Northern Kentucky University Norse softball secured two victories over IU Indy in a doubleheader on May 1, strengthening their position in second place in the Horizon League standings.
The results are significant as they keep Northern Kentucky on track for a high seed entering the Horizon League Championship. The Norse now hold an overall record of 22-23 and a conference record of 10-7, while IU Indy stands at 7-38 overall and 4-13 in league play.
In the first game, Northern Kentucky won by a score of 4-3. Alicia Flores started for the Norse and pitched over four innings, allowing two runs before Makaree Chapman took over to finish the game. Chapman earned her seventh win of the season after allowing just one run. Mack Brow contributed three hits, including an RBI and a stolen base, while Peyton Mueller-Stenz added two hits with a double.
The second game saw Northern Kentucky come back from an early deficit to win 7-4. After giving up three runs in the first inning, Abigail Byrd was replaced by Kyndall Ford who threw four scoreless innings to earn her second win of the year. Chapman closed out both games for Northern Kentucky. Offensively, Mueller-Stenz again had two hits including a home run and drove in two runs; Jena Rhoads added a two-RBI single; Kenzie Gulley had two hits with a double; Eleanor Megall recorded an RBI-double as well.
Northern Kentucky will conclude its regular season with another matchup against IU Indy on Saturday. The team can secure the number-two seed for the upcoming Horizon League Championship either with another victory or if Detroit Mercy wins one of its games tomorrow.
