Northern Kentucky University Norse softball lost to Evansville on April 21, with the Purple Aces securing an 8-3 win at Frank Ignatius Grein Field in Highland Heights, Kentucky. The contest remained close until Evansville scored four runs in the fifth inning and limited Northern Kentucky’s offense for the remainder of the game.
The loss brings Northern Kentucky’s record to 16-23 overall and 4-7 in Horizon League play, while Evansville improves to 20-22 overall and 11-10 in Missouri Valley Conference games. The match saw four pitchers take the mound for Northern Kentucky. Alicia Flores started but exited after two innings, striking out three batters and allowing two runs. Abigail Byrd entered as relief in the third inning and was charged with the loss after Evansville took the lead during her time on the mound, dropping her season record to 4-5. Kyndall Ford allowed five runs—only one earned—before Makaree Chapman finished with nearly three scoreless innings.
Offensively, Northern Kentucky struggled at bat, finishing with just four hits from twenty-four at-bats. Jena Rhoads stood out by going two-for-three with a double, a run scored, and a stolen base.
Northern Kentucky will continue its homestand on Wednesday against Morehead State at 4 p.m., aiming to rebound from this defeat.
Fans can follow updates about Northern Kentucky University’s NCAA Division I softball team through @NKUNorseSB on Twitter, @nkusoftball on Instagram, nkunorsesballon Facebook or by subscribing to their YouTube channel.
