts.

Game 2 - NWC 3 - CSM 2 (9 Innings)
Win: Tatum Schmalbeck (4-0)
Loss: K. McFadden (0-7)
Save: None

How It Happened:
It wasn't until the sixth inning where College of Saint Mary broke the scoreless tie with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly. The Raiders quickly answered back. Aly Vortherms, pinch-running for Paige Kingery, scored on a double by Allison Koontz, leveling the game at 1–1. 

In the ninth inning, CSM reclaimed the lead with an RBI single, bringing the score to 2–1. Northwestern got their chance to shine in the bottom of the ninth. Ava Gross and Rylee Bomgaars both singled, setting the stage for Tatum Schmalbeck, who hit a double to left center. This brought in both runners, with Bomgaars scoring on an error, securing a 3–2 victory for the Raiders. 

Game Notes:

• Tatum Schmalbeck pitched 11 consecutive innings on the afternoon striking out nine, allowing five hits and two runs.
• Schmalbeck notched two hits and two RBIs, including a double, while stealing a base.
• Rylee Bomgaars stole two bases.
• Paige Kingery had another two hits in this game.
• Ava Gross adds to her streak of games with a hit, with 12.

Up Next: The Raiders travel to Fremont, Nebraska for a Friday afternoon double-header with first pitch at 3 PM.

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