TUSCON, Ariz. - As Northwestern begins to wrap up their spring break stint in Tucson, they battle to two close contests against Providence and Embry-Riddle, losing 8-7 in extra innings and 4-1 in their second contest.

Game 1: NWC 7 - Providence 8
Win: A. Mitchell (1-0)
Loss: Allison Koontz (9-4)
Save: None

How It Happened:
Providence took an early lead in the first inning on a sacrifice fly to lead 1-0 after the first inning. Northwestern responded in the fourth inning with a two-run surge. Cassidy Gors singled, driving in Paige Kingery and pinch runner Berkley Johannsen. The Raiders led 2-1 at the end of the fourth inning.

The fifth inning saw Northwestern extend their lead to 4-1 when Ava Gross doubled, bringing home Myla Murphy and pinch runner Aly Vortherms. However, the Argos answered back with a four-run inning, highlighted by a three-run homer, taking a 5-4 lead. In the seventh inning, the Raiders evened the score at 6-6. Murphy scored on a groundout by Gross, and Allison Koontz scored on a sacrifice fly by Sydney Jacobs. The game moved into extra innings, and in the eighth, two Argos' doubles secured a 7-6 win for Providence.

Game Notes

• Myla Murphy dominated the basepads, stealing three bases.
• The Raiders stole a total of eight bases.
• Four batters registered multiple hits including Rylee Bomgaars, Cassidy Gors, Ava Gross, Allison Koontz, and Murphy.
• Gross added three RBIs and Gors added two.
• Each of Northwestern's three pitchers gave up four hits.

Game 2: NWC 1 - Embry-Riddle 4
Win: C. Streeter (5-2)
Loss: Allison Koontz (9-5)
Save: None

How It Happened:
The action began in the first inning with the Eagles taking an early lead with two RBI singles. The Raiders responded when Rylee Bomgaars scored on a sacrifice fly by Allison Koontz, closing the inning at 2-1 in favor of Embry-Riddle.

The second inning saw the Eagles extend their lead with an RBI double into left field. Northwestern was unable to respond, ending the inning. In the fourth inning, an error followed by and RBI single pushed the Embry-Riddle's lead to 4-1. Despite efforts in the later innings, including a two out, bases loaded scenario in the seventh, the Raiders were unable to close the gap, falling 4-1.

Game Notes

• Tatum Schmalbeck and Ava Gross notched the lone two Raider hits.
• Gross ties a season-high streak of six straight games with a hit.
• Schmalbeck was the only Raider to steal a base.
• Audrie Kohl pitched a clean three innings giving up no hits and just one walk.

Up Next: Northwestern gets a double-header on Saturday, March 7 against familiar opponents Valley City State at 2:30 PM and Dickinson State at 4:30 PM.

---