Northern Kentucky University Norse softball secured a first round bye and the second seed in the Horizon League Championship after an extra-innings win over IU Indy on May 2.
The game, which concluded the regular season for Northern Kentucky, saw the team come back from a late deficit to win 6-2 in eight innings. This result means Northern Kentucky finishes with a record of 23-23 overall and 11-7 in conference play, while IU Indy ends their season at 7-40 overall and 4-14 in conference.
During the matchup at IU Indy Softball Complex, both teams remained scoreless through four and a half innings before IU Indy broke through with a two-run single in the fifth. The Norse responded by tying the game in the seventh inning, thanks to an RBI groundout followed by Brielle DiMemmo’s clutch RBI single. In extra innings, doubles from Mack Brow and Jena Rhoads contributed to four runs that secured victory for Northern Kentucky.
Makaree Chapman started for Northern Kentucky, allowing two earned runs over six innings. Alicia Flores pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game, allowing just one baserunner while striking out two batters. Flores improved her record to nine wins and six losses this season.
Offensively, Mack Brow led with three hits—including a double—two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Peyton Mueller-Stenz reached base three times with two hits and was hit by pitch once; she also stole a base. Brielle DiMemmo had two hits including an RBI double; Kenzie Gulley added two hits as well; Jena Rhoads drove in three runs with her own double.
Looking ahead, Northern Kentucky will skip the opening day of Horizon League Championships before playing on Thursday, May 7 at 2:30 PM against either RMU or Detroit Mercy.
